Today, Idaho House Republicans approved the State Board of Education budget, cutting tens of millions of dollars from Idaho colleges, community colleges, and workforce training programs.
In response, House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel released the following statement:
“Idaho students and families are paying the price for political choices that put tax giveaways for the wealthy ahead of opportunity for our kids and grandkids. This budget cuts the pipeline that prepares Idaho students for careers, from career-technical programs and community college training to our public universities.
“Idaho State University is laying off more than 40 people, folding its College of Education, and limiting space in high-demand programs like nursing. Boise State is eliminating its College of Innovation and Design and slowing growth in workforce-critical fields. The University of Idaho cannot expand engineering and other high-demand programs, leaving more students stuck on waitlists at a time when Idaho badly needs more skilled workers.
“These cuts close doors for students working toward credentials and good-paying jobs, especially in rural Idaho and for working families who cannot afford to wait or leave the state. They weaken the colleges and workforce programs that train the nurses, engineers, and skilled workers Idaho depends on. They are a foundation of our economy and our future. This budget does long-term damage to both.
“Idaho families deserve leaders who invest in opportunity and build a future our kids can thrive in. Instead, this budget shortchanges the next generation to protect tax breaks for those already at the top.”
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