Posted: 2/29/2008 

Vote: 16 for-19 against

Early Friday afternoon, after almost two hours of debate, the Idaho Senate voted to defeat SB 1436, better known as ISTARS Lite, by a margin of 16-19. Here's how each senator voted:

* Voting against (and in agreement with the IEA's position):Sen.s Andreason (R-Boise), Bastian (R-Eagle), Bilyeu (D-Pocatello), Broadsword (R-Sagle), Burkett (D-Boise), Cameron (R-Rupert), Coiner (R-Twin Falls), Corder (R-Mountain Home), Darrington (R-Declo), Davis (R-Idaho Falls), Gannon (R-Buhl), Kelly (D-Boise), Keough (R-Sandpoint), Langhorst (D-Boise), Sagness (D-Pocatello), Schroeder (R-Moscow), Stegner (R-Lewiston), Stennett (D-Boise), and Werk (D-Boise).

* Voting in favor: Sen.s Bair (R-Blackfoot), Fulcher (R-Meridian), Geddes (R-Soda Springs), Goedde (R-Coeur d'Alene), Hammond (R-Post Falls), Heinrich (R-Cascade), Hill (R-Rexburg), Jorgenson (R-Hayden Lake), Little (R-Emmett), Lodge (R-Huston), McGee (R-Caldwell), McKague (R-Meridian), McKenzie (R-Boise), Pearce (R-New Plymouth), Richardson (R-Idaho Falls), and Siddoway (R-Terreton).

It turned out this way only because of your great effort!

Time and again during Friday's lengthy floor debate the supporters of ISTARS Lite pointed out that "the only group opposing this bill is the Idaho Education Association." And time and again ISTARS Lite opponents asked their colleagues, "So how are your e-mails from teachers running?" The point: The IEA IS Idaho's teachers!

But this effort didn't just begin a few days ago. It started with meetings educators held with legislators in November and December--when ISTARS "Heavy" was before us--and continued right up until today's debate. Throughout these many weeks, IEA members have remained engaged, vocal, and (obviously) persuasive. While not every senator agreed with our position, it is clear the reason SB 1436 failed on Friday was because Idaho's teachers said "No!"

Thank you for your constant and passionate support. You can be proud of what you have accomplished.

Now what?

While today's vote should spell the end of the alternative pay debate during the 2008 legislative session, it is clear the issue will not disappear from the public policy landscape. Next week we expect the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee to set the 2008-2009 public school budget and include a plan for salary increases that will put 3% on the base for teachers and Education Support Professionals and add 2% for administrators. That budget will likely include funding for only a 1% increase in discretionary dollars for local school districts.

Also next week the IEA will deliver a letter to Sup't. Luna and legislative leaders reconfirming the statements we have been making for well over a year now: Our Association continues to be willing to participate in creating an alternative pay plan that will help Idaho's public school educators grow both professionally and financially.

Hopefully, this time around they'll invite all of us to the table.