State Committee Approves $1.3 Billion Education Budget

(BOISE, ID)  — A state education committee has cleared a $1.3 billion education budget for fiscal year 2014.  The budget represents a two percent increase in spending from 2013, though when inflation is accounted for, both budgets are virtually identical. Public education accounts for nearly 47 percent of the state’s total spending. First year teachers will have a minimum yearly salary of $31,000, while other funds will be used to pay for college credits earned by high school students. The budget now goes to the full legislature for approval.