Higher ed budget passes on first try

The Idaho House of Representatives on Wednesday voted 46-22 to approve the budget for Idaho's higher education institutions.

It includes four-year state colleges and universities, such as the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College.

"This is significant in that it is the first time to pass on the first attempt in three years," said Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur d'Alene, who is on the House Appropriations Committee and served as the House sponsor of the bill.

"It was quite the fight both in (Joint Finance Appropriations Committee) and on the House floor," he said.

In favor: Amador, Rep. Jim Addis

Opposed: Reps. Vito Barbieri, Ron Mendive, Doug Okuniewicz, Tony Wisniewski

To fully pass, the bill will need to get through Senate and be signed by Gov. Brad Little.