Idaho governor talks education funding, property taxes in Priest River

PRIEST RIVER — School funding, taxes and the economy dominated concerns as Idaho Gov. Brad Little brought a host of state officials to the North Idaho city as part of his Capital for a Day program.

The program gives state officials a chance to hear from communities first-hand.

One concern was funding for school districts.

While the state has obligations, Little said, Idaho is a local control state and residents have a responsibility to help fund education in their communities. He told the 150-plus people in attendance that he was sympathetic to their case, noting Idaho has worked to increase funding for teacher salaries and offer property tax relief.

"I'm a spreadsheet guy," Little said. "Show me how it affects all 70 school districts. Show me how it affects all 44 counties. Show me how it affects all 210 cities. Because if it looks free, you're probably taking money from somebody else."

Priest River Mayor Jeff Connolly noted that property costs have risen astronomically in the area, putting homes out of reach of many young families or those getting started. Because of the area's small population, that puts a correspondingly higher burden on residents in terms of taxes. The Priest River mayor asked for state officials to start thinking of solutions to help smaller communities deal with some of those issues.

Little said he sympathized, saying that the region's economy has transitioned from mining, timber and agriculture to recreation and tourism.

"We're the victims of our own success," Little said, "and I guess I'll be blunt, we're the victims of the not-very-good management by Oregon, Washington and California."

Child care is also a concern with many parents unable to hold full-time jobs because of the rising costs. Others expressed concerns about immigration, legislation to ensure inappropriate materials aren't accessed by children in libraries and local option taxes. Several questions concerned charter schools and their role in the state's education landscape.

Others expressed concern about the lack of medical care for women in rural areas, citing recent legislative policies and reimbursement issues. As a result, women in more rural areas have to travel long distances for maternal and medical care. Mental health care also needs to be addressed by the state to ensure all residents have access to help, some said.

"Moms and babies are not a priority in the state," Sandy Brower said, urging the state to promote better reimbursement and for a longer period of time.

Little and state officials said there is an effort by the state, and its colleges and universities, through the LAUNCH program to increase the number of students entering those fields.

Little said the state is working to increase the number of health care professionals in Idaho, which could include funding residences and other incentives to encourage health care professionals to practice in rural areas.

Concerns over failing gates at the Albeni Falls Dams also came up. Little said the state is working with Idaho's congressional delegation, as well as local officials to expedite the issue, noting its importance for the region's economy.

But, at the end of the day, the governor noted, the matter is a federal issue.