Senator Kevin Cook - District 32
This past week ….
We’ve wrapped up the third week of the 2025 legislative session, and there’s a lot to share with you! Here’s what’s been happening at the Capitol:
Sen Kevin Cook
Contact:
- (208) 332-1358 (Session Only)
- kcook@Senate.idaho.gov
Committees:
- Education
- Finance
- Resources & Environment
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Budget Updates in Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC
As a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), we’ve been reviewing key department budgets. This week, we reviewed several departments, including Agriculture, Labor, Finance, Health and Welfare, Insurance, and Education. While no final votes were taken this week, we built on last week’s progress by passing maintenance budgets totaling $12.6 billion.
We’re still waiting to vote on two critical issues: the state’s revenue for FY 2026 and employee compensation. Last week, two competing proposals for employee compensation were introduce:
1. Rep. Rod Furniss’s plan – Proposes a flat $1.55 per hour raise for all state employees.
2. My proposal – Suggests a $1.55 or 4% raise (whichever is greater), distributed based on merit, and aims to help employees keep up with inflation. I believe rewarding employees for their hard work and dedication is the right approach.
I’m optimistic we’ll address these issues soon and will keep you updated as we move forward. Let’s hope for a vote this week!
School Choice Bills
Two school choice bills were introduced this week. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
1. House Bill by Rep. Wendy Horman – Proposes a tax credit for private school and homeschool expenses for families earning under $93,600. Eligible students could receive up to $5,000 each, with a cap of $50 million statewide. However, the bill lacks accountability and JFAC would have no oversight on these funds,
2. Senate Bill by Sen. Dave Lent – Expands the Empowering Parents program (launched in 2022) by adding $20 million to support private school tuition and educational expenses for students in all school —public, private, and homeschool. These funds would be distributed based on income, with clear accountability requirements for private schools including accreditation, special education compliance, and standardized testing.
Full disclosure: I’m not particularly excited about either of these proposals because we already have school choice in Idaho- the ability for parents or guardians to choose the best method of education for their child- I would lean toward supporting Senator Lent's proposal if I had to choose. This bill offers more oversight and transparency, making it the more responsible choice. As a member of JFAC, I’ve learned the importance of knowing exactly where taxpayer money is going and how it’s being spent. Accountability is key and Senator Lent’s bill balances accountability and fairness while ensuring additional funding for special education and reduced reporting requirements for public schools. It’s a step toward leveling the playing field for all students. Children’s Protection
Children’s Protection Device Act
You may remember my bill from last year requiring parental filters on mobile devices for minors. At that time, Google claimed it was "technically impossible." I highlighted their advancements in complex technologies, like driverless cars, to show they are more than capable of finding a solution.
This week, Google representatives agreed it is possible, and they’re now willing to work with me on a solution. If we don’t have a solution by March 1st, I’ll reintroduce the bill without Google’s involvement. Progress is happening!
On Monday, the Capitol was buzzing with teachers from across Idaho, including many passionate educators from the Idaho Falls area. We discussed about raising teacher pay, classroom discipline, and improving respect for the profession.
These incredible teachers shared stories about the challenges they face, including disruptive behaviors from students. Some classrooms deal with young children throwing chairs, desks, even engaging in biting and spitting. I’m committed to working on solutions this summer to bring real change by next session.
We also discussed proposed changes to high school graduation requirements. The Department of Education suggests adding a required Computer Technology class and move Communication from a required class to an elective. As mentioned in my newsletter last week, I believe both classes are equally important for preparing students for the future and should both be required.
Here’s a preview of what’s promised to be a busy and productive time at the Capitol next week!
In the Senate Education Committee, we will be voting on education rules, including a proposal to remove Communication as a required credit for high school graduation. Strong communication skills are critical for our students’ success, and I’ll be advocating to ensure we prioritize this by keeping the class a required credit. For a more in-depth discussion on why I’m committed to this issue, check out last week’s newsletter (1/23).
I have a meeting with the Academy of Family Physicians and Beehive Credit Union to discuss legislation and hear their perspectives on key issues. Their input helps shape better policies for all Idahoans.
I’ll be sitting down with the Department of Finance to discuss upcoming legislation and their exciting event: the IDOF FIL Cybercrime and Digital Innovation Conference on February 21st, 2025, at the Boise Centre. This conference has an impressive lineup of speakers, including representatives from the SEC, FBI, CIA, Congress, and more. I’m honored to have been asked to speak at this prestigious event.
Finally, I’ll be attending meetings focused on workforce housing, with a particular emphasis on solutions for homeless veterans. Ensuring that those who have served our country have a safe and secure place to call home is a cause close to my heart. I’m committed to working on meaningful solutions to make a difference for our veterans.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—whether by text, call, or email—I’m here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to text, call, or email me anytime. Together, we can continue to PUT IDAHO FIRST!
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