Gov. Butch Otter puts legislative focus on school

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says he will use the upcoming legislative session to begin establishing a five-year plan to boost public education spending, fulfilling a promise to restore funding to the state’s K-12 system that took deep cuts during the Great Recession.

Otter spoke about his agenda and budget goals during an annual Associated Press legislative preview gathering. He offered few specifics, however, saying more details would emerge Monday during his State of the State address, which will start the session and help shape a rough outline of what he wants accomplished through 2019.

“The first year will be written in ink,” the Republican governor told reporters at the Capitol on Friday. “The next four will be written in pencil.”