One question that sometimes gets overlooked is how Idaho fares with reductions in state funding. In the 2009 session, legislators cut state funding for public education, though that was offset somewhat by federal stimulus dollars.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 36 states (out of 40 surveyed) have made cuts to funding for K-12 or higher education in the current fiscal year. The report is cited in a memo sent to JFAC from Paul Headlee, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, prior to this morning’s presentation.

“In general, states have taken measures to reduce eduction funding in their foundation formulas, implemented furloughs, reduced funding for textbooks and school supplies, closed satellite campuses, reduced scholarships and financial aid, and allowed increases in tuition and fees,” Headlee wrote in his memo.

Utah, for example, went to a shorter school year, resulting in four or five less days of school. The Utah Legislature reduced its ongoing state funds for K-12 education by 13 percent. But that was backfilled on a one-time basis with stimulus funds and state funds, according to the NCSL.

In Nevada, lawmakers approved a 4 percent pay cut for teachers. But that never was enacted after the state met up against stiff union resistance.