“Our Congressional delegation has consistently demonstrated their pro-business, pro-private property rights beliefs in Congress,” said Julie DeLorenzo, of Keller Williams Realty Boise and the 2010 Idaho Association of REALTORS® President, in a statement. “These three individuals are a tremendous asset to the State of Idaho, and the IAR enthusiastically supports their re-election this November.”

The Idaho Association of REALTORS® represents nearly 7000 real estate agents across the state. Job growth and private property rights are two of the key factors that led the Association to endorse Crapo, Simpson and Minnick for re-election, according to their press release.

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But in Idaho, there were relatively few layoffs because all positions were funded with state dollars – just with less money. The bottom line: 900 teachers weren’t laid off in the state, so the federal bill isn’t putting 900 educators back to work.

That makes it hard for school districts or State Superintendent Tom Luna to say what will happen in Idaho. (They’re also waiting for more details.)

Instead, if Idaho gets the money, it will likely to go toward reducing furlough days, putting teachers aides to work, filling positions left open after people left, and yes, hiring back the minority of people who were laid off in the state.

Idaho’s share is estimated at about $51 million, though Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said in an interview that he’s still waiting for details before he’ll know if there are any strings attached.

“I’m pretty confident that it’s going to work out,” Luna said, adding he didn’t think Congress would go through the ordeal of passing it in an unworkable way. “I can’t imagine that now it’s going to be distributed in a way that not every state is going to be able to participate. … We’re kind of in a wait and see mode.”

Members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation broke along party lines, with Republican Rep. Mike Simpson coming out against the bill, and Democrat Rep. Walt Minnick voting in its favor. Both had a different take on the bill’s impact on federal finances.

“The reality is that while Democrats are claiming the bill is paid for with tax increases and future spending cuts, the Congressional Budget Office has said that under Statutory Pay-Go, the bill increases the deficit by $12.6 billion over 10 years. That is simply unacceptable,” Simpson said in a statement. 

Minnick said: “Today’s vote will provide much-needed funding for Idaho without adding a penny to the national debt. In these tough times, it is the responsibility of Congress to seek proactive solutions to the problems facing our states. I’m glad we were able to do that today, and do it in a way that is fiscally responsible.”

For Idaho, it’s share of the $10 billion is estimated at about $50 million. Superintendents and the Idaho State Department of Education are still waiting for more details, but hoping that the money, if approved, will help lessen the impact of state budget cuts. It’s not an entire fix, but it would help, officials say.

“We are pleased with the American Bar Association’s affirmation of our third-year program in Boise,” said President Duane Nellis in a statement. “The University of Idaho College of Law has been a vital part of the Gem State for more than a century, producing leaders who shaped the state’s development. We’re proud that our graduates are deeply rooted in the knowledge of what Idaho needs and continue to step into roles that move our citizenry and state forward.”

The U of I Boise center will have about 27 students.

 “The third year program in Boise will enhance opportunities for our students and will enable our faculty to provide more direct service to state government, the legal profession, the business community and the public,” said College Dean Don Burnett in a statement.

No word yet on whether the students will watch BSU football games.