Judge orders extension for education initiative

SANDPOINT — Reclaim Idaho’s Invest in Idaho Education initiative is back on following Tuesday’s ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Winmill. The judge ordered a 48-day extension to gather signatures through an online process starting July 9, 2020.

“This is a big win for all Idahoans who can safely exercise their constitutional rights to bring ballot initiatives and let voters decide on important issues,” said Luke Mayville, Reclaim Idaho co-founder. “Today’s decision strikes a good balance between protecting those rights and honoring the initiative process. We look forward to working with the State to get systems in place to make this happen.”

Reclaim Idaho started gathering signatures for its latest initiative late last year but had to shut down operations in March due to the COVD-19 pandemic. At that time, they had gathered around 33,000 signatures.

The organization filed suit earlier this year seeking to extend the time to gather signatures while also providing an online option for those wanting to sign the petition. Judge Winmill ruled last week in favor of Reclaim Idaho, ordering the state either (1) certify the initiative or (2) extend the deadline to gather signatures by 48 days and provide for online signature gathering.

The state of Idaho defied that order and chose neither option. The state further asked that Winmill’s order be stayed, pending an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Winmill denied the stay.

The Invest in Idaho Education initiative would generate up to $200 million per year for Idaho K-12 public schools with no additional property taxes, and no additional taxes anyone making less than $250,000 per year.

“Investing in Idaho’s public schools is more important than ever given the deep cuts being proposed. Idahoans deserve a chance to weigh in on such a vital issue that could affect families and communities all over the state,” Mayville added.