Heidi Knittel for Senate Dist. 12 Endorsed by Idaho Education Association (IEA)

Nampa, Idaho — Heidi Knittel, Idaho State Senate Candidate, District 12, has been endorsed by the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and Nampa Education Association (NEA). “It is an honor to be recognized by this esteemed, 120-year strong organization.” Knittel said, referring to the Education Association.

Knittel supports IEA’s vision to deliver on their promise of a great public school for every Idaho student. “Public education is the gateway to opportunity. It is vital to prepare our students to succeed in a competitive and diverse world,” Knittel said, concurring with an IEA Core Values.

Knittel understands that, in order to meet their vision, education professionals must be championed at the Legislative level. As State Senator, Knittel plans to do just that. “I will continue to advocate for educator’s rights, including restored education funding, increased teacher base salary and more opportunities for professional development.”

Heidi Knittel is 42 years old, lives and works in Nampa and has a master’s degree in psychology. She is running for Idaho State Senate District 12. Her decision to run was born out of her experience as a program director at a small, Nampa business, where she speaks on behalf of Idaho’s most vulnerable citizens.

As a mental healthcare professional for more than a decade, Heidi has been a passionate advocate in the citizen legislative process to help her clients have better futures. She has navigated Idaho’s sometimes slow-moving bureaucracies to help Idaho’s vulnerable citizens. She has participated in public meetings impacting clients, sponsored by agencies such as Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare.

Heidi is a member of the Mental Health Providers Association of Idaho (MHPAI) and the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH). She serves on the committee of Idaho KIDS COUNT.

For more information, see: http://www.knittelforsenate.org

Some of the top reported shady businesses in Idaho

EXCERPT:

1) Overstock Clearance – Just before the holiday online shopping crush, this website – http://www.overstockclearancemart.com – appeared offering high-end, high-priced items at extremely low prices. BBB investigation showed the company was shipping from Nampa, Idaho. No such site existed, and a national investigation shut the website down.

2) Zeek Rewards – BBB was flooded with calls from people in eastern Idaho who invested in Zeekler.com and Zeek Rewards. The company operated a penny auction site and affiliates program based in Davidson County, N.C. Investors were promised a share of net profits, but were paid out cash rewards from the payments of new investors. In November, refunds had begun.

3) Idaho Promotes – A local promoter has baited and switched businesses wishing to take part in several events in the Treasure Valley, cost business owners investment, time and lost revenues. Owner Kasey Thompson continues to promote events in the region.

Read the full story: https://snakeriverbbb.wordpress.com/tag/national-investigation/

Nampa district ups the ante in its dealings with the teachers’ union

by Kevin Richert

The school district has asked the Nampa Education Association to ratify that it represents at least one-half of the district’s staff, Interim Superintendent Thomas Michaelson told Idaho Education News this week.

Senate Bill 1149 allows school districts to request ratification, on an annual basis. It’s one of several labor bills that passed the 2013 Legislature — and restored elements of the failed Proposition 1 law. The Idaho School Boards Association proposed SB 1149; the Idaho Education Association opposed it.

It’s unclear whether the Nampa Education Association will be able to meet the 50 percent plus one hurdle. The Idaho Press-Tribune has reported the union represents only 40 percent of district teachers.

Read the full story.