
Idaho Lottery Announces $1 Million Raffle Winners for 2025
Two tickets in the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle each won $1 million, contributing over $1.7 million to Idaho public schools and buildings, with winners announced on December 29, 2025.
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Two tickets in the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle each won $1 million, contributing over $1.7 million to Idaho public schools and buildings, with winners announced on December 29, 2025.

Alaska lawmakers, in a rare move, overrode Governor Dunleavy's vetoes, restoring over $50 million in public school funding and passing legislation on oil tax settlements, marking a significant legislative action since 1987 and reflecting ongoing political disagreements.

The Ohio Senate approved a $60 billion budget including a $600 million grant for the Browns' stadium, a flat income tax, increased public school funding, and a tax cut for the wealthy, with ongoing negotiations and potential vetoes by the governor.

The Biden administration is allocating nearly $900 million in federal grants to 530 school districts to replace aging gas-fueled school buses with electric models, aiming to improve air quality and support manufacturing jobs. This initiative is part of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. However, this comes amid ongoing concerns about child illiteracy in the U.S., with two-thirds of fourth graders unable to read proficiently despite significant public education spending.

The Texas House voted against a school voucher program that would have provided taxpayer dollars for private schooling, dealing a blow to Gov. Greg Abbott's top legislative priority. Pro-voucher advocates plan to continue fighting for vouchers in future legislative sessions and during next year's primary elections. The defeat of the voucher program means public schools won't receive additional funds for teacher pay raises and inflation adjustments. Public school advocates are preparing to push for increased school funding in the next legislative session and support pro-public school candidates in the primaries. Voucher advocates argue that education savings accounts would provide access to alternative forms of education and stabilize tuition for private schools.

All but two members of Bexar County's Texas House delegation voted in favor of an amendment to strip language regarding education savings accounts (ESAs) from a larger public education funding bill, effectively shutting down the creation of a state ESA program. ESAs would have provided taxpayer money for students to pay for private school tuition or other education-related expenses. The amendment's approval sends the bill back to committee, leaving its future uncertain. Governor Greg Abbott, who supports using taxpayer money for private school tuition, has stated that he plans to call lawmakers back for additional special sessions until an ESA program is approved.

The Texas House has released a revised education bill, HB 1, that includes increased funding for public schools and accountability measures for students in a potential voucher program. The bill offers more money to schools, increases the basic allotment per student, and adjusts for inflation. The new version of HB 1 expands eligibility for the voucher program to all Texas students, with priority given to low-income students and those with disabilities. The bill also includes accountability provisions, such as standardized testing and potential removal from the program for students with failing grades. However, private school advocates and the Senate oppose assessments for voucher program participants. The bill also includes a one-time bonus for teachers, increased special education funding, and measures to address teacher shortages.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has utilized a partial veto to increase public school funding for the next 400 years, as part of a two-year budget signed into law. This move aims to address long-term budgeting concerns and provide sustained support for the state's education system.

The Alaska Legislature has passed a budget deal on the first day of the special session, which includes a $174 million boost to public school funding and pays a $1,300 Permanent Fund dividend. The budget also contains $34 million of added money for several local projects for members of the House. The budget bill passed the Senate 15-1 and the House 26-14. It now goes to the governor who can still veto the bill.