by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports

An Idaho Republican Party platform proposal takes aim at one of Gov. Brad Little’s top policy priorities.

Canyon County delegate Scott Tilmaint submitted an amendment that appears to oppose the Idaho Launch workforce training grant program.

“We strongly support professional technical and continuing education programs that provide career readiness and college preparation,” the Education plank currently reads. The amendment would add, “but do not support using taxpayer funding for programs beyond high school.”

“We support education and professional technical education to develop a well- trained workforce,” the Economy plank currently reads. The amendment would add, “but do not support funding said education, with taxpayer money, beyond high school.”

The Idaho Republican Party platform is a list of priorities for the party, not binding law. However, chairwoman Dorothy Moon told Idaho Reports on Thursday the party has seen more success in recent years getting its policy priorities through the Republican-dominated state legislature.

The proposal comes after two legislative sessions of Launch debates. While the program is already popular with high school seniors and generated more than 12,000 applications, some Republican lawmakers – including House Speaker Mike Moyle – contend that providing workforce training grants isn’t the proper role of government.

Journalists were not allowed into the committee meetings or general session Thursday or Friday.

The platform committee approved the change, according to the Idaho Press. The full convention will consider the amendment Saturday.

Melissa Davlin contributed to this report.

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