Thanks to all who attended our Town Hall Meeting in January. I appreciate your comments and questions. We will be conducting the next meeting early in March. More details to follow soon.
IJOBs
65,000 Idahoans are out of work and a great number are underemployed. As wages continue to decrease across the state, folks are struggling. It is critical that we are purposeful in ensuring that public dollars targeted for job creation meet the needs: fostering innovation, creating meaningful work, empowering growth and bringing about economic prosperity.
On Tuesday, January 26th, the Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus rolled out the Idaho Jobs and Opportunity Blueprint (IJobs2.0), the second and updated iteration of a package rolled out two years ago. Six pieces of legislation comprising the Idaho Jobs and Opportunity Blueprint will be presented:
· Value-Added Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Act
· Idaho Partnership Bank
· Business Relocation and Finder’s Fee Tax Credit
· Idaho Corporate Accountability and Transparency Act
Despite attempts by the Speaker of the House and Republican Party Chair to remove and replace two members of the commission, the third convening of the Redistricting Commission presented a new plan for legislative districts that has been adopted. The new plan reduced the number of county splits presented in earlier plans.
District 19 Boundaries:
Notable changes in the District 19 boundaries: Hidden Springs is now in District 19, Harris Ranch moves to District 18, and District 19. For a comprehensive look at the “new” District 19 boundaries: Click Here.
Occupy Boise Update
Following two days of testimony, primarily from Occupy Boise supporters, the legislation went to the House of Representatives where it passed by a vote of 54-16 in favor of HP404 which would cause the Occupy vigil to vacate the premises. The Senate voted to amend the bill. The bill is now open to amendments from the entire Senate. Expect to see amendments removing the emergency clause (72 hours to vacate) and current language regarding disposition of personal property (allowing belonging to be taken and considered as litter) to top the list.
Security at the Statehouse:
In the last couple of weeks, security at the Capitol has been significantly increased. The doors of the caucus offices have been locked which has necessitated visitors to obtain entrance via security guards. There has been an increase in the number of security personnel on site and backpacks and bags are subject to search. As a result, overall access to legislators has been reduced. I have yet to get a satisfactory answer as to why this new protocol has been put in place.
