Idaho Legislators hit the ground running as the 2012 session commenced on January 9th. Governor Butch Otter opened the session with the State of the State address in which he shared his priorities for this year:
· reducing government
· proposed tax cuts of $45 million
· job growth
· replenishing Idaho Rainy Day Funds
· IGEM: Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission – job creation initiative
· possible bonuses for state workers, teachers, university educators and faculty
· Students Come First funding
Of greatest concern for me, is the absence of restoration of funding for education and Medicaid services for our students and most vulnerable populations.
House Minority Leader, Representative John Rusche, delivered the Minority response to the Governor’s address. Idaho Democrats continue to focus on excellence in education and bringing about renewed prosperity through job creation. In addition, House and Senate Democrats joined to announce introduction of legislation to create an Independent Ethics Commission for the State of Idaho. Idaho will become the 42nd state to establish such an entity. This independent commission will serve to restore confidence in public officials and legislators and ensure transparency in government. Since the announcement, bi-partisan support has resulted in the establishment of an eight-person working group charged to collaborate in development of the design, scope and function of the commission. I am pleased to be a member of the group which includes:
· Senator Dean Mortimer
· Senator Dan Schmidt
· Senator Michelle Stennett
· Senator Mitch Toryanski
· Representative Vito Barbieri
· Representative Cliff Bayer
· Representative Phylis King
Highlights from the State Affairs Committee, on which I serve:
Last week, the Idaho Supreme Court overturned the State’s redistricting plan. The redistricting committee will reconvene right away in an effort to develop an acceptable plan. Immediately following the Court’s decision, proposed legislation was presented to the House State Affairs Committee which would push the May primary to August. Representative Tom Loertscher, chairman of the State Affairs Committee is the sponsor of the bill.
Republican leadership introduced a bill designed to immediately remove Occupy Boise from their current encampment on the grounds of the old Ada County Courthouse. The bill prohibits camping on state property, calls for emergency removal, infraction for failure to comply and possible confiscation or “taking” of personal property. Initial testimony was presented on Friday afternoon and will continue on Monday morning.The esthetic may be unpleasant to some, but the message is mighty.
Please join me and my colleagues, Senator Nicole LeFavour and Representative Brian Cronin for
District 19 Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, January 26th
Sun Ray Cafe
1602 North 13th Street
5:30 p.m.
Let’s discuss issues before the Idaho Legislature: bring your questions, comments and concerns. We are eager to hear from you.
