My eighth Legislative Session is officially over.    I look back and realize the depth and breadth of the issues we have dealt with over these past years is indeed impressive.      Garvee funding,   the adjudication of our various watersheds,  the Comprehensive  Aquifer Management Program , salmon,  wolf and sage hen challenges,   Urban Renewal,  the recession and its’ impacts,  social programs, our medical system  and various  education reform  schemes.    I have learned so much about all these and other vital parts of state governance. Thanks for the opportunity to have represented you all and I ...

In the beginning of the week, leadership had a target to end this Friday, but typical in-fighting over competing bills from the House and Senate held up such plans.    We had quite a backlog of legislation as of last Monday and have been spending long days debating and voting on bills and resolutions.    It is pretty nerve wracking if you have  legislation that gets caught in this backlog.     Another danger this time of year is that Committee Chairmen have the power to hold bills and they get stalled.   The only hurdle left for ...

This session appears to be drawing to a close.    The budget is almost set and traditionally we have two weeks left after its set before we close down the legislative session.   Today is also the last day to file for office, so we will be able to see who has taken the challenge to run for elected office after 5:00 p.m.        Redistricting always results in new district conformations, retirements, and legislators moving from the House ...

We are heavy into passing legislation and often have two floor sessions each day.    It keeps a person busy reading legislation, talking to lobbyists , and checking  ( answering ) e-mails from constituents concerning that legislation.   

I was very disappointed when the bipartisan Internet Sales Tax Bill failed on a tie vote in the Revenue and Tax Committee in the House.    All this bill would have done would be join other states who want to treat on an equal basis, internet business and our local businesses that have to charge sales tax.   This ...

I had a chance last week to take in some games at the state girls’ basketball tournament.   We consistently have some really talented teams from our 4 county area.  I would like to congratulate Dietrich for their 1^st place finish, Carey for their 3^rd place and Richfield for winning consolation in their division.   Congratulation also goes out to Wood River for their 3^rd place and Hagerman for their 7^th place finish in their respective ...

This week  is traditionally thought of as the ½ way point in the Legislative Session.    It is the also the last week for our first group of pages.   The page program  is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn how our State Government works.    We have had outstanding students from District 25 communities come to Boise and participate in the page program.    These past six weeks Drew Nelson from Gooding was here to ...

This has been a week filled with establishing the framework of Idaho’s Oil and Gas Commission. On Thursday we had four bills. First we had H. 460, which established a funding source for regulatory functions of the Oil and Gas Commission. It would establish a temporary fee of up to $2,500 for a permit to drill or treat an oil or gas well. This fee will go into the Oil and Gas Conservation Fund to pay for the administration and enforcement expenses of the Commission. Second on the list was H. 462, which gives the Public Utilities Commission ...

Thanks to all who attended the “Pizza and Politics” events.   We appreciate the opportunity to hear about your concerns on Education, Oil and Gas Rules (specifically the Fracking process), the sad state of Mental Health treatment, the Occupy Boise issue, and several local governmental issues.     We ended up with a whole list of things to do and will be contacting you with answers and solutions.

Education: H. 411 sought to introduce specific boundaries within Community College voting districts.   Currently any resident within the district can apply to run for one of the ...

We are looking forward to meeting with District 25 citizens in 6 different communities this week-end.     Senator Stennett, Representative Jaquet and I are looking forward to presenting information about some of the key issues coming up this session, as well as, hearing about concerns you may have.    Thank you in advance for taking time out to attend these events.   

This has been Higher Education Week around the Capitol.    College and University Presidents have ...