IDAHO LEGISLATURE: RECESS!!
We have recessed until April 6, 2021 due to multiple cases of COVID-19 among legislators and staff. We have the capability to do our work remotely as we spent federal aid money on the technology necessary, but the majority refuses to make rule changes to allow it. I hope that everyone has a speedy and complete recovery and that we do not spread the disease further. Upon our return, we will address remaining bills, budgets and some craziness.
FOSTER CARE
The House unanimously passed HB 336, which allows children who age out of foster care at 18 the option to choose to remain in care until age 21 as long as they are enrolled in some form of continuing educational program. Additionally, HB 336 puts new procedures and timelines in place, such as requiring the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to file a written notice within seven days when a foster child is placed in a residential treatment center due to emotional or behavioral issues. And requires the Department to stay on top and follow up with these cases in a timely manner. It was exciting to finally have a terrific bill that truly focuses on some of our most at-risk youths and offers them the assistance and support they need. Similar bills such as this bill have been passed in 25 other states.
EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT RETURNS???
On Tuesday, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a new version of the budget bill, formerly HB226, authorizing the State Board of Education to spend a $5.98 million federal early childhood learning grant. This was unfortunately derailed earlier with misinformation on how it would be used in our local communities. With some changes in the grant process, it passed on an 18-2 vote. On to the full House chambers now.
"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the 21st century education grants to the State of Idaho this past week. Lincoln County Youth Center, Wendell School District, and the Gooding School District have all received the 5-year grant to support after-school and summer programs.
Come celebrate Friday at an "Open House" at the Lincoln County Youth Center highlighting the fantastic science week sponsored by Amalgamated Sugar. What fun the kids have had for spring break. Open House hours will be from 3:30-6:00 p.m. March 26.
BILL PASSES TO REQUIRE THOSE WHO QUALIFY, GET INSURANCE
The House passed HB 316 in a 66-2 vote to dial back the state’s indigent care and catastrophic health care (CAT) program and change the funding of Idaho public health districts. Under the bill, anyone who is eligible for any form of Medicaid, regular or expansion, or for private health insurance, whether through a spouse's program or via subsidies under the state exchange, and who doesn’t enroll or buy that insurance, ineligible for assistance through the county indigency or state catastrophic care programs. This bill was supported by the Idaho Association of Counties, Public Health Districts and the Idaho Hospital Association was neutral. It is an attempt for the state to find a way to cover the increasing costs of Medicaid, with the passage of Medicaid Expansion, as well as holding individuals responsible for getting health insurance if they qualify. There is an emergency clause in this bill, which would cause it to go into effect as soon as signed into law. Therefore, it is vital that anyone who qualifies for healthcare subsidies on the Idaho State Healthcare exchange, enroll asap while open enrollment is happening. You can enroll and find plans at: www.yourhealthidaho.org.
TAXES, TAXES AND MORE TAX ISSUES
In the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, new legislation was introduced and fast-tracked to the floor to push Idaho’s state income tax filing deadline back from April 15 to May 17, matching the newly announced delay in the federal income tax deadline. Due to the sudden recess, this too will wait.
The House GOP passed HB 332 in a 58-12 party-line vote. The bill slashes income tax rates with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to those at the top of the income spectrum. It also provides a lopsided one-time tax rebate equivalent to 9% of a taxpayer’s state income tax due in 2019, or a floor of $50 per person. Under the bill, a couple bringing in $1 million annually would receive more than $10,000; while a couple making $50,000 would receive only $113. The ongoing tax cut for the household earning $25,000 is only $13 a year. This bill would also threaten Idaho’s COVID-19 relief package. The American Rescue Plan Act will allocate $1.2 billion for Idaho, but will likely be clawed back dollar-for-dollar if the state enacts this tax cut. Read our press release
The Senate narrowly killed SB 1108 in a 17-18 vote on Thursday. The GOP-sponsored legislation sought to cap local governments’ budgets in an effort to lower property taxes for residents. However, opponents of the bill, which included all Senate Democrats, said it provided minimal relief at great expense to cities and counties, forcing cuts to vital services, such as police, paramedics and fire departments. Read Democrats’ release on the bill
SENATE HAPPENINGS
The Senate Education Committee killed HB 293, would have required the state to pay parents who chose to remove their children from public schools due to a lack of in-person learning.
The Senate State Affairs Committee this morning voted unanimously to kill HB 106, which does away with the August school levy election date.
The Senate Education Committee voted to hold HB 221 in committee, killing the bill for the session. The bill would have allowed local school districts to certify as teachers anyone who meets locally set requirements, as long as they include being at least 18, not having an infectious disease, passing a criminal background check, and holding a bachelor’s degree.
HOUSE HAPPENINGS
The House passed HB 291 in a 52-14 vote. The bill would immediately end emergency declarations or health orders in Idaho involving such things as wildfires, floods or pandemics if it prevented businesses from operating. All Democrats were against.
The House passed HB 342 in a 63-4 vote. Under the bill, the current shift of 1% of Idaho’s sales tax proceeds, or a minimum $15 million a year, would rise to 4.5% or at least $67 million a year. Three percent would be used by the Idaho Transportation Department to bond for road or bridge projects; the other 1.5% would go to local highway jurisdictions, including cities or counties, for local transportation projects.
