"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." --Ronald Reagan
The Legislature is constitutionally obligated to balance the state budget annually. We just completed week 8 and the Governor has only received 15 bills and both House and Senate have passed 23 bills, half of usual. By comparison, last year the Legislature finished its work by the third week of March. Instead, the House killed budgets this week, refusing a $6 million federal grant for early education, prohibiting dire health care by defeating the Catastrophic Healthcare Fund supplemental provided for counties, and no money for Idaho’s Attorney General.
Remember Idahoans pay federal taxes that come back to us for grants, programs, and services that will go to other states if Idaho refuses these revenues. Local governments are struggling to handle emergency services, particularly during this pandemic, and defeating catastrophic healthcare assistance hurts our communities. Also, the Idaho Constitution explicitly defines the separation of powers and the Attorney General’s core constitutional duty is protecting the State’s legal interests and may not be diminished by the Legislature.
The Legislature is likely to be in session for longer than usual at a cost of $35,000 a day.
Diminishing the Initiative
Unfortunately, S1110 passed the Senate floor this week and has gone to the House for its consideration. The bill requires 6% of registered voters from all 35 legislative districts, double the current requirements, to sign a petition before a citizen’s initiative can be placed on the ballot. If it becomes law, even though the voters in 34 legislative districts agree to the importance of an initiative, one district can veto the effort.
Idaho already has the most difficult initiative/referendum process of any state that provides this voter right. This hurdle will make it nearly impossible for Idahoans to have their voices heard as provided for in the Idaho Constitution.
Additionally, this week the Senate passed S1150. This bill further restricts the initiative process by requiring all signatures to be gathered in Idaho only. This would take away the initiative rights of those who are Idaho citizens and registered to vote, but are not physically in Idaho such as military service members stationed outside the state, business contractors working outside the state, and students studying abroad. The bill will now move to the House for its consideration.
Improving Transparency for Tenants
Senator Ali Rabe's bill to improve transparency for tenants in Idaho passed the Senate this week. Thirty percent of Idahoans rent and rental vacancy rates are down to just 1% in many areas of the state, including the Treasure Valley.
Currently in state law, landlords can charge fees to tenants without notification--not in the lease or rental agreement, nowhere. S1088aa requires that fees be included in the lease agreement or other written notice and ensures that changes can not be made without a 30 day notice. This transparency measure is an important step for Idaho renters. The bill has now moved to the House for its consideration.
Spousal Rape Loophole Closed
The Senate voted unanimously this week in favor of Senator Melissa Wintrow's bill, S1089a, to remove some exemptions from Idaho's rape laws, making it clear that spousal rape is rape. The bill has been sent to the House for its consideration.
Vaccine Updates
Idaho launched a Covid-19 vaccine pre-registration system on March 5. This system allows Idahoans who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to save their names to a statewide list so that vaccine providers can easily find people who want the vaccine. You must be eligible to get the vaccine, but you can add your name now, and you will be notified when the vaccine is available and you are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Also, the non-profit Crush the Curve now has a chat function, a web form, and a phone line at 208-391-7036 to help people find vaccine appointments.
Vaccinations are currently being administered to Idahoans 65 and older and a variety of frontline workers. Please note that Idaho is now restricting vaccine availability to those who live or work in Idaho.
The Federal Food and Drug Administration approved a third vaccine under an emergency use authorization, late last week. This is a one-dose vaccine developed by Johnson and Johnson. It is being shipped now and should increase available doses in Idaho this month.
Currently, Idaho has 121,561 people who have received the first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna's vaccines and 136,027 people who have received the second dose and are fully vaccinated. In Idaho, we have administered 79% of the doses provided to the state.
Sign Up for Health Insurance
Your Health Idaho has announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) from March 1 through March 31, 2021. During this time, any uninsured Idahoan who meets exchange eligibility will be able to sign up for comprehensive health insurance coverage that begins April 1, 2021.
To enroll, visit Your Health Idaho or call 1-855-944-3246 with questions.
