IDAHO LEGISLATURE: WE'VE RETURNED!!
It is now April 7th, and the Idaho Legislature has returned to finish our business for this year. We still have a member of the staff that is very ill and hospitalized, though most still are not wearing masks but hopefull have their vaccines. It is now time to address budgets, transportation, property taxes and just some crazy stuff! Please note our return from Betsy Russell at the Idaho Press.
We will resume our regular weekly updates starting next Tuesday so stay tuned. But please note some Idaho news for this week.
STAR CARDS
Beginning October 1, 2021, you will need a Star Card, U.S. Passport, military identification (ID), or some other form of federally accepted ID to board a flight or access a federal building.
If you want an Idaho Star Card, don't wait until the last minute! Get your documents together and go to your local Driver's License office today. You will need to provide documents such as a birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of Idaho residency such as a mortgage statement, or current utility bill to verify:
Your identity
Your Social Security number
Your Idaho residency
The requirements are different than getting a license or ID without a Star. Use the ADD the Star tool to get a personalized list of the documents you will need.
EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT RETURNS???
On Tuesday March 16th, 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. The House will take up this new funding of locally directed early childhood opportunities today. These are great grants for our local entities, including libraries and youth centers, to provide programs for children and parents, ages 0-5 yrs. of age. There is much misinformation about the administration of this grant and we should not punish our families, citizens and communities.
"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26
The Gooding Historical Society just received a grant to help restore the old Thorn Creek schoolhouse. Thank you for keeping our history alive.
A "shout out" to the Blaine County Historical Museum for receiving monies from the Idaho Humanities Council Grant for digital upgrades to help store and keep materials.
Thank you to the Idaho Trust Grant for helping the Thousand Springs State Park restore the old Minnie Miller Barn and keep the care of our treasures in our communites.
VACCINES FOR EVERYONE!!!
Anyone 16 years or older who lives or works in Idaho is eligible for the vaccine as of April 5th. Sign up here to add your name to a COVID-19 vaccine list through the Dept. of Health and Welfare. This site will give all sorts of information concerning the 3 vaccines available in Idaho. You can also enroll and find plans at: www.yourhealthidaho.org.
