March 2, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

MEDICAID UPDATE

All Medicaid funding has been restored and kept whole for this fiscal year, but there is still no long-term funding mechanism for Medicaid Expansion, which is a concern and is needed. Unfortunately, last week the House voted down HB 209, which aimed to create a Medicaid Stabilization Fund. Each year, and especially this past year, with the increase in Federal funds due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Medicaid reverts unspent money from their budget back to the General Fund. This year there is an expected surplus of $65 Million in state funds that were previously budgeted for Medicaid. Because of the increased federal funding, those funds will revert back to the general fund for use anywhere. HB209 would have specified that those funds, which were apportioned for Medicaid but not spent in the present year be put into a special account specifically for Medicaid's use in future years. With the increased cost of Medicaid Expansion and general Medicaid, this stabilization account would have been a great first step to long-term funding for any increases in Medicaid expenses and confirm that money budgeted for Medicaid will be used for Medicaid.

DRIVING AUTHORIZATION CARD INTRODUCED

An Idaho Republican’s bill that would issue driving privileges to all Idahoans, regardless of immigration status, or any Idahoan who doesn’t want the federal Star Card — is back at the Legislature and being introduced this session. “These limited requirements will help more people get the legal ability to drive, providing the potential to reduce burdens on the criminal justice system and reduce costs of judicial and law enforcement administration,” Sen. Jim Guthrie’s office said in a press release; Guthrie is sponsoring SB1132.

Fourteen states have already done this. Utah and New Mexico saw drops in state rates of uninsured drivers, traffic fatalities and alcohol-related crashes after the implementation of similar programs, according to a Colorado fiscal study cited by the bill’s proponents.

PEOPLE NEED TO BE THE FOCUS

Democratic leadership held a virtual news conference Wednesday and discussed the need to “put people over power plays,” emphasizing the urgency to move away from bills that grab more power for the legislature and instead use the remaining time in the session to address education, property taxes and infrastructure. Read more about it here.

TAX CUT CONSEQUENCES

The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy estimates that, if H199 passes, Idaho households with incomes up to $66,000 a year would see an average decrease in their tax liability in the range of $30-$92, depending on their exact circumstances. The top 1% – those with incomes of $482,000 and above – would see a $4,573 tax cut, on average. The impact on state tax revenues would be anywhere from $240 million to $270 million. You can read their full report here.

WRONGFUL CONVICTION ACT PASSES BOTH CHAMBERS

The House passed the Wrongful Conviction Act, Senate Bill 1027, to provide compensation to people who are wrongfully convicted and imprisoned in Idaho. A similar version was passed last year and then later vetoed by Gov. Brad Little. Governor Little has scheduled a signing of SB1027 for this Friday, March 5th. All Democrats voted in favor.

HEMP

The House Agricultural Affairs Committee chose to delay a vote on House Bill 126, an industrial hemp legalization bill, until committee members can collect more information. It was delayed until Tuesday, March 2nd as members were concerned with the Idaho State Police’s concerns as in the past. It since has been communicated the ISP are neutral at this time. The goal of the legislation is to give Idaho farmers the opportunity to grow the crop. Industrial hemp is legal in 49 states and at the federal level.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House Health and Welfare Committee voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 1060, which was endorsed by all seven of Idaho’s public health districts. It would require county commissioners to pass a resolution within seven days to either accept or reject any county-wide health order for their county before it can take effect in that county.

Federal COVID-19 relief funds, which provide $24 million in assistance to childcare providers in Idaho amid the pandemic, passed on a 40-30 vote.

The House voted 35-33 in favor of Gov. Brad Little’s proposed $3 million one-time boost to Idaho state park facilities as part of his “Building Idaho’s Future” initiative in House Bill 204.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

The Senate voted unanimously, 34-0, to pass House Bill 176, authorizing the spending of $175 million in rental assistance, which Idaho was awarded by the COVID-19 relief bill signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 27.

The Senate killed Senate Bill 1109, with Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin casting a vote due to a tie. The bill would’ve created the Idaho Promise mentorship program, which was designed to support high school graduates seeking an apprenticeship, professional certificate or associate degree. The goal was to address the so-called “summer melt,” which causes some 4,000 high school graduates to abandon their educational plans each year.

UPDATE FROM NED BURNS - OUR SUBSTITUTE EARLIER THIS SESSION

We both want to thank Ned Burns for subbing for each of us earlier this session when we each had issues that caused us to miss a few days at the Legislature. We asked Ned to write up a little about his experience substituting at the Legislature. Here are his reflections:

This was the second year in a row that I have been asked to serve the constituents of District 26 and while it was quite intimidating last year, this year I approached it with quite a bit more understanding of the process

After being sworn in by the Speaker, which is a heavy moment, because you’re swearing to uphold the Constitutions of both the United States and Idaho, you receive a nametag and a security card that gets you into almost every door in the Capitol and you are officially a lawmaker. You sit on committee hearings, can ask questions, make motions, and debate for and against any item that passes across the committee desks. Since things are a little different this year due to the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many more Zoom meetings and phone calls, as opposed to luncheons and cocktail hours so that constituent groups can get time to explain their positions on particular issues.

When the voting happens, there is often vigorous debate for and against bills. Representatives try to sway their colleagues for a yes or a no on the bill. You hear impassioned speeches, which truly drives home that this is the foundation of our democracy. Garner enough support, and you just helped make a law, or on the flipside, if you debate well enough you can also kill a bad piece of legislation.

I have had a remarkable time serving in the legislature for our Reps, and it has definitely made me consider a run of my own when the timing is right. In the meantime, I will continue to serve as a substitute when asked.

February 27, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"We're not going to have the America that we want until we elect leaders who are going to tell the truth--not most days, but every day." --Ann Richards

Wages, Property Taxes, and Cost of Living

Idaho’s cost of living is not low, wages are. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in the last 5 years, housing costs have gone up 73% while wages have only gone up 14%, averaging $17 per hour and a mean yearly income of $35,000. Idaho has the lowest wages among all of our surrounding states and the highest amount of minimum wage earners per capita in the nation. In the last 10 years, Ada County housing prices have gone up 300% and up 149% in Idaho.

Compounding the low wage situation in Idaho has been unemployment during the pandemic. In 2020, the Idaho Department of Labor paid more than $1 billion in unemployment benefits. Ninety-two percent of Idahoans' lost jobs and reduction in hours in 2020 were due to the pandemic and accompanying economic recession. Unemployment is still markedly higher than it was this time last year with three times the number of claims filed the week of February 6, 2021 as filed the same week in 2020. Comparing the rate of unemployment in Idaho pre and mid-pandemic, December 2019 was at 2.9% and December 2020 was at 4.5%.

This is unsustainable for many Idahoans who are struggling to stay in their homes and earn a living wage. Several times we have introduced property tax relief bills that would increase homeowners exemptions and circuit breakers that would help our seniors and those on fixed incomes, but these have gone nowhere. Our tax burden shifted more on residential properties and less on commercial properties in a time of extraordinary population growth. This situation exacerbates infrastructure needs, the ability for local governments to provide community services, and adds pressure on schools to pass operational supplemental levies.

Idaho is sitting on over a billion dollars of revenue that constitutionally should benefit the health and welfare of Idahoans, like property tax relief, tackling the crucial lack of transportation maintenance, broadband infrastructure, and crumbling education budgets. Instead, according to the Idaho Legislative Service Office, Division of Budget & Policy Analysis, a tax relief bill in the Idaho House (H199) would not benefit low income families and give approximately $4,500 to high wage earners. The legislature has an obligation to better serve the people.

Hispanic Profile Data Book

The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs has issued its updated Hispanic Profile Data Book, which is 181 pages packed with demographic information presented in informative text, charts, and graphs. This kind of data is very important to making good policy for the State of Idaho.

Statewide Hispanics make up:

• 13% of Idaho's population

• 18% of k-12 public school students

• 3% of Idaho public school personnel

• 12.5% of the the labor force

• 26% of those without health insurance

• 7% of registered voters

Over 70% of Idaho's Hispanic residents were born in the United States and 81% are U.S. Citizens.

Hispanics in Idaho have disproportionately contracted Covid-19, with 22% of cases with known ethnicity as of December 14, 2020, although they account for 11% of deaths. This higher rate is driven by the types of jobs Hispanics hold; health status; age; and larger multi-generational households.

February 23, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

REDISTRICTING AND THE CENSUS

Every ten years, the federal government is obligated by the US Constitution to conduct a census and has since 1790. 2020 was no different. The census date is used to adjust the boundary lines for federal and state legislative districts plus information about our demographics for better policies and receive important resources.

Idaho has had significant population growth since the last census and that growth has not been evenly distributed across the State so we anticipate many district boundary lines will shift by quite a bit. The new data will be very late this year (Sept. 30, 2021) creating a time crunch for Idaho to get our redistricting done in time for our next elections.

Under Idaho law, our redistricting is done by an independent commission. Once the commission is formed, there will be opportunities for public input, including public meetings. That information will be posted on the Legislature's website. Stay tuned…

IDAHO WORKING FAMILIES AGENDA

The House Minority Caucus unveiled on Tuesday its “Idaho Working Families Agenda,” a comprehensive plan to deliver tax benefits to working families and boost critical education investments to help Idaho children learn basic skills, including reading. The plan is both fiscally responsible and sustainable, leveraging the Idaho Tax Relief Fund. It achieves two goals of growing a thriving middle class by boosting working families as well as providing much-needed funds for our schools and kids.

TAXES, TAXES AND MORE TAXES OR LACK OF DOING ANYTHING TO HELP IDAHOANS

This week there were a multitude of tax bills introduced but does any of it really help???

• On Tuesday, House GOP leadership and Rep. Harris introduced a tax plan — House Bill 199. The GOP plan was a sweeping tax-cut bill which lowered tax rates and cut the grocery tax credit. It would not remove the sales tax on groceries. Through analysis, families making less that $74,000 would pay more in taxes.

• The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee voted 6-3 in favor of Senate Bill 1108, which seeks to limit local government budgets in an effort to stem property taxes. The passage came after lengthy testimony opposing the legislation from across the state. Sen. Rabe, D-Boise commented “I do not think that this will provide property tax relief that we want to see... I think we need to do it in a way that is a little bit more collaborative with local elected officials.” All Democrats voted against.

• In the House Revenue and Taxation Committee on Friday, House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, introduced a bill, House Bill 218, to completely eliminate the property tax that businesses pay on their equipment over 10 years. It proposed to replace the revenue lost to local governments with General Fund dollars, but at a fixed level that will not adjust to the future cost of providing services and shift the cost to other property taxpayers.

BALLOT RESTRICTIONS

The Senate State Affairs voted 6-3 on Friday in favor of Senate Bill 1110, which will move to the full Senate now. The legislation raises the requirements for a citizen-led ballot initiative, like Medicaid Expansion, to qualify for a statewide vote from 6% of general election voters in 18 legislative districts to 6% of eligible voters in 35 legislative districts. Over two days of hearings, 44 people testified on the bill, nine for, 34 against, and one both for and against. All Democrats voted against. This would effectively give one district the veto power over the other 34.

FINANCES MOVING FORWARD

The House voted 59-8 in favor of distributing the first piece of the nearly $900 million in federal COVID-19 aid funding, House Bill 176, which authorized in December. It provides $175 million for rental and utility assistance to Idahoans impacted by the pandemic. All Democrats voted in favor.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House voted 45-24 in favor of House Bill 106. It eliminates the August election date and was passed despite objections of school districts around the state, which hold their tax levy and recall elections then, after setting their annual budgets over the summer. All Democrats were opposed.

The House voted 49-20 in favor of House Bill 135, which restricts the governor’s emergency powers, including declaring all jobs “essential,” limiting emergency orders issued by the governor to 60 days unless they’re extended by the Legislature, prohibiting the governor from suspending any laws during an emergency, and more. The bill moves to the Senate State Affairs Committee. All Democrats were opposed.

The House passed House Bill 123 in a 57-11 vote. It is a supplemental appropriation to allow the state Commission on Aging to spend $862,400 granted to Idaho under the COVID-19 aid bill, which President Donald Trump signed Dec. 27 to deliver meals to seniors at home in place of the congregate meals it would have offered but for COVID-19. All Democrats were in favor.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

The Senate State Affairs Committee also forwarded Senate Bill 1132 to the Senate Transportation Committee. The legislation will allow people in the state, regardless of their immigration status, to attain a Driver’s Authorization Card, which is similar to a standard driver’s license and requires the same standards.

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 6-3 in favor of House Joint Resolution 1, a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the Idaho Legislature to call itself into special session whenever 60% of the members of each house want to. Currently, the Idaho Constitution permits only the governor to call special sessions of the Legislature; otherwise the Legislature meets each year starting in January, and its regular session usually runs through March, but has no limit on its length. HJR 1 moves to the full Senate, where it would need two-thirds support to pass, as well as majority approval from voters at the November 2022 general election. All Democrats voted against.

February 20, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility." --Peter Drucker

Initiatives

Idaho’s Initiative/Referendum process is being restricted again in SB1110 requiring 6% of registered voter signatures from all 35 legislative districts in order to go to the ballot. Idaho already has the most restrictive initiative process in the nation for participating states and this doubles the number of counties which doubles the signature gathering. If 34 districts gather enough signatures, but one doesn’t, this bill gives veto power to the one district and no voice to the rest. Medicaid Expansion gathered only qualified 21 districts, not 35, yet notably, 8 of the districts that did not qualify the petition voted in favor of it in the election for a total of 61%.

The argument that rural districts are under-represented is simply false. The Governor is from Emmett, the Secretary of State is from Midvale, the Superintendent of Public Instruction is from Mountain Home. Most of the leadership in the House and Senate, committee Chairs, and legislative bodies are all rural. Remember, roughly 65% of the state is public lands. Land mass does not equal number of registered voters. Our Constitution says that all political power is inherent in the people and they have the power to initiate laws. SB 1110 would restrict that right significantly. If the Legislature wants to change our Constitution, they should be willing to propose a constitutional amendment and submit it to the voters. The bill will be debated on the Senate floor next week.

Session Bills

Much of the focus of this legislative session has been on who holds power. The legislature is currently considering three bills related to expanding and limiting the legislature's power over its own sessions.

S1068, which passed the Senate, provides an end date for the regular legislative session with some exceptions. This bill would provide some constraint on the legislature's ability to stay in session indefinitely and is intended to prevent us from becoming a full-time legislature.

HJR1 passed the House. It is a proposed Amendment to the Constitution that would allow the Legislature to call itself back into session. Currently, in Idaho, only the Governor can call the Legislature into a special session. Because it is an Amendment to the Constitution, HJR1 must pass both houses of the legislature by a 2/3 vote and then would be put to the citizens of Idaho for their vote on the next general election ballot.

S1112 will come to the Senate floor for consideration soon. It sets out a process for the legislature to call itself into session, which would be necessary if HJR1 becomes part of Idaho's Constitution. The process outlined in this bill would involve a petition to the Speaker of the House and the Pro Tem of the Senate with a specific subject and 60 percent of the members of both the House and the Senate signing before the legislature would call itself into a special session.

Public Health Districts

Public Health District Boards are composed of County Commissioners and Commissioner appointees who are healthcare providers, other elected officials, and those who have no medical expertise and who are not elected. To follow up on SB 1060, which requires county wide or district wide orders of a Public Health District to be approved or denied by the County Commissioners, some caution that Commissioners could be in charge of important medical decisions that impact large populations, like a pandemic, making it more politics than healthcare. It passed the Senate and is in the House.

February 16, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

IDAHO RECEIVES $6 MILLION EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT

Idaho was notified in early January that we were receiving $6 million over a three-year period to build partnerships between educators, and community business partners for early learning opportunities. This grant will help Idaho work towards “building a mixed-delivery system for parents with young children,” according to a joint release in January from the State Board of Education and the Association for the Education of Young Children. The goal is to connect early childhood programs throughout our local communities in partnerships to improve school readiness throughout our local communities. We are so thankful for our partners throughout Idaho who are working collaboratively on this project.

CITIZEN INITIATIVES

On Friday, the Senate State Affairs Committee printed SB1110, which would require signatures of at least 6% of qualified electors in EACH of the 35 Idaho legislative districts for citizen driven ballot initiative or referendum petitions. Current law requires 6% of qualified electors statewide, as of the last general election, but within that, 6% must come from 18 of the 35 legislative districts. SB1110 will ultimately eliminate the ability of citizens to bring forth legislation. It also includes an emergency clause making it go into effect immediately if passed.

BALLOT TRANSPORT

On Thursday, the House moved HB88, the anti-“ballot harvesting bill,” back to the amending order after numerous representatives from both sides spoke out against it. The bill would make it a felony to “collect or convey” other people’s signed ballots. This means a family member going to the post office could only mail theirs and one other family member’s ballot. Many families know that the reality is when going to town you are efficient and send all the mail. Unfortunately, families greater than two who drop off all family member’s ballots would be guilty of a felony if this passed. Additionally, anyone attempting to assist homebound individuals or those who are in assisted living facilities by dropping off their ballots would be guilty of a felony as well.

LOSS OF LOCAL CONTROL

On Tuesday the house received an Idaho Attorney General's opinion on HB90, the “monument protection” bill, which passed the House and now is pending in the Senate State Affairs committee. The opinion found, “This bill's procedure for approving and denying the mandated requests, legislative concurrent resolutions, likely has no legal effect and is therefore unenforceable.” In addition, the attorney general’s office wrote, “Further, given the lack of definition of certain terms, HB 90 may implicate First Amendment concerns.” The bill requires legislative permission, through a concurrent resolution, any time any local government wants to change the name of a street, school or park that currently has a historical name. In addition to having to find a place to put the replaced item in public.

MEDICAL CANNABIS

In the House, a bipartisan bill, HB108, to legalize medical cannabis was introduced last week. The legislation was written by Ret. Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Kitzhaber, who is terminally ill with Stage 4 cancer (hear his story here). Idaho is the only Veteran's Administration Hospital in the nation not allowed to use some form of medical cannabis. This is a very limited scope bill, that would only allow specific diagnoses which are listed in the legislation to be able to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis.

Additionally, it penalizes anyone caught giving away or selling their medical cannabis. It aims to help those who would greatly benefit from medical cannabis, while not opening the door to full legalization, which many in the legislature and the state are opposed to. House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Wood is willing to hear the bill if enough Republicans on the committee are in support AND if Chairman Martin, of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee agrees to hear the bill. So, if you are in support of Idaho legalizing medical cannabis for those who would benefit from it, please consider emailing both the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees.

You can send emails to the committee secretaries and ask them to share with the committee members. Those emails are:

• House Health and Welfare Committee: hhel@house.idaho.gov

• Senate Health and Welfare Committee: shel@senate.idaho.gov

SJR101, the proposed Constitutional Amendment to ban all forms of drugs in Idaho is still being held in the House State Affairs Committee, after passing out of the Senate. If you are opposed to this prospective bill, please email the House State Affairs Committee at: hstaf@house.idaho.gov

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Idaho now has a public dashboard dedicated to providing transparent information about our vaccine roll-out. As of last week, South Central Public Health District has the best percentage of vaccines administered out of those distributed. Unfortunately, only 70 percent of vaccines in hand have been administered; the rest is unused, sitting with providers.

Idaho continues to vaccinate those 65 and over, along with healthcare and essential workers.

For information about when and where you can be vaccinated, please visit the South Central Public Health District's Covid-19 vaccine information webpage. Additionally, Vaccinate the 208 has information in Spanish.

Unfortunately, scammers are trying to take advantage of the vaccine situation. Please be aware that private individuals do not have the vaccine for sale.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House Agriculture Committee voted unanimously this week to introduce new legislation, HB126, brought forth by the Idaho Farm Bureau, to legalize industrial hemp in Idaho, for production, processing, transportation, and research.

The House rejected HB53 to end the requirement that government agencies in Idaho publish official notices in the newspaper. The bill would have allowed all government agencies in Idaho to just post the notices on their own websites instead.

The House also voted 55-15 in favor of HCR5, a resolution aimed at declaring “null, void and of no force and effect” the governor’s 50-person guideline for public or private gatherings statewide due to the ongoing pandemic.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

JFAC members also voted 16-2 on Friday to authorize spending $24 million of the $58 million COVID-19 grant the state received for child care.

The Senate passed SB1017 in a 30-3 vote to update Idaho’s list of scheduled drugs to mirror the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substance scheduling and de-scheduling decisions in 2020. One of the changes included removing Epidiolex — non-psychoactive pharmaceutical drug developed by a British firm that is a pure form of CBD oil — from the current listing as a Schedule V drug in Idaho.

The Senate voted unanimously, 34-0, in favor of SB1041, legislation proposed by Idaho petroleum marketers and convenience stores to change Idaho’s price gouging law. This was done after a $1.5 million settlement that the state Attorney General’s office reached with three of Idaho’s largest fuel retailers in Idaho over prices charged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 13, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"The measure of a man is what he does with power." --Plato

We are halfway through this legislative session and have only passed one law. It proves that the legislative branch is not nimble and would not efficiently handle an emergency with a quick response.

Change to Public Health District Authority

S1060 would allow review by County Commissioners of Public Health District orders applicable to the general public. This would apply to orders on mask, limits on gatherings and other similar orders that we have seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. This review would happen within seven days. The bill does not change the Public Health Districts' authority over many issues such as food safety and septic inspections. The bill would also make violations of this kind of order an infraction--a lower level of offense than the currently provided-for misdemeanor.

This is intended to shift responsibility for generally applicable orders from appointed Public Health Board Members to elected County Commissioners and to reduce the punishment for violations of these orders. All seven Public Health Districts support this bill. It passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee after a robust presentation and it will be considered on the Senate floor next week.

Restricting the Initiative

Senator Vick brought S1110 to the Senate State Affairs Committee to require signatures from all 35 districts in Idaho before a measure can be put on the ballot. Of the states that allow for ballot measures, Idaho already has among the most onerous requirements. Last session when we considered multiple bills that would have made it more difficult for the people to have their voice heard through the initiative process, experts in this field testified that further restrictions would likely be found unconstitutional. This bill will likely be heard in committee next week.

Redistricting and the Census

Every ten years, the federal government is obligated by the US Constitution to conduct a census and 2020 was a census year. The States use the census data to adjust the boundary lines for federal and state legislative districts. This data is also very important to knowing more about our demographics so we can make good public policy and receive important resources.

Idaho has had significant population growth since the last census and that growth has not been evenly distributed across the State so we anticipate many district boundary lines will shift by quite a bit. Unfortunately, the census has had substantial difficulties and we will be getting the census data very late, creating a time crunch for Idaho to get our redistricting done in time for our next elections.

Under Idaho law, our redistricting is done by an independent commission. Once the commission is formed, there will be opportunities for public input, including public meetings. That information will be posted on the Legislature's website.

Covid-19 Vaccine Update

Idaho now has a public dashboard dedicated to providing transparent information about our vaccine roll-out. As of yesterday, South Central Public Health District has the best percentage of vaccines administered out of those distributed. Unfortunately, only 70 percent of vaccines in hand have been administered; the rest is unused, sitting with providers.

Idaho continues to vaccinate those 65 and over, along with healthcare and essential workers. For information about when and where you can be vaccinated, please visit the South Central Public Health District's Covid-19 vaccine information webpage. Additionally, Vaccinate the 208 has information in Spanish.

Unfortunately, scammers are trying to take advantage of the vaccine situation. Please be aware that private individuals do not have the vaccine for sale.

February 9, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

LIMITATIONS OF POWER

Several bills attempting to limit the governor’s emergency powers have been drafted to end Idaho’s state of emergency amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The House introduced HB 98 which is an updated version of HB 16, that aims to limit the governor’s emergency powers to a maximum of 60 days. Supposedly there is a provision in the bill to protect federal emergency funding, but this is untested and not sure to be approved by the Federal Government.

Additionally, two bills, one in each body, have been introduced, HB 33 and SB 1060, that aim to limit the power of public health districts and require their orders to be approved by county commissioners. So far, the House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman hasn’t held a hearing on HB33, for which we are thankful. Unfortunately, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee might be hearing SB1060 as early as the end of this week. If you are interested in submitting public testimony on either of these bills, please send your comments to: hhel@house.idaho.gov and shel@senate.idaho.gov respectively.

The House Education Committee also introduced two bills that will have hearings this week. HB67 and HB68 are also aimed at limiting Public Health Departments authority when dealing with emergencies. Please take a moment and review them.

NEW STATE FUNDING

Currently, there is $900 million in new federal funding, which the legislature has yet to distribute. The process will involve a supplemental budget that will need to go through the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and then the spending must be approved by both the House and Senate. Gov. Brad Little was responsible for distributing federal coronavirus aid during the summer, but since the Legislature is now in session, his office has no control over the schedule for its introduction. The new funding includes $851,000 for the Commission on Aging for “meals on wheels” for seniors, $164 million for rental assistance for workers who lost jobs, and $58 million for daycare centers’ operations.

REBOUND IDAHO

Last Tuesday, Gov. Little moved the state from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the “Idaho Rebounds” plan, which eased an array of COVID-19 restrictions including allowing gatherings of up to 50 people. This decision was made due to a decline in cases and hospitalizations statewide. For more information on the Idaho Rebounds plan and the specifics of each stage go to: https://rebound.idaho.gov/stages-of-reopening/

Last Thursday the House introduced bi-partisan sponsored legislation, HB 97, to provide incentives to speed up delivery of Idaho’s coronavirus vaccinations to those who seek them. HB97 would require businesses to administer 70% of vaccination doses within two weeks of receiving them. Unused doses would immediately be sent to a different entity that could use them. The bill also includes a $5,000 fine for businesses that fail to report they’re hanging onto unused doses.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House also passed HB 66 in 46-24 vote on Wednesday, which limits ballot questions regarding bond or levy elections to only the bond or levy being voted on. This means ballots would no longer be able to indicate if a measure simply reauthorized an existing levy. The bill would also create consequences for violations, including allowing courts to overturn election results. It heads to the Senate State Affairs Committee.

HB89, was introduced by Representative Chad Christensen and Senator Christy Zito, which would authorize any school staffer with an enhanced concealed weapons permit to carry a concealed gun on school property. They’d have to inform their principal or superintendent, who then would have to notify law enforcement. The bill would forbid the display of “Gun-Free School Zone” signs at any public school as well.

Also on Wednesday, HB 90 was passed the House State Affairs Committee, forbidding the renaming of any school, street, or park now named for a historical figure or event unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution giving permission for the change.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

Last Wednesday, the Senate voted 24-11 in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 101, a constitutional amendment to ban all psychoactive drugs not already legalized in Idaho by 2020. It is now in the House State Affairs Committee. Anyone interested in submitting testimony to that committee, please send your written testimony to hstaf@house.idaho.gov, and request the committee secretary share it with all the committee members.

That same day, the Senate also approved a new version of the Wrongful Conviction Act in a unanimous vote. This legislation, which provides compensation to people who were wrongfully convicted, was passed by both the Senate and House last year, but later vetoed by the governor.

STEPS FOR SCHOOLS

For the month of February, we are participating in the Blue Cross Steps for Schools walking challenge (Muffy’s rolling). This terrific program is put on each February by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and gives elected officials a chance to be active and earn money for a school or school district. This year Rep. Toone is walking to raise money for Gooding Elementary School and Rep. Davis is rolling to raise money for Alturas Elementary. We have raised money for schools/districts each session. Good luck to our House Democratic walkers!

Steps for Schools helps remind us how important it is for us to be physically active during the session and encourage young people to be active. The money donated to the schools can be used for equipment or to support programming that encourages kids to exercise.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is a nonprofit private foundation that is dedicated to addressing the root causes to some of Idaho’s most pressing health issues.

USS IDAHO

A new nuclear submarine will bear the name USS IDAHO in 2022. There have been 4 USS Idaho’s with the last vessel christened back in 1927. The USS Idaho will bring a continued navy connection to Idaho. The crest as shown here symbolizes Idaho and all the wonders we have in our state. There are gems from Idaho shown as well as huckleberries, the syringa, the falcon, and 5 feathers representing our 5 native tribes can all be seen. Idaho’s Motto, “Esto Perpetua” or “let it be perpetual”, is perfect for a nuclear-powered submarine. A pin of this crest will be worn by sailors assigned the USS Idaho.

February 2021 Blaine County Update

February Greetings, All

With 2020's election cycle finally over, and the 2021 state legislative session now in full swing, the following is a quick read to help everyone stay connected and engaged with our local Democratic Party organization.

Stay safe out there—and get vaccinated asap!

Jeremy Fryberger

Chair, Blaine County Democrats

blainecountydems@gmail.com

208.720.6863

Closing Comments on 2020

Foremost, Blaine County Democrats thanks all of our voters and volunteers for helping to re-elect state reps. Muffy Davis and Sally Toone, state senator Michelle Stennett, and county commissioner Jacob Greenberg! These victories wouldn't have happened without Blaine County's strong grassroots effort.

In addition, we are ever grateful for critical help from rookie MVP field organizer Whitney Johnson, veteran public policy guru Kathryn Goldman/ Wood River Consulting, and digital wizard Chad Gammel/ Idaho NextGen Consulting. These three have a standing invitation to join any Blaine County Dems campaign.

Finally (regarding 2020, that is), I'd like to close the books on our recent election season by noting just how remarkable it was; remarkable because of the challenges to campaigning, getting out the vote (gotv) and voting during a pandemic; remarkable due to an extraordinarily ugly/Trumpy national political landscape; and remarkable because of incredibly high turnout. We're likely all hoping for a very different, less exhausting cycle leading up to 2022.

Looking Ahead to 2021 & Beyond

Odd-number years are almost always politically quieter than even years. Nevertheless, our local municipalities and various other taxing districts will hold (non-partisan) elections, mostly in November. We'll keep you informed as these events draw nearer.

In addition, odd-number years—also called "off" years—are when we must focus on building out our team. As such, we're always looking to register new voters, add volunteers, and fill vacant precinct captain positions. For instance, if you live in Sun Valley/Elkhorn, South Woodside, Poverty Flats, Gannett/Picabo, or Carey, contact me about joining our team as a precinct captain. (The salary may not be great, but working to save the world is definitely noble.) Also contact me if you'd simply like to volunteer—regardless of where you live. (We need lots of help with a food preparation event Feb. 22-23, and 25-26.)

Lastly, encourage every likely Democrat whom you know to join this mailing list; they can sign up at blainecountydems@gmail.com.