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

TRAILBLAZING WOMEN IN IDAHO!

At the Idaho State Museum, a new exhibit, Trailblazing Women in Idaho, opened last Saturday to the public. It features Rep. Muffy Davis, of District 26, who is a seven-time Paralympic Games medalist. The Caucus in Boise joined her for a special VIP viewing. More information can be found here. Hope you can stop by and view the great displays.

INVASIVE MUSSELS IN AQUARIUM PRODUCTS

An aquatic invasive species of mussel that can wreak havoc ecologically and economically in any waterway. This past week, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was notified of finding zebra mussels in aquarium products and has continued working in coordination with state and federal partners to further identify retail distribution, collect affected products, and ensure proper disposal.

As a standing member of the Columbia River Basin Team, which includes federal, Tribal, and university partners, ISDA participates in the multi-agency coordination for planning purposes outside of emergencies and also during incidents requiring coordinated response including invasive species detections.

The mussels were discovered in moss balls and it appears some were sold at Petco and PetSmart stores in the state as well as Montana, Washington, Oregon and Colorado stores. The moss balls were imported from Ukraine for distribution and were shipped to pet stores nationwide. The stores will be working with Idaho’s Department of Agriculture ensuring future aquarium products are mussel free. The new recommendations for Destroy! Don’t Dump! can be found on the USFWS website or ISDA recommends the public contact the Idaho Invasive Species Program hotline at (877) 336-8676 or via email at info@isda.idaho.gov.

SALMON RECOVERY???

Salmon have been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest for time immemorial. It is important to have a robust conversation about all the benefits and costs of the status quo on the Snake River with four dams.

The Idaho State Senate recently passed SJM103, which discussed the importance of the Snake River dams to agriculture in Idaho. Agriculture is a key component of Idaho's economy ($7.9 billion annually) and way of life. However, the bill neglected to mention Idaho's strong recreational sector ($7.8 billion annually) or how to turn around declining salmon populations in Idaho. Rural communities, such as Riggins, are dependent on guides, outfitters, and recreational fishermen for their existence. And salmon have long been the symbol and lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest Tribes.

A comprehensive discussion on these complex topics is worthwhile in an effort to avoid outcomes like that in the Klamath Basin where the dams are coming down without a plan to make the stakeholders whole.

POWERBALL ROLLS AWAY!

In a 10-4 vote, the House State Affairs Committee killed HB 72, a bill that would allow the Idaho Lottery to continue participating in Powerball. The Multi-State Lottery Association has approved licensing Powerball in Australia and the United Kingdom, which GOP lawmakers took issue with. Idaho was one of the first states to join Powerball in the 1990’s and now includes 45 states and 2 territories. Your last powerball drawing will be in August. Currently, Idaho code does not allow for participation in lottery games outside of the United States and Canada. Schools receive $14 million in dedicated funds from the lottery; this is now in jeopardy. The Idaho lottery funds a multitude of projects in our local communities and schools. The loss of this revenue for our small rural areas and businesses seems to continue a theme in this year’s legislature.

ASSAULT ON SCHOOLS-ANOTHER TWO THIS WEEK

The House voted 52-18 in favor of HB 122, which allows school employees who have enhanced concealed-carry permits to bring guns to school, whether or not the local school board approves. All Democrats were opposed. Other groups against the bill included the Idaho Sheriffs Association, the Chiefs of Police, the Idaho Education Association, the Idaho Association of School Administrators, and the Idaho School Boards Association.

The House voted 55-15 in favor of HB 293, which would require Idaho to pay parents who pull their kids out of public school because the school isn’t providing in-person instruction at least four days a week starting April 1st. Most of these sorts of decisions should be left to the local schools boards based on the local environment and safety precautions. Thankful this has a stop date of June 2022, but a lot of uncertainty can occur between now and then.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee unanimously voted to send HB 126 to the full Senate. The bill amends Idaho’s list of controlled substances to differentiate between hemp and cannabis. This would authorize the production, research, processing and transportation of industrial hemp by those licensed in Idaho, and allow the legal possession and transportation of the product in and through the state.

The Senate moved SB 1108 to the 14th Order for unspecified possible amendments; however, if none are made, the bill will die there. The legislation, which has received an overwhelming amount of opposition from cities and counties, seeks to cap local governments’ budgets in an effort to provide property tax relief.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House State Affairs Committee voted 12-2 to send Senate Bill 1110 to the full House, despite overwhelmingly negative testimony against the legislation, which seeks to add additional hurdles to the ballot initiative and referendum process in Idaho. Democrats were opposed. Read Rep. Chris Mathias’ comments on the bill in a release sent to the media.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee introduced HB 332, a bill to slash income tax rates with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to those at the top of the income spectrum. The legislation 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 get a one-time rebate of $6,000; while a couple making $50,000 would receive only $100. The permanent tax rate cuts will be similarly lopsided, in perpetuity. Read Rep. Lauren Necochea’s comments on the bill in a release sent to the media.

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

"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army." --Edward Everett

Education

Idahoans have long considered education one of their top priorities, with it appearing as a top five issue in a 2020 survey, so it is especially encouraging to see progress on this front. Senator Ward-Engelking and others on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the rotunda at the Statehouse have been working on H331. This bill would provide for optional full-day kindergarten in every school district in Idaho--it would be optional both for districts and for parents. H331 is scheduled for a hearing before the House Education Committee on Monday at 8:30am. You can express your views to the committee by emailing the members or signing up to testify remotely--sign-up through the link on the committee agenda.

Looking to further education at the college level, Idaho has a state-sponsored 529 savings program which allows anyone to open and contribute to an IDeal Account for any loved one with tax advantages. You can learn more about these accounts and open an account online.

Unfortunately, the legislature has several education bills pending that are cause for concern. I anticipate these bills will come before the Senate Education Committee in the next two weeks. I encourage you to let the committee know your views. You can find the committee's agendas on the legislature's website. The agendas will show when bills will be heard and have a link to sign up for remote testimony. The agendas also list all committee members and the legislature's website gives the email addresses for all Senators.

H248 would give districts the option to provide improved health care benefits to teachers and staff, but this would come at the expense of teachers' pay. This bill becomes particularly problematic if H174 passes, because H174 makes it optional for districts to bargain with teachers' unions. In combination, this would mean districts could unilaterally take pay from teachers to cover increased costs for improved health care coverage for staff as well as teachers.

H221 would allow school districts and public charter schools to give individuals over 18, with a Bachelor's degree in any subject, a local certificate to teach in that district or charter. The bill is intended to make it easier to fill teacher vacancies, however, this mechanism would place people in the classroom with no experience or training in teaching. Also troubling, this local certification would result in no ethics board over these individuals. Idaho already has four non-traditional programs for individuals to become fully certified teachers and two methods for non-traditional certification through the Idaho State Board that provide more training and oversight.

H249 shifts sex education from parental opt-out to opt-in. The bill would require parents to provide permission within two weeks of the subject being taught, which is out of cycle with other permissions that are commonly given by parents at the beginning of the school year and seems likely to lead to many parents overlooking the need for permission.

H294 provides $500 grants to qualified families, regardless of their student's school setting, for items and services such as laptops, speech therapy, or curriculum. The bill also provides scholarships at the rate of 90% of public school dollars allocated for students who have left public schools. This money would go to families for them to pay tuition anywhere like private schools, religious schools, or for home schooling. It is, in essence, a voucher program.

Restricting Idaho's Ability to Respond to Emergencies

On Thursday, the Senate amended S1136 substantially. On Friday, with little time to review the new amendments and before the Governor's office had an opportunity to provide feedback, the Senate passed S1136a. Allocating power in emergencies to allow for protection of Idahoans while maintaining a functioning government is one of the most important tasks the legislature undertakes. A thoughtful approach that allows for a thorough discussion of any particular proposal is critical to the best decision making.

Some concerns that arise with this bill include

• the lack of definition for violent insurrection or revolt,

• how natural disasters would be handled quickly,

• why epidemics are removed from these provisions,

• how the Governor would be able to respond beyond the 60 day limit for emergency declarations if a substantial portion of the legislature is dead, incapacitated, or unable to travel to the Capitol city and thus unable to convene,

• and whether federal law will permit this bill's attempt to end an emergency declaration while still collecting federal emergency dollars.

This bill will now go to the House for its consideration.

Idaho Salmon

Salmon have been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest for time immemorial. It is important to have a robust conversation about all the benefits and costs of the status quo on the Snake River with four dams.

The Idaho State Senate recently passed SJM103, which discussed the importance of the Snake River dams to agriculture in Idaho. Agriculture is a key component of Idaho's economy ($7.9 billion annually) and way of life. However, the bill neglected to mention Idaho's strong recreational sector ($7.8 billion annually) or how to turn around declining salmon populations in Idaho. Rural communities, such as Riggins, are dependent on guides, outfitters, and recreational fishermen for their existence. And salmon have long been the symbol and lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest Tribes.

Some important considerations when thinking about the Snake River dams:

• They do not provide any flood control.

• They do provide a comparatively small amount (around a thousand megawatts) of low cost, clean, and reliable energy.

• And the dams provide transport of Idaho agricultural products through barging. However, managing ports is costly.

We should also think about the costs of the status quo, including:

• Over 17 billion dollars have been spent on fish recovery already.

• Without the four lower Snake River dams, fish could recover. The 487,000 acre feet to help fish flush through these dams each year could remain in Idaho for recreation, agriculture, and recharge.

• We have spent decades locked in litigation with all the attendant expenditures.

A comprehensive discussion on these complex topics is worthwhile in an effort to avoid outcomes like that in the Klamath Basin where the dams are coming down without a plan to make the stakeholders whole.

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

IDAHO LEGISLATURE- NO END IN SIGHT!

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, and the Senate limited the ability of citizens to be involved. Each day costs Idaho taxpayers $35,000. Many bills deemed unconstitutional have been re-written 3 and 4 times, wasting time as they try to skirt the Idaho Constitution.

CONSTITUTIONAL CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT CURTAILED

The Senate voted 26-9 in favor of Senate Bill 1110 and it passed out of the House State Affairs committee Monday on a straight party line vote. SB1110 sharply increases the hurdles to get a voter initiative on the Idaho ballot, by requiring 6% of signatures of registered voters in all 35 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts, rather than in 18 as under current law. 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. This hurdle will make it nearly impossible for Idahoans to have their voices heard as provided for in the Idaho Constitution.

Additionally, last week the Senate passed S1150. This bill further restricts the citizen process by requiring all signatures to be gathered in Idaho only. This would take away the 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. When this was mentioned, the sponsors did not seem to care.

BUDGETS AT RISK

In a 29-40 vote, the House killed House Bill 271, the budget for the Idaho Attorney General’s office for next year. 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. Unfortunately, his advice is often ignored by the majority party on several pieces of legislation and the state finds itself in a no-win legal battle.

In addition HB 270, which provided funds for the commission of the arts narrowly passed in a 37-32 vote. The budget just maintains the programs they presently manage with a slight increase due to COVID funds.

EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES LOST

The House narrowly killed House Bill 226, to accept a $5.98 million early-learning grant to the state Board of Education. The Idaho Association for the education of Young Children was to assist in distributing the money to existing local childcare and child education groups through an application process. The funds were to support such things as children's library programs, kindergarten readiness programs, classes teaching adults about early literacy (which is a goal of Gov. Little's), support for families and programs that help parents find child care specifically for ages 0 to 5. There was also the ability for applications from businesses to work with employees on several childcare issues. Both of Idaho's U.S. Sens. Crapo and Risch helped secure the grant and it is supported by the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hopefully we can manage to re-work the grant for Idaho families.

JOINING IDAHO WORKING FAMILIES

On Wednesday, several Democrats joined roughly 100 Idahoans in protest against the debate and subsequent vote on House Bill 226. Lawmakers spoke with constituents and members of the media at the "Stand Up For Idaho Women" event. Many also addressed the crowd and urged them to remain active within the legislature helping ensure Idaho’s working families are put first.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

SB 1088, provides for more transparency in a rental process by having landlords detail any fees in a lease agreement and give 30-day notice to renters before being charged. It passed in a 26-8 vote.

SB 1089, repealed a section of Idaho code relating to the rape of a spouse, which had previously acted as an exception for the crime. It passed unanimously.

The Senate Transportation Committee killed Senate Bill 1132, which would’ve allowed people to obtain driving credentials regardless of their immigration status.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House voted 54-13 in favor of HB221 allowing 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.

The House passed House Bill 249 in a 56-12, party-line vote. The bill requires parents to “opt in” in writing two weeks in advance for their children to receive any instruction in school having to do with human sexuality, and only an “opt-out” option for the study of “human anatomy and physiology.”

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Last week, Idaho launched a Covid-19 vaccine pre-registration system. This system allows Idahoans who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to add their names to a statewide list so that vaccine providers can easily find people who want the vaccine. You can add your name to the registry now, and you will be contacted by a provider for an appointment when the vaccine is available and you are eligible to receive the vaccine. Additionally, on this portal you can declare which counties you are willing to receive a vaccine, which could open availability for getting a vaccine sooner.

Crush the Curve 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. You will be required to show proof of Idaho residency or employment in Idaho to receive your vaccine.

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.

March 6, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"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.

March 2021 Blaine County Update

Hello, March—Hello, Blaine County Democrats!

Daytime highs are nearing 50 F, and snow on the valley floor is melting. Yet, although winter may be winding down, the insanity in Idaho's state legislature continues full steam ahead. See below for what you can do to help.

Meanwhile, enjoy the longer days, hold our governor and legislature to account, and stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities!

Jeremy Fryberger

Chair, Blaine County Democrats

blainecountydems@gmail.com

208.720.6863

IMMEDIATE ACTION ITEM

With no local elections scheduled until November, keep your activist muscles in shape by sending key input wrt the anti-Ballot Initiative bill, SB1110, to Gov. Little: bit.ly/VETOSB1110. Following is a sample letter:

Governor Little:

I’m emailing you to ask you to please respect Idaho voters and VETO Senate Bill 1110. This piece of legislation is yet another example of how the Idaho Legislature is trying to take away power from voters.

Idaho has had 28 ballot measures since the 1930s, of which twelve passed. This bill is an unnecessary solution in search of an imaginary problem and would allow a single county to keep any initiative from making it to the voters.

Idaho’s initiative and referendum processes are already deliberate and stringent. If this bill passes, then only wealthy special interests will have enough money to gather enough signatures. The average Idaho voter will not have the resources to conduct a citizen-led signature drive.

Idaho citizens should be active in government and democracy. The initiative and referendum process does this, allowing the people to act as a check on their government. Please listen to the voters and VETO SB1110, the anti-initiative rights bill.

Respectfully, ________

FRANK & BETHINE CHURCH GALA

Idaho Democratic Party's biggest annual fundraiser, the Frank & Bethine Church Gala (6 pm, Saturday, March 13), is entirely virtual this year. Get together a group table of your own, or have IDP find you a seat. Either way, the list of guest speakers alone makes it great value. https://idahodems.org/25th-annual-frank-bethine-church-gala/ (FYI, we have one open seat at a Blaine County table. Cost is $72. Let me know asap if you'd like join in.)

RECENT VOLUNTEER WORK

In late February, our volunteers prepared sixty breakfasts and fifteen lunches—over the course of a week—for Higher Ground winter sports camp attendees and staff. All indications suggest that we have good cooks in our midst. Thanks to everyone who chipped in! See story in Eye On Sun Valley.

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.