April 20, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

AND THE CONVERSATION IS ALL ABOUT MONEY and a bit more??? DAY 100

It is a requirement of the the Idaho legislature to have a balanced budget. One of our most important legislative duties is to pass a balanced budget. This process has come to a halt. The House has voted down budget after budget. In some cases, the House sponsor of a budget bill has even debated against it, which defies logic. Idaho has over $600 million in our general fund, plus approximately $200 million in the online tax fund so there is simply no excuse for continuing to vote down budgets, with education budgets hanging in limbo. We have 17 appropriation bills on the House calendar being held hostage.

EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT BILL PASSES SENATE, MOVES TO HOUSE FLOOR FOR VOTE

Last week, the Senate voted 18-17 in favor of SB1193, the new version of a bill to accept a $6 million grant approved by the Trump Administration to help local collaboratives improve early learning in their communities in children up to age 5. An earlier version of the proposal, HB226, narrowly died in the House on March 2, after opponents claimed it would be a tool to impose a social-justice indoctrination program on Idaho’s youngest children — though the grant leaves all curriculum decisions up to local collaboratives. We hope this important bill will pass the House and enable many communities with the resources to enact important early childhood learning programs.

GOVERNOR LITTLE SIGNS SB1110 BALLOT INITIATIVE RESTRICTION BILL

We are disheartened that Governor Little chose to sign the Ballot Initiative restriction bill, SB1110, even though thousands of Idahoans along with four past Attorney Generals reached out and urged him not to sign this unconstitutional bill. SB1110 increases the signature requirement for prospective ballot initiatives from 6% of registered voters in 18 legislative districts to 6% in all 35 legislative districts, thereby making it the most restrictive initiative requirements in any of the 26 states that allow citizen ballot initiatives. Already organizations have stated they will challenge the bill in court, which will end up costing Idaho taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. In his transmittal letter, Governor Little explains that he signed SB1110 but states, “Whether Senate Bill 1110 amounts to an impermissible restriction in violation of our constitution is highly fact dependent and, ultimately, a question for the Idaho judiciary to decide. I also expect the federal courts may be called to determine whether Senate Bill 1110 violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.” This is a sad result for the citizens of Idaho.

GOVERNOR LITTLE VETOS BILLS TO CURB EXECUTIVE EMERGENCY POWERS

Last Friday, Gov. Brad Little vetoed legislation seeking to trim the powers of the governor in disaster emergencies and increase those of the Legislature. Both House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136 were opposed by all four living past governors of Idaho, each signing statements in support of Governor Little’s veto. In a press release, Governor Little wrote that he “…will veto the bills because they are overly restrictive and handcuff the state’s ability to take timely and necessary action to help Idahoans in future emergencies. The bills unnecessarily politicize the state’s emergency response efforts and jeopardize critical funding for local governments. The bills violate the separation of powers doctrine and are unconstitutional. The Senate and House will both likely take votes this week to override the Governor’s vetoes. We hope, they will not pass and the vetoes will stand, thereby keeping emergency powers in the power of the Executive Branch and ensuring that Idaho can act timely during the next emergency. If the Legislature has proven anything this session, its that it cannot be trusted to act timely with any important legislation.

"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26

• Congrats to the IDAHO Food Bank. Legislation has been passed and awaiting the Governor's signature to forward $3.6 million dollars to Idaho community food banks.

• The Lava Ridge Wind Power proposal will be presented by Magic Valley Energy. It is a proposal for Lincoln, Minidoka and Jerome Counties. The presentation will be a the Shoshone Community Center on Beverly Street in Shoshone from 3-6, April 24th. Come hear the information.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

TRANSPORTATION

The Senate Transportation Committee advanced HB 362 to the floor. It increases the sales tax used to pay for roads and bridges projects through bonds within the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mediation program. The current tax of 1% would increase to 4.5%, which would raise an estimated $87.8 million.

NO KINDERGARTEN FUNDING THIS YEAR

We are all very disappointed to report that the legislature will not be voting on optional full day kindergarten this year. Senator Ward-Engelking and Representative Nash, among others, worked hard to make this a reality for Idaho families, students, and schools, but the COVID recess and other obstacles kept it from happening this year.

SENATE RECESSESS AGAIN

The Senate recessed until Monday, April 19, since the body finished its third reading calendar, allowing the House to catch up.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

ANTI-DRUG AMENDMENT TURNED DOWN

The House defeated a proposed anti-drug constitutional amendment in 42-28 vote, a count that failed to meet the required two-thirds majority of the body. HJR 4 would have permanently required a two-thirds vote of each house to legalize any drug that’s currently illegal, including medical marijuana and CBD oil or other hemp products containing any trace of THC.

LEGISLATURE TO CALL ITSELF BACK? ARE WE A CITIZEN LEGISLATURE?

The House State Affairs Committee approved SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to call itself into special session any time 60% of the members of each body request it. The measure replaces HJR 1, which passed the House 51-18 on Jan. 21, which did the same thing, except that the Senate version also requires the request for the special session to specify subjects to be addressed. It passed the House today on a 54-15 vote. This will be voted on in the next general election by the citizens of Idaho.

April 17, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." --Sydney J. Harris

The Senate is substantially ahead of the House in completing legislative work, so we have recessed from Wednesday, April 14 to Monday, April 19. The committee that puts together budgets for the state did its work and sent bills to the House for approval, but the House has voted down budget after budget. In some cases, the House sponsor of a budget bill has even debated against it, which is unheard of. Idaho has over $600 million in our general fund, plus approximately $200 million in the online tax fund so there is simply no excuse for the House continuing to vote down budgets to fund education. It defies logic.

House Republicans Voted Down Higher Education Budget

Some members of the legislature have been agitating to control the curriculum at our higher education institutions. After negotiation within the committee, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee sent to Senate floor a budget for higher education in our state that took money from Boise State University and moved that money to Lewis-Clark State College in response to that agitation. The Senate passed the appropriations bill, but the House, unfortunately, voted the bill down. This sends the legislature back to the drawing board as we have a constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget.

Discussions are ongoing, but currently anticipated cuts to Idaho's higher education budget totals $2.5 million, with BSU losing $1.5 million and Idaho State University and University of Idaho losing $500,000 each. Cuts like these would reduce instructional capacity, the quality of public service, maintenance of facilities, investments in technology, and more.

Further, the demands that some members of the legislature have made could result in loss of accreditation for BSU or any impacted institution of higher education. This would be a tremendous blow to Idaho students, families, businesses, and sports programs. No BSU football team.

House Republicans Voted Down Public School Teachers' Pay

The House, on a tie vote, voted down H354, the budget for public school teachers' pay, on Tuesday. This is the biggest portion of Idaho's school budget and included funding for well-deserved raises. Our public school teachers always work hard and never harder than this year with all of the changes and challenges brought by circumstances beyond their control. Opponents of this funding bill argued that they are concerned about our teachers indoctrinating children, but failed to provide evidence that this is happening in Idaho.

Kindergarten Not Moving Forward

I am very disappointed to report that the legislature will not vote on optional full day kindergarten this year. Senator Ward-Engelking and Representative Nash, among others, worked hard to make this a reality for Idaho families, students, and schools, but the COVID recess and other obstacles kept it from happening this year.

Early Childhood Funding Barely Passes Senate

Earlier this session, the House voted against accepting a federal grant approved by the Trump administration for $6 millions per year for three years. This grant would fund local co-operatives working to improve literacy outcomes for young Idahoans. We know that this has important ramifications for the long-term educational achievements for students. Objections centered around myths that the grant would fund social justice education and other topics that are not part of this program.

The grant has been brought back to the legislature for re-consideration with some changes in how it is administered and revised intent language. It passed the Senate by just one vote after a lengthy debate and will now go to the House for consideration of the revised bill. Supporters of the grant include Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, US Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Food Producers, Simplot, and Idaho Businesses for Education. Idahoans also strongly support improved early childhood education, so it is troubling to see so much opposition to this funding in the legislature.

April 13, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

WORST LEGISLATIVE SESSION EVER???

Last week after the legislature resumed from a two-week recess, the Idaho Statesman ran two opinion pieces titled “Why even Republicans are calling this the ‘worst session ever’ for Idaho Legislature”. In these opinion pieces numerous lifelong republicans state that the current legislature’s emphasis on power grabbing from numerous bodies, including the Governor, the Attorney General, cities and towns and even the people is unacceptable. We agree, while every legislative session is challenging, frustrating and often disheartening, this session has been more rampant than normal. There has been little focus or work on the important issues that affect all Idahoans, specifically property tax relief, our educational system’s funding formula or our desperately neglected infrastructure: water, transportation, broadband, etc… all while Idaho sits on its greatest surplus ever. Numerous funding bills have failed or almost failed in the House because fringe legislators think our public television is too liberal or that a $6 Million federal preschool development grant is bad because it would enable women to have others raise their children or they disagree with the opinions they get from our Attorney General. These legislators have yet to say what they are in support of, rather all they have done all session is rally to de-fund our institutions of higher education, remove control from the Attorney General or the Tax Commissioner, and get rid of Idahoan’s constitutional rights, among other shameful maneuvers. Hopefully, Idahoans will remember this outrageous session and when they go to the polls in 2022, make it known what they expect in their elected representatives.

TOBACCO 21, FAILS IN THE HOUSE

Last week, SB1087, a bill that would have made the legal age to smoke, vape (e-cigarettes) or chew tobacco products in Idaho 21 years of age, conforming with federal law, failed to pass out of the House. In addition to moving the age from 18 to 21, this bill also contained provisions that would remove local governments’ ability to enact pre-emptions that were more restrictive than state law regarding what products retailers could sell or tax on tobacco products. The bill was brought forward by the Idaho Retailers Association claiming the difficulty stores that operate multiple chains throughout the state have if there is not conformity across the state as to what the laws are. Debate on the House floor centered around the age change rather than the removal of local control. Unfortunately, a new bill, HB363, was quickly introduced, which removed the federal age conformity, and simply ensured uniform laws on the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes across the state by preventing local authorities from implementing varying regulations that are more restrictive than state law. The unfortunate result if this bill passes the Senate and is signed into law is that 18-year-olds will still be able to purchase tobacco products in Idaho and local entities will have no ability to limit what tobacco products are sold or to increase taxes on certain tobacco products. The challenge here is that many 18-year-olds are still in high school and socializing with youths younger who simply ask their 18 year old friends to purchase the tobacco products for them. Research from various entities reveals that we have a crisis regarding Idaho youths and vaping. According to studies, nicotine addiction and vaping rates in schools across Idaho are higher than the national average. Nearly half of all high school students (48.1%) have used an electronic vapor product at least once during their lifetime, while 9% of Idaho students vape regularly. It is understandable the argument that if youths can join the military to defend their country and vote at 18, they should be able to choose whether they can consume tobacco. Nevertheless, the federal law for purchasing alcohol requires people to be 21 years old to purchase alcohol, and the Tobacco 21 conformity law is a similar situation. Perhaps when the federal government threatens to withhold federal funds to states that do not comply with their tobacco age law, as they did when they increased the drinking age law, Idaho will follow suit and conform.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) INFORMATION

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The ARPA programs and provisions directly address the COVID‐19 health emergency while others address non‐health or economic stimulus efforts such as direct financial support for individuals and small businesses, grants to elementary and secondary educational institutions, and tax incentives and tax credits.

At this time, it appears that Idaho will receive over $5 billion in direct payments, grants, and fiscal relief through this bill. The money comes with different requirements and constraints, including different time frames for expenditures through 2024. The legislature needs to spend some time understanding the law and ensuring that, where we have discretion, we make the best possible investments in Idaho's future.

For more detailed information on ARPA and how Idaho will benefit, please review this in-depth analysis of the law that was provided to legislators just last week from our Legislative Services Office.

"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26

• Congrats to the Ketchum Community Library on receiving a recent grant from the Idaho Humanities Council. We appreciate the great opportunities and programs you offer throughout the valley. Good Luck and Thank You.

• Come celebrate Wednesday, April 14th to an "Open House" at the Lincoln County Youth Center in Richfield. They are welcoming 9 Americorp volunteers to the community with a potluck and BBQ at 6 pm at the center. They are located at 410 South Main in Richfield.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

HEMP MOVES TO GOVERNORS DESK

The Senate voted 30-5 in favor of the industrial hemp legalization bill. H126 has already passed the House. It will now go to the governor’s office.

TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM EXPANDED

The Senate passed H309 to expand an existing property tax deferral program, essentially allowing a state-paid reverse mortgage, in which the state would pay all of a qualifying homeowner’s property taxes until they die or sell the home, then be paid back with interest from the sale proceeds.

TENANT HELP

The Senate also passed H152 to require a tenant’s security deposit to be held in a separate account in certain circumstances. It was sponsored by Democratic Rep. John Gannon.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

ELECTRIC CARS PAY THE PRICE

The House Ways and Means Committee voted 4-3 along party lines on H361 to raise the vehicle registration fee from $140 to $300. Vehicle owners could instead opt to pay 2.5 cents per mile. Owners choosing the per-mile option would have to report their mileage annually to the Idaho Transportation Department.

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING MAYBE?

The House voted on H362, the latest version of the transportation bonding bill, which passed 59-11 and is now headed to the Senate. It would shift 4.5% of Idaho’s state sales tax proceeds each year, up from 1% now, from the state general fund to roads, with $80 million of that amount going to the Idaho Transportation Department for bonding for big road and bridge projects; up to $1.6 billion in bonded projects could be funded.

April 10, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." --John Adams

How the American Rescue Plan Act Can Help Idaho

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The Legislative Services Office has put together a review of this law with in-depth information. At this time, it looks like Idaho may be able to access over $5 billion in direct payments, grants, and fiscal relief through this bill. Many of the provisions in ARPA apply to 2021 to 2025, but some will span even longer time periods.

Most of the funding will come from three federal agencies: 1) US Treasury Department, 2) US Department of Education, and 3) the US Department of Health and Human Services. These federal dollars are intended to help with a wide variety of needs including education, unemployment insurance, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), direct assistance to individuals, funding for cities and counties, rental assistance, and more. For example, Idaho public schools may receive an estimated total of $439,942,000, Idaho may receive up to $15,000,000 in rental assistance, and SNAP may receive up to $2,846,000.

The money comes with different requirements and constraints, including different time frames for expenditures. The legislature needs to spend some time understanding the law and ensuring that, where we have discretion, we make the best possible investments in Idaho's future.

Some of the ARPA funds do not need to be appropriated as they will go directly to individuals, local government, or lending institutions, however, much of the money does require legislative action. It is possible for Idaho to refuse allocated funds that need to go through the appropriations process.

At this point, I anticipate the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee will hold meetings to begin work on the funds related to this law during the current session, with some possible appropriation bills coming to the full Senate and House for approval, and that this work will continue in the 2022 legislative session and beyond. Some of the money does have relatively short time frames and will need to be dealt with expeditiously.

Voter Suppression

Much of this legislative session has been about power. Unfortunately, this includes taking power away from voters.

S1110 and S1150 both diminish Idahoan's constitutional right to the initiative. S1110 makes the requirements to put a measure on the ballot even more difficult by requiring signatures from 6% of registered voters in every one of the 35 legislative districts, allowing for one legislative district to have veto power. Of the states that have the initiative, Idaho already has among the most challenging requirements so adding to that difficulty would make it very unlikely that a citizens' group could get a measure, like the successful medicaid expansion, on the ballot in the future. S1110 has passed both the Senate and the House and as of this writing is before the Governor for his consideration. Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones delivered 16,000 signatures to the Governor calling for his veto on this bill on Thursday. Unfortunately, the bill passed both houses by margins big enough to override a veto. These restrictions on the initiative may ultimately be headed to court, where taxpayers would have to foot the bill to defend a law that diminishes their rights.

S1150 would further restrict the initiative process by requiring all signatures to be gathered in Idaho only, which would take away the initiative rights from 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. S1150 is in committee in the House.

The Senate is considering H223. This bill is designed to criminalize people who deliver absentee ballots. As written it would make felons of those who take an absentee ballot to the mail box for an elderly neighbor or who work in an assisted living center and deliver absentee ballots for the residents. Felons lose their right to vote, their right to carry a gun, and often struggle to find housing and work. Making someone a felon for an act of kindness is unconscionable. The bill was passed by the House and has been sent to the amending order in the Senate. It is hard to see how amendments can fix this fundamentally flawed bill.

April 7, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

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.

April 2021 Blaine County Update

Among many things, April is normally tax filing deadline month. But not this year—Idaho and federal tax returns aren't due until May 17. Thus, if you haven't already filed, enjoy the additional time to procrastinate! Now, let's talk about what's going on...

Idaho Legislature Back in Session April 6

As if Idaho's 2021 legislative session hasn't been nutty enough, an entirely predictable GOP-induced COVID-19 outbreak recently shut everything down for two weeks. Lawmakers just returned to the Capitol on April 6. Here's to hoping that they wrap up soon!

For those who haven't already emailed Gov. Little about Senate Bill 1110 (the public-initiative killer), please consider the following sample text and link: bit.ly/VETOSB1110.

Governor Little:

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

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 enables 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, ________

Idaho Democratic Party (IDP) Leadership Election Results

On March 13, by a 4 to 1 margin, IDP's 137 state central committee members chose Fred Cornforth to be our new state chairperson. Similar counts elected Blaine County's own Brent Robinson as the new state treasurer, while Janie Davidson (former Blaine County Dems chair and current IDP Legislative District 26 chair) ran unopposed to become IDP's regional representative for legislative districts 24-28 (i.e. most of south central Idaho). Along with Idaho Women's Caucus chair Gini Ballou, the addition of Brent and Janie to IDP's Executive Committee finds Blaine County well represented!

In case you missed Cornforth's recent oped, entitled "Republicans Build With Cheap Bricks" (in the 3/31 Idaho Mountain Express), here is the link.

Clint Stennett Social—Friday, May 7

Like last year's incredibly successful Blaine County Democrats Clint Stennett Social, the 2021 version will again be virtual this spring—on Friday, May 7 (6:30-8:30 pm). Save the date now, and look for details soon regarding a silent auction (live on April 28), guest speakers, and more. Join in on a good time and support an important cause!

As the Clint Stennett Social provides a lion's share of funding for BCD's annual budget, please consider donating something for our silent auction (and/or encourage others to do the same). Our three state legislators and three county commissioners—all Democrats!—depend on our ongoing support. Contact me asap.

Help Us With Storage. Help Extend Our Newsletter's Reach.

Until BCD finds a new headquarter location, we need (as soon as possible) space equivalent to a very small 1-car garage to store our materials, equipment, and office furniture. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Finally, we're always asking for assistance in expanding the BCD family. Therefore, please help us grow our newsletter list—by sending prospects to BlaineCountyDemocrats.org; scroll to the home page's bottom and register!

March 24, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

IDAHO LEGISLATURE: RECESS!!

We have recessed until April 6, 2021 due to multiple cases of COVID-19 among legislators and staff. We have the capability to do our work remotely as we spent federal aid money on the technology necessary, but the majority refuses to make rule changes to allow it. I hope that everyone has a speedy and complete recovery and that we do not spread the disease further. Upon our return, we will address remaining bills, budgets and some craziness.

FOSTER CARE

The House unanimously passed HB 336, which allows children who age out of foster care at 18 the option to choose to remain in care until age 21 as long as they are enrolled in some form of continuing educational program. Additionally, HB 336 puts new procedures and timelines in place, such as requiring the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to file a written notice within seven days when a foster child is placed in a residential treatment center due to emotional or behavioral issues. And requires the Department to stay on top and follow up with these cases in a timely manner. It was exciting to finally have a terrific bill that truly focuses on some of our most at-risk youths and offers them the assistance and support they need. Similar bills such as this bill have been passed in 25 other states.

EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT RETURNS???

On Tuesday, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a new version of the budget bill, formerly HB226, authorizing the State Board of Education to spend a $5.98 million federal early childhood learning grant. This was unfortunately derailed earlier with misinformation on how it would be used in our local communities. With some changes in the grant process, it passed on an 18-2 vote. On to the full House chambers now.

"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26

• The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the 21st century education grants to the State of Idaho this past week. Lincoln County Youth Center, Wendell School District, and the Gooding School District have all received the 5-year grant to support after-school and summer programs.

• Come celebrate Friday at an "Open House" at the Lincoln County Youth Center highlighting the fantastic science week sponsored by Amalgamated Sugar. What fun the kids have had for spring break. Open House hours will be from 3:30-6:00 p.m. March 26.

BILL PASSES TO REQUIRE THOSE WHO QUALIFY, GET INSURANCE

The House passed HB 316 in a 66-2 vote to dial back the state’s indigent care and catastrophic health care (CAT) program and change the funding of Idaho public health districts. Under the bill, anyone who is eligible for any form of Medicaid, regular or expansion, or for private health insurance, whether through a spouse's program or via subsidies under the state exchange, and who doesn’t enroll or buy that insurance, ineligible for assistance through the county indigency or state catastrophic care programs. This bill was supported by the Idaho Association of Counties, Public Health Districts and the Idaho Hospital Association was neutral. It is an attempt for the state to find a way to cover the increasing costs of Medicaid, with the passage of Medicaid Expansion, as well as holding individuals responsible for getting health insurance if they qualify. There is an emergency clause in this bill, which would cause it to go into effect as soon as signed into law. Therefore, it is vital that anyone who qualifies for healthcare subsidies on the Idaho State Healthcare exchange, enroll asap while open enrollment is happening. You can enroll and find plans at: www.yourhealthidaho.org.

TAXES, TAXES AND MORE TAX ISSUES

• In the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, new legislation was introduced and fast-tracked to the floor to push Idaho’s state income tax filing deadline back from April 15 to May 17, matching the newly announced delay in the federal income tax deadline. Due to the sudden recess, this too will wait.

• The House GOP passed HB 332 in a 58-12 party-line vote. The bill slashes income tax rates with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to those at the top of the income spectrum. It also provides a lopsided one-time tax rebate equivalent to 9% of a taxpayer’s state income tax due in 2019, or a floor of $50 per person. Under the bill, a couple bringing in $1 million annually would receive more than $10,000; while a couple making $50,000 would receive only $113. The ongoing tax cut for the household earning $25,000 is only $13 a year. This bill would also threaten Idaho’s COVID-19 relief package. The American Rescue Plan Act will allocate $1.2 billion for Idaho, but will likely be clawed back dollar-for-dollar if the state enacts this tax cut. Read our press release

• The Senate narrowly killed SB 1108 in a 17-18 vote on Thursday. The GOP-sponsored legislation sought to cap local governments’ budgets in an effort to lower property taxes for residents. However, opponents of the bill, which included all Senate Democrats, said it provided minimal relief at great expense to cities and counties, forcing cuts to vital services, such as police, paramedics and fire departments. Read Democrats’ release on the bill

SENATE HAPPENINGS

The Senate Education Committee killed HB 293, would have required the state to pay parents who chose to remove their children from public schools due to a lack of in-person learning.

The Senate State Affairs Committee this morning voted unanimously to kill HB 106, which does away with the August school levy election date.

The Senate Education Committee voted to hold HB 221 in committee, killing the bill for the session. The bill would have allowed local school districts to certify as teachers anyone who meets locally set requirements, as long as they include being at least 18, not having an infectious disease, passing a criminal background check, and holding a bachelor’s degree.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

The House passed HB 291 in a 52-14 vote. The bill would immediately end emergency declarations or health orders in Idaho involving such things as wildfires, floods or pandemics if it prevented businesses from operating. All Democrats were against.

The House passed HB 342 in a 63-4 vote. Under the bill, the current shift of 1% of Idaho’s sales tax proceeds, or a minimum $15 million a year, would rise to 4.5% or at least $67 million a year. Three percent would be used by the Idaho Transportation Department to bond for road or bridge projects; the other 1.5% would go to local highway jurisdictions, including cities or counties, for local transportation projects.

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

"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." --Michelle Obama

The Legislature has recessed until April 6, 2021 due to multiple cases of COVID-19 among legislators and staff. I hope that everyone has a speedy and complete recovery and that we do not spread the disease further. We have the capability to do our work remotely as we spent federal aid money on the technology necessary, but the majority refuses to make rule changes to allow it. When we return, we will address remaining bills and budgets.

Income Taxes

The House brought H332 directly to the floor with no opportunity for the public to testify, long past the deadline for new bills to be sent from one house of the legislature to the other. As is too often the case, poor process has lead to a poor outcome.

The legislation slashes income tax rates with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to those at the top of the income spectrum. It also provides a lopsided one-time tax rebate equivalent to 9% of a taxpayer’s state income tax due in 2019, or a floor of $50 per person. Under the bill, a couple bringing in $1 million annually would receive more than $10,000; while a couple making $50,000 would receive only $113. The ongoing tax cut for the household earning $25,000 is only $13 a year.

This bill also threatens Idaho’s COVID-19 relief package. The American Rescue Plan Act allocates $1.2 billion for Idaho, but will likely be clawed back dollar-for-dollar if the state enacts this tax cut. H332, at a cost of $390 million, puts one-third of our relief dollars in jeopardy in this first year. Idaho could stand to lose more of those relief funds due to the out-year costs of the bill.

This tax cut is not what Idahoans have been asking for. Overwhelmingly, the people have been asking for property tax relief and investment in important governmental functions, such as education and infrastructure.

The bill has come to the Senate, but errors have been identified and the legislature is deciding how to deal with that. I hope we will have an opportunity for public testimony and a robust discussion.

Property Taxes

This week the Senate finally considered S1108, which was amended multiple times. This bill was purportedly aimed at addressing some part of the property tax puzzle.

Many of us in the Senate have been hearing from our constituents about the need for property tax relief. The homeowner's exemption cap at $100,000 in a time of rising residential property values throughout much of the state has shifted much of the property tax burden onto residential property owners while commercial properties are bearing less of the burden. Additionally, counties, cities, school districts, and other taxing districts continue to provide necessary services to the people of Idaho, often without proper support from the state.

Unfortunately, S1108 did not address any of those issues. Instead it would have further constricted localities' ability to collect property taxes while failing to provide meaningful property tax relief to homeowners. Cities identified this bill as an obstacle to allowing further housing development which was particularly problematic in light of our current housing shortages in many parts of the state. After a lengthy and thorough debate on the Senate floor, the bill was voted down 17-18. I hope the legislature can take up real property tax relief measures this session.

Vaccine Updates

Idaho continues to receive increased doses of COVID-19 vaccine. As of Wednesday, March 17, we have 202,520 Idahoans fully vaccinated and another 125,484 have received the first shot in a two shot series.

Vaccine now available for:

• Ages 55-64, with at least one medical condition

• Ages 65 and Older

• Healthcare workers

• Long-term care facility staff and residents

• First responders

• K-12 teachers and school staff

• Frontline essential workers

Vaccine Schedule:

• March 15: Ages 55-64, with at least one medical condition

• March 22: Ages 55-64, general population

• March 29: Ages 45-54, with at least one medical condition*

• April 5: Ages 45-54, general population

• April 12: Ages 16-44, with at least one medical condition*

• April 26: Ages 16-44, general population

The South Central Public Health District has more information on COVID-19 vaccines, including information on vaccine providers