Hello District 19,
We hope this message finds you in good health. This week the legislature focused on advancing many ill-conceived proposals while delaying much-needed coronavirus relief for seniors, renters who have lost jobs, and child care providers. We hope that the appropriations committee will act soon to authorize these funds.
Thank you again for the honor of serving District 19.
Legislative Updates
The House passed House Bill 66 in a 46-24 vote. HB66 prevents local governments and school districts from providing even basic information about bonds and levies on the ballot. For example, ballots would no longer be able to indicate if a measure simply reauthorized an existing levy or created a new levy. The bill would also create severe consequences for violations, including allowing courts to overturn election results. We both voted against this bill. It now heads to the Senate.
A bill 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. We both strongly oppose this bill. State legislators have no business prohibiting local governments from making local decisions. The constitutionality of the bill is also questionable.
On 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 would make it virtually impossible for medical cannabis to become available in Idaho. This would continue to force patients, such as those with late-stage cancer, to rely on narcotics with more severe side effects for pain relief. We believe in a reasonable and compassionate approach to medical cannabis and we oppose this bill, which now moves to the House State Affairs Committee.
While we have seen a flurry of harmful bills move forward, the legislature continues to sit on $900 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. The available funding includes $851,000 for Meals on Wheels for seniors, $164 million for rental assistance for workers who have lost jobs, and $58 million for child care. We support the immediate disbursement of these funds and hope the legislature will take action soon.
Learn more about this week’s events by watching The Idaho Minority Report, which features two District 19 legislators, Rep. Necochea and Sen. Wintrow.
Lauren’s Corner
I saw upside-down priorities on display in House Revenue and Taxation this week. We heard a well-crafted bill to make it easier for seniors to apply for property tax assistance. Currently, seniors need to submit all of their medical receipts with their application. These receipts total $4,000, on average, per application. This is time-consuming and stressful. It also generates needless work for state employees who have to tabulate the receipts. The bill would have created a standard medical cost deduction for property tax assistance, saving time and resources for both state employees and Idahoans. Unfortunately, the bill died with all but one Republican voting against it.
The next day, these same lawmakers approved a tax bill that included an increase in the “three-martini lunch deduction” for business. This was done to bring state tax code in line with federal tax code so that it would be easier for businesses to file their taxes. I generally support keeping our tax code simple. It is disappointing that Idaho legislators could not extend this same courtesy to seniors struggling to pay their property taxes.
I continue to work on advancing the Fair Chance Employment Act. When people who have served their time come back to our communities, we need to make sure they have the chance to compete in the job market. Employment is critical to charting a path to success and our communities are strongest when we have access to everyone’s talent and hard work. I had the pleasure of discussing this legislation on Inspirational Family Radio this week.
Chris’s Corner
Losing three National Guard members last week was certainly the low point. It’s devastating to lose uniformed public servants but it’s particularly sad when they leave children behind. Every military veteran in the Idaho House of Representatives, including myself, will be attending this week’s memorial service.
I’d like to extend a big thanks to Boise State faculty and staff who, throughout the legislative session, have made COVID tests available to employees of the Capitol Building. I participate each time, so thank you, Boise State!