Legislative Updates
The House approved the budget for Idaho Public Television on a narrow vote of 36-34. One Republican complained that children’s shows such as Arthur and Dora the Explorer were “partisan.” Another complained that the news coverage was unfavorable to the Legislature. We joined the entire Democratic caucus and a minority of Republicans to ensure that Idaho Public Television, including the critical emergency broadcast system, can continue to operate.
The House killed HB 195, the targeted picketing bill co-sponsored by Rep. Brooke Green, in a 31-38 vote. The bipartisan bill did not seek to hamper all protests at the homes of public officials and law enforcement officers, only those intended to harass. The bill was backed by law enforcement groups including the sheriffs association, the chiefs of police, the Fraternal Order of Police and the state prosecutors’ association. We both supported the bill.
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. Local school districts can currently make these decisions on their own. Law enforcement groups advised us that this bill could complicate their ability to respond to school emergencies and would make children less safe. We opposed this bill.
The House passed SB 1041 in a 61-7 vote to change Idaho’s price-gouging law in reaction to Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s settlement with the state’s three largest gas retailers during the pandemic. We opposed the bill because it weakens consumer and small business protections related to fuel, food, and pharmaceuticals during emergencies.
For more information about this past week’s events, watch the Idaho Democratic Debrief video.
Full Day Kindergarten Hearing
We have long known that investing in full-day kindergarten is critical to the success of our youngest students. Idaho’s education experts agree. We are very excited that a full-day kindergarten proposal will finally be heard on Monday, March 15.
Please see the committee agenda and testimony sign-up here.
Celebrating our Friend and Colleague
At the Idaho State Museum a new exhibit, Trailblazing Women in Idaho, opened Saturday to the public. Among others, it features our friend and colleague Rep. Muffy Davis who is a seven-time Paralympic Games medalist. We were blessed with a preview last week. After stating that the “the power of the medal is sharing it,” Rep. Davis let us wear some of her medals!
Lauren’s Corner
We saw the House Revenue and Taxation Committee continue to ignore the needs of everyday Idahoans.
The committee introduced a new tax plan from House Republican leadership that has deep, permanent revenue cuts with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to the highest-income households. In addition, the plan has a stunning one-time rebate that is completely lopsided: A couple earning $1 million will receive $6,000. A couple earning $50,000 will receive $100. This does nothing to build the strong middle-class that can power our economy. You can see my statement here.
The two property tax bills we heard this week are insensitive and harmful. House Bill 390 allows the state to “help” you by putting a lien on your house if you can’t afford your bill. The state could take over your ownership of your house bit by bit until you die or sell the house. I support this is an option, but we need to make other policy changes as well so that Idahoans are not forced into this scenario.
House Bill 310 makes it much harder for seniors to qualify for property tax assistance, meaning a loss of $6.5 million in assistance provided, which is about a third of the program.
I am extremely disappointed that these are the only two bills that the majority party has decided to hear. This can’t be our answer to our property tax challenges.
Chris’s Corner
After the Frank and Bethine Church Virtual Gala this weekend, I had the privilege of speaking with members of the Idaho Young Democrats. We discussed the lessons I’ve learned in my first legislative session, the steepness of the mountain we need to climb to bring some balance back to our legislature, and what we must do to climb that mountain.
It was a busy week in the House State Affairs Committee this week. First, the Committee voted 12-2 to send Senate Bill 1110 to the full House, despite overwhelmingly negative testimony against the legislation. SB1110 would add additional hurdles to the ballot initiative and referendum process in Idaho. Both committee Democrats were opposed. Given the widespread concerns this bill has raised, I issued this statement after Monday’s hearing.
A day later, 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. 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. After faulty reporting led many to believe that I wanted to kill Idaho’s participation in Powerball, I issued this statement making it clear that I was the only committee member who made a motion to try and save Powerball. The good news is that there are whispers the Senate may try and clean up this mess, and restore Powerball in Idaho.
Later in the week, the Committee voted 10-4 to send HJR 4 to the full House. The bill replaced (the even worse legislation that was) SJR 101 and proposes a constitutional amendment, which would go before the voters in 2022 if passed. The legislation would prevent the initiative-led or federal legalization of marijuana and other controlled substances, even exclusively for medical purposes, without the approval of two-thirds of Idaho’s Legislature. I was not supportive.