Medicaid expected to dominate Health & Welfare listening session Friday
The House and Senate Health & Welfare committees will take public testimony for 90 minutes, beginning at 8 a.m. Friday in the Lincoln Auditorium at the Capitol. Much of the conversation is expected...
View ArticleTom Luna’s K-12 budget, Version 2.0
That K-12 budget Tom Luna presented in October? It was not, as the state superintendent took pains to say Thursday, not entirely his budget. It was, largely, the education reform task force’s budget....
View ArticleIdaho Dems chairman: Special interests call shots at Statehouse
Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Larry Kenck says in a guest opinion circulated to Idaho newspapers Thursday that the Republican Party and the lobbyists corp are “too cozy” and the results are “more...
View ArticleYes, Sen. Thayn, it can be hard to believe flip-flopping politicians
Sen. Steve Thayn has reversed his insistence that he has no interest in running to replace retiring GOP Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. After Luna’s surprise announcement Monday that he...
View ArticleNorthwest, Southeast Boise Dems set legislative forums for February, March
Democrats in Northwest and Southeast Boise have scheduled meetings with constituents for Feb. 18 and March 18. In District 16, which includes Northwest Boise and Garden City, Sen. Les Bock and Reps. Hy...
View ArticleYes, kids, there IS a permanent record …
On Wednesday afternoon, Sen. John Goedde unveiled his long-awaited student data security bill. The issue, of course, is serious. Common Core critics believe the new multistate academic standards could...
View ArticleHouse panel introduces bill to nullify EPA
The House State Affairs Committee voted Thursday to print a bill that would declare the Environmental Protection Agency and all of its rules null and void. House Bill 473, which was introduced by...
View ArticleState could be forced to pay feds on broadband contract
State Administration Department Director Teresa Luna If the federal government voids an Idaho broadband project contract, Idaho could be forced to pay back nearly $13.5 million to the feds, state...
View ArticleKey moderate and top budget-writer Bolz to retire from Idaho House
House Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Darrell Bolz said Friday he will retire from the Legislature this year after 14 years. The Caldwell Republican, 70, said it’s time to step aside for a...
View ArticleFlash: Idaho lawmakers return campaign contributions
It’s not often a considerable number of legislators return money intended to help them win re-election, but that’s precisely what happened with a series of small gifts in recent weeks. The story of how...
View ArticleBSU prof, Boise school trustee Rohn to make second bid for Legislature
Boise State professor and Boise School Board member Troy Rohn is running to replace Democratic Rep. Holli Woodings, who is leaving her District 19 seat to run for secretary of state. Rohn carried 35...
View ArticleA Common Core backlash bill?
This bill won’t affect the new Idaho Core Standards — but it was clearly written with the new standards in mind. Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian The Senate Education Committee voted to introduce a bill...
View ArticleOtter: Add the Words protesters may be hurting ‘their own cause’ (w/audio)
Reacting to Tuesday morning’s blockade of his office, Gov. Butch Otter says gay rights advocates may be compromising highway safety and costing taxpayers by delaying the Legislature’s targeted March 21...
View ArticleBedke holds Pioneer-Caldwell irrigation bills, awaiting deal
Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke is holding two bills prompted by a long, bitter water fight between the city of Caldwell and the Pioneer Irrigation District. Bedke said Tuesday he’s holding the bills...
View ArticleOtter staff met Monday with students urging veto of ‘Guns on Campus’ bill
Student leaders expected to meet with Gov. Butch Otter Monday morning to urge him to veto Senate Bill 1254, which would allow students 21 and older who complete enhanced training to carry firearms on...
View ArticleSenate panel votes to continue concealed weapons privilege for Idaho elected...
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 6-2 Monday to kill House Bill 514, which would have ended the privilege enjoyed by elected officials who may carry concealed weapons without a permit. The...
View ArticleChildrens’ voices, a welcome hint of spring at the Idaho Statehouse
We Statehouse denizens sometimes forget just how beautiful the world is. So this week’s annual appearance of choirs from around Idaho offered a welcome lift as lawmakers press to adjourn by March 21....
View ArticleDay 74 at the #idleg, Storified
[View the story "Day 74 at the Idaho Legislature" on Storify]The post Day 74 at the #idleg, Storified appeared first on Idaho Statesman Blogs.
View ArticleIdaho wolf control bill goes to Otter as F&G Commission liberalizes hunting...
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has on his desk a bill to create an Idaho Wolf Control Board. The House gave final approval Thursday to the board, which lawmakers say will fill in the funding gaps created by...
View ArticleLive chat legislative recap Tuesday with Statesman’s Popkey, Kyle & Idaho Ed...
My colleague Zach Kyle, business reporter extraordinaire, education expert Kevin Richert and I will take questions about the 2014 Legislature beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Head to the home page at...
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