There are so many bills being passed and at various legislative stages
that I'm
going to provide some daily updates before getting swamped.
1. BUDGET STABILIZATION BILL--H 443--This bill introduced by Rep. Jim
Clark
passed the House by a 47 to 20 vote. The bill will basically
build up a state
reserve from the current $36 million to almost $80 million in three
years. This
will add on about $15 million/year. Rep. Miller and I opposed the
bill because
we feel that the current $36 million is sufficient and that the $15
million that
goes into the reserve each year will be, in effect, taking away
possible funding
from education, etc. Rep. Clark did point out that the excess
funds will
probably go back to education and other programs over the long run.
2. H 705--GOOD SAM BILL--This bill is was passed out of House Health
and
Welfare today with a Do Pass. The bill is co-sponsored by Mike
Hinson,
Director of Good Samaritan, and Rep. Trail. The legislative
intent is to allow
non-profit organizations like the Good Samaritan to provide home
care to
residents on the campus. In the past Good Sam has provided this
type
of care for $100/month. Legislation from last year prohibits
this and some
residents now have to pay up to $1,500/month to obtain the services
of an
outside provider. This has driven some residents to leave to a
lower cost
facility. The bill provides Health and Welfare the authority to
grant waivers.
The bill could save the State of Idaho up to $500,000 a year and
allow
residents to remain in a residence of their choice at an affordable
choice.
3. 60% MINI-MAJORITY FOR SCHOOL BOND ELECTIONS--Reps. Tillman, Boe,
and Trail will introduce this legislation in the House Education
Committee
on Tuesday. If the bill is printed it will go to State Affairs for
a hearing. The
intent of the bill is to allow school districts to hold bond issues
on primary
and general election dates in the even year and the same two dates
in the
off year utilizing the 60% level for bond passage. School
districts can then
also go for the 2/3 rds or supermajority on other dates is so
desired. This
will have to be a constitutional amendment, and it requires a 2/3
rds vote
from both chambers.
4. ELK AND DEER TAG INCREASES--The House Resources Committee
passed legislation that would raise $1.4 million from hunters this
next
season. It will next be discussed in the House.
Rep. Tom Trail/Rep. 5
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