Legislative Newsletter IX, March 3-10, 2001

[RepTrail <RepTrail@infotrail.com>]

LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER IX--MARCH 3-10, 2001

We are heading down to the final two or three weeks of the legislative 
session, and times are as wild as ever.  The two top issues are tax cuts 
and school facilities.

1. School Facilities  --  The House passed HB 315 that bankers say will 
target Idaho's worst school buildings.  The measure will use up to $10 
million in state funds to partially subsidize interest some school 
districts pay on commercial bank loans the districts would use to fix or 
replace unsafe schools.  My position is that it is a good first step.  It 
is not a long-term solution but it does help our critical, crumbling 
schools.  It will be especially helpful for the Troy school district.

The Senate passed SB 1070 that would require districts to use several 
sources of state money to solve their health and safety problems.  Those 
funds include money from the lottery, unanticipated state revenues that 
schools have on hand when enrollment is lower than forecast and money 
districts would get back from the state retirement system after it had met 
their funding goals.  If this bill gets support, Sen. Diede, the bill's 
sponsor is considering asking the state for up to $30 million of additional 
revenue for school facilities.

There is strong opposition in the House to put up any state support for 
bricks and mortar, and so the chances of passing SB 1070 look 
problematic.  If the House doesn't pass SB 1070 then the Senate out of 
spite might not pass HB 315, and we would end up a zero help for school 
districts. This will not fly well in the face of Judge Baile's decision 
that the Legislature must come up with help for resource poor school 
districts.  The House Republican Caucus voted to appeal the Judge's 
decision to the Idaho Supreme Court, but the Senate and the House Democrats 
refused to support the appeal.  My take is that the Legislature divided 
doesn't make a strong case for an appeal.

2. Tax Cuts  --  There is increasing evidence of a slowdown in the Idaho 
economy.  The enthusiastic tax cutters in the House will tell you that the 
$200 million package they sent to the Senate was excessive.  They are 
committed, however, to a large, permanent tax cut to stimulate the 
economy.  The Senate is much more cautious and they are concerned that a 
large permanent tax reduction threatens to sink the State in red ink which 
would threaten education. I've been through two bleak economic sessions 
where we dealt with hold-backs, and I prefer to see us proceed cautiously 
with a smaller tax package which includes some property tax relief for farmers.

3. Minimum Wage for Farm Workers  --  Extension of minimum wage protection 
to thousands of Idaho farm workers was approved by the Senate 28-7. The 
House approved the amendments 45-23 with a final vote coming up early next 
week.  Approval of HB 71a will provide coverage to an estimated 95% of 
Idaho's farm workers.

4. Industrial Hemp  --  My resolution to legalize the introduction of 
industrial hemp was defeated.  I pointed out that industrial hemp is an 
agricultural crop which has proven to be economically viable in Canada and 
Europe.  This would have provided Idaho farmers struggling with low prices 
for traditional commodities the opportunity to diversify.  I cited 
historical support for industrial hemp production from George Washington, 
Abraham Lincoln, and Brigham Young.

5. Promise Scholarship  --  Albertson College will match the state's new 
$500 Idaho Promise Scholarship for students who are accepted to the school.

6. Idaho State University/U. of Idaho Center at Idaho Falls  --  the House 
approved a planned exchange of state school endowment fund lands that would 
allow both institutions to build a new research center at the Idaho Falls 
location.

7. Beginning Salary for Public School Teachers  --  a resolution introduced 
by Reps. Stone, Young, Sellman, and Trail to recognize the commitment, 
dedication, and service to the teaching profession, and to set a goal of 
$30,000 a year as a starting salary for school teachers within a reasonable 
amount of time was defeated in the House on a voice vote.  Overwhelming 
evidence has been shared with the Legislature of the increasing difficulty 
of competing with neighboring states for teachers.

8. Tussock Moths on Moscow Mountain  --  the State Land Board meets on the 
13th to consider several alternative plans to combat tussock moths on 
Moscow Mountain this spring.  Hopefully, natural parasites may keep the 
moth population under control and no program will be needed.  However, the 
state funding will be available if a program is needed.  One plan would 
have the state provide a 90% match with 10% from landowners.

9.Roadside Memorials  --  The House passed a bill expanding options for 
roadside memorials to traffic accident victims.

10. Emu-tourism  --  A writer from Potlatch suggested that one wild Emu 
cruising around Moscow Mountain that we should turn another 15 loose.  This 
might stimulate the tourism industry with groups from various bird watching 
groups.




Rep. Tom Trail, district 5
ttrail@house.state.id.us
Phone: 208-332-1202

  I would like constituents to contact me by e-mail me with their ideas, 
comments and recommendations.

Legislative newsletters and additional materials and information can be 
located on my web
and home page http://www.infotrail.com/idaho