Legislative Update IV, Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2001

[RepTrail <RepTrail@infotrail.com>]

LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER IV - JANUARY 26-FEB 2/2001

Sen. Gary Schroeder, Rep. Gary Young, and I traveled to Potlatch and Troy 
on Saturday to hold two town meetings.  We were gratified that about 55 
attended the meeting in Potlatch and 35 in Troy. The majority of the 
questions raised concerned education, tax cuts, rural development, Highway 
95, impact of higher truck fees on in-state truckers, and the potential 
impact of the tussock moth infestation on Moscow Mountain.  We also found 
out that the ostrich spotted by six of Fish and Games finest near Moscow 
Mountain is an emu and not an ostrich.

1. Tax Issue  --  The finely tuned tax cut package of Governor Kempthorne 
was again delayed in the House and Revenue Committee.  The latest report is 
that the plan may become unraveled, and a number of tax proposals will be 
introduced.  One of the proposals that I support is eliminating the 
personal property tax on farm equipment.  Apparently, the Governor will 
support a one year application.  Many legislators from rural areas feel if 
we can get it passed for one year we can come back again and make it 
permanent.  In Latah County this would save farmers about 
$430,000/year.  The difference would be made up to the county from the 
state general fund.

2. Prescription Drug Credit  --  Currently, Idaho Seniors (over 65) on 
average pay over $700/year for prescription drugs.  Debate continues on the 
national scene over some help for prescription drugs.  Rep. Mary Lou 
Shepherd, Wallace, and I are co-sponsoring a bill that would provide 
Seniors over 65 with incomes under a gross of $15,000 a $100 tax credit on 
prescription drugs. The application for the credit would be made in the 
same manner that one applies for a grocery tax credit.

3. Eliminate The Sales Tax on Required College Textbooks  --  I've been 
working with university student leadership in developing this bill.  The 
impact of the bill would be to help make education more affordable for 
students.  Seven states already have similar legislation in place, and two 
similar bills have been introduced in Washington State.

4. Michael Jordan Bill  --  Idaho has no Right of Privacy Law.  We are all 
aware that many companies sell your name and personal data to 
telemarketers.  My feeling is that like famous sports stars who sell their 
name and personal data for a profit that the common citizen should have the 
same privilege.  Your name and personal data are your intellectual 
property.   My bill simply states that if a company sells your name and 
personal data and with your consent that your get back 25% of the 
transaction.  Rep. Chuck Cuddy introduced a similar bill but the average 
citizen would only get 10% of the transaction.  The Attorney General's 
Office would enforce the legislation.

5. Minimum Wage for Farm Workers  --  The Governor's bill was passed by the 
House Ag Committee by a 8-4 vote. This bill still does not cover 40% of 
farm workers. Our best bet is a minimum wage bill introduced by Sen. Gary 
Schroeder on the Senate side. So we still hold out some hope.

6. Commission to Wait on Area Code Hearings  --  the Idaho PUC will wait 
until spring when a new phone number forecast comes out before scheduling 
public hearings on processes to implement a new area code in Idaho.  A 
Commission news release indicated, "By late May the new forecast will give 
us a better indication of when Idaho will run out of the existing 208 area 
code.  With that information, we can better set the timetable needed to get 
public input on how best to put the new area code in service."

7. Hunting Break for Seniors  --  The Idaho House passed two bills aimed at 
increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for the state's senor 
citizens.  One of the proposals would eliminate the requirement that 
someone with a senior resident combination hunting and fishing license also 
be at least 70 years old to qualify for half price bear, deer, and elk 
tags. The other bill would also allow Idaho nursing homes to buy a single 
resident fishing permit for $30 a year that would enable all the home's 
residents to fish during the open season.

8. Rural Airport Assistance  --  The Federal Government has funds available 
on a 9-1 match to help develop rural airports. The House passed a bill that 
would earmark $300,000 to help rural communities with their match. Rural 
airports typically use the grants to make repairs or improvements that 
allow them to bring in larger planes.


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.

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