Legislative Newsletter VI February 9 - 16, 2001

[RepTrail <RepTrail@infotrail.com>]

Dear Visionaires:

LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER VI  February 9 - 16, 2001

Setting budgets and tax cut bills were the highlight of Week VI of the 
Idaho Legislative session.  In general, Higher Education fared well with 
JFAC, but k-12 education came in about $20,000,000 below the Governor's 
recommendation.  Public school teacher's salaries were increased 5.5% as 
contrasted with a proposed 4.5% for state employees.  The salary for 
beginning teachers will be about $23,200.  Many legislators had hoped to 
reach the $25,000 mark for beginning teachers.  Here are some of the 
legislative highlights.

1. Education  --  JFAC on Thursday approved the largest one-year increase 
for the universities and the second largest for public schools.  The 
budgets which now go to the full House and Senate, include a 5.5% increase 
in the state contribution to school district payrolls, set a $23,210 
minimum teacher salary, fund a 2 percent equity increase in college faculty 
salaries and earmark $1 million for collaborative higher education centers 
around the state.
Many of the Governor's special initiatives were axed by JFAC including cash 
for teacher pay incentives, classroom supplies and hiring extra counselors.

2. Community Resource Program  --  JFAC refused to approve $6 million in 
general tax revenue to keep to Community Resource Program alive after June 
30th.  The program has been invaluable in putting social workers in the 
schools to spot problems with students and has helped steer troubled 
students and their parents to counseling and community services.  Child 
abuse referral rates have gone down because of the program in many school 
districts. Several months ago, the Director of Health and Welfare, told me 
that H & W could fund $3 million or half of the program cost.  The success 
of the program has been lauded throughout the state.

3. Idaho Public Television  --  The State Board of Education voted 5-2 
against privatization of IPTV.  The House Education Committee recommended 
to JFAC to fully fund IPTV and the $6.2 million digital conversion.

4. School Facilities  --  It appears that the State of Idaho will appeal 
the decision of Judge Bail concerning school facilities to the Idaho 
Supreme Court. Judge Bail's encouraged lawmakers to do more to help schools 
solve building safety problems in a ruling last week on a lawsuit filed by 
15 Idaho school districts.  Schools could get a break on interest paid for 
borrowing money to fix building safety problems under a bill expected to be 
introduced by House leaders.  The bill would permit the state to pay 
between 25 - 100 percent of the interest for many school districts to 
repair unsafe schools.  Daryl Bertelsen, Superintendent of the Troy School 
District backs the the proposal because reduction in interest payments will 
get them more construction for their money, once voters approve a 
levy.  There are also a number of bills concerning school facilities coming 
from the Senate.

5.Idaho Senate Votes No Place for "Squaw" in Place Names  -- The Senate 
voted in favor of doing away with the derogatory word "squaw" in Idaho 
place names.   I will be supporting this legislation when it comes to the 
House.

6. Minimum Wage for Farm Workers  --  HB 56 sponsored by Reps. Bieter, 
Robinson, and myself will be introduced in the House Ag Committee on 
Tuesday.  The bill would cover all farm workers.  Sen. Gary Schroeder will 
introduce a similar bill in the Senate on Thursday.

7. Industrial Hemp  --  On February 28th I will be introducing a resolution 
to legalize the growing of industrial hemp as a viable alternative crop in 
Idaho.  The resolution is to convey a message to the President and our 
Congressional delegation to change the national policy which prohibits 
farmers from growing the crop.  Canadian farmers report net profits of from 
$125 to $175/acre growing industrial hemp.

8. Other Legislative Efforts  --  I'm co-sponsoring a bill aimed at 
predatory loan practices of payday loan stores. These stores change 392% 
interest per year.  We are trying to set a 36% interest cap on loans.  I'm 
also co-sponsoring legislation which would give Senior over 65 and with 
gross income under $15,000 a $100 tax credit on legend  (prescription) drugs.

9. Tax Cut Package  --  HB 275 would provide almost $200 million and more 
than $100 in permanent tax relief.  The major component is a $91 million 
rebate on state income taxes paid for 99.  There is a $16.8 million cut by 
raising the grocery sales tax credit by $15 for everyone.  There is a $12.4 
million in a credit for personal property taxes paid by ranchers and 
farmers.  $9.3 million in enhanced child and elderly care credits are 
included.  The remaining cuts deal with corporate income tax.  Their are 
many in the House and Senate who will be proposing their own tax bills.  I 
support larger property tax cuts which also would help the school 
facilities issue.



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