2008 Weekly Legislative Columns
•Click on the heading of the weekly columns below to read the entire piece.
CLICK HERE TO READ 2007 LEGISLATIVE COLUMNS
CLICK HERE TO READ 2006 LEGISLATIVE COLUMNS
Marking the first day of the session, the Governor presented his traditional State of the State Address. I am pleased that our Governor’s independent thinking has led him to speak directly about solutions to the real problems facing Idaho. Among other issues, he spoke of climate change, substance abuse, health care, and the mismanagement of infrastructure and roads. Naturally, we agree in some areas and differ in others about how to address the challenges the state is facing.
This week I introduced Senate Bill 1289, and 1314 and co-sponsored Senate Bill 1293. These bills will have an impact on the growing trend of construction of merchant power plants. Prior to the wholesale deregulation of electricity (which occurred in the mid 90’s), a public utility would be forced to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and request permission to build a generating facility. They would they receive a certificate of need. That created a process where Idahoans could weigh in with their concerns.
WEEK
3:
Confined Animal Feeding Operations
It is an American tradition to permit people speak their mind, especially on the
issues that can directly affect them or their property. Yet, Idaho Code has
created a special exception for Idahoans who would like to speak about a
Confined Animal Feeding Operation (aka CAFOs or large dairies) proposed to be
built near their property. As it reads now, only members of the public with
their primary residence within a one-mile radius of a proposed CAFO site may
provide comment at a public siting hearing.
As many of you have heard, I underwent surgery last week, and will be facing more upcoming treatments. The outpour of support and encouragement from the community, friends and family has been overwhelming and inspiring. I wish there were words to clearly convey the deep gratitude my wife, Michelle and I feel towards those who reached out. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
It is no secret that the economy is down. Legislators are rightfully cautious as the state budget planning begins here in Boise. Consequently, on the chopping block is the Governor’s plan to allocate $50 million for low income scholarships for higher education, and a $4.8 million plan to turn a prison warehouse into a drug treatment center. There is also a bill to help the state save money by shifting every retired state employee over 65 years old from state health insurance to Medicare and private insurance
In October of 1979, I was offered a job for a little under $200/week as the advertising manager of the Wood River Journal in Hailey. I gladly accepted the position, although it did involve a move from Boise to Hailey. I, like many others, immediately fell in love with the outdoors and the quaint, and comfortable communities of the Wood River Valley. Since that time, I have been fortunate to call this valley home.
This week Senate Bill 1402 passed the Senate by a 30-4 vote. The bill removes the one-mile primary residence limitation on who can testify at a public hearing regarding the future siting of a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (aka CAFO’s or large dairies). This bill is simple democracy; it gives those with property interests their Constitutional right to share their concerns with elected officials. As the only place in Idaho Code where such a provision exists, it is a disservice to Idahoans to permit this language and it is likely unconstitutional.
WEEK 9: Making change work for us
Like it or not, Idaho and the world most of us
grew up in is changing. While change can be a bit unsettling, it is crucial
that we are aware of it and shape it so that it works for Idaho not, against
us. We need to preserve what make us unique and harness opportunities that
make us competitive. This week the legislation was proposed to help us do
that.
This week I was pleased to be able to enhance the
awareness and opportunities for renewable energy, such as solar, wind and
biomass, by sponsoring House Bill 500. The bill adds renewable energy
ventures to the list of “commercial purposes” that may apply for up to a
49-year lease on state endowment lands. The bill passed the Senate
unanimously.
WEEK 11: A Citizen's Legislature
This week I was discouraged that Senate Bill 1484 passed the Senate. On it’s surface the bill seems reasonable. It requires citizen initiatives to have a financial analysis before they are permitted to collect signatures. The analysis would be on how the initiative could affect state revenue, local governments, private property, and business.
WEEK 12: Personal Property Tax, Closed Primary Elections
It is always guess work this time of year to calculate when the legislative session will end, but it will likely be next week. This week I was pleased to witness Senators strike a compromise on the bill that would remove personal property taxes from business (H599).
