Legislative Report 2009
Legislative Week 6 Report
The Idaho Legislature has just ended our sixth week with predictions that the Legislature is going to go until the middle of April due to stimulus discussions and setting budgets. I was a member of the 2003 longest session in Idaho Legislative history, so my goal is not to beat that record.
I am a member of State Affairs Committee, which dealt with many issues this week. House Bill 39 on state retirees insurance was held in committee. However, the compromise bill, House Bill 173, on state retirees insurance, which was endorsed by the Idaho Public Employees Association, did come out of committee with a do pass recommendation.
Another bill that was very controversial last year was heard in State Affairs this week and received a positive print hearing pertaining to Midwifery licensing. For more information on this issue, go to the Idaho Legislative website, www.legislature.idaho.gov, and you can read House Bill 185.
Another issue in this same committee pertained to putting the state's checkbook on-line to make government more transparent. The concept sounds fine, but I voted no in the print hearing because this searchable internet database has a $250,000 price tag. Our state does not have the money now, so I believe this isn't the time to do this project.
This coming Monday morning of Feb. 23 the House Revenue and Taxation Committee will have a public hearing on raising the beer and wine taxes. This would raise $19 million dollars with $5 million going to the general fund and the rest going to substance abuse programs. The bill number is House Bill 140, so if you are interested in this issue, contact any or all committee members on Rev. & Tax. Southeast Idaho members on this committee are Rep. James Ruchti, Rep. Dennis Lake, Rep Dell Raybould, and Rep. JoAn Wood.
I am the House Democrat on the Environmental Common Sense Committee which met this week on zebra and quagga mussel prevention in Idaho. These mussels have not been found in Idaho waters to date, but have been found in Electric Lake in Utah this past November, 180 miles from the Idaho border. The infestation of zebra mussel in the Great Lakes has an economic impact of more than $5 billion during a 6 year period from 1993 -99. Thus many western states are on high alert to contain, control and prevent the spread of these mussels in the West. So far, Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah have found these species in critical water supply systems. Many Idaho agencies are working together to prevent this infestation, which would have a horrible economic impact in Idaho.
Please contact me on any issue at esmith@house.idaho.gov or call the toll free number 1-800-626-0471 or with the regular mail address of Capitol Annex P.O.Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720-0038.
Legislative Week 2 Report
First I want to say I am very honored to be serving as State Representative from District 30 (the heart of Pocatello). The second week of the Legislature is ending with all House and Senate committees very involved with sub-committees dealing with proposed rule changes from state agencies. This week one of my sub-committee's discussed DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality) rules on water quality issues. Two rules that will have a public hearing next week pertains to ground water quality with mining activities and the other rule is revising the method to estimate wastewater flow from single-family dwellings on the size of septic system's drain field. Both issues will have people from both sides testifying on January 28th. So far, I have heard from many individuals concerned about the ground water quality rule allowing mining companies to secure a permanent exemption to Idaho's rules and standards, while the current rule provides for a temporary exemption only during active mining operations. Many mining employees throughout Idaho have contacted me stating that the proposed new rule is after negotiated rule making and improves language clarity to the existing rule.
Already I have met with a wide variety of citizens from Pocatello and Bannock County who have come to Boise to visit with the legislators. They have ranged from Chamber representatives, Cable One of Pocatello representatives, ICAN (Idaho Community Action Network), members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and staff from the Veteran's Home in Pocatello, FFA students from Highland High School, Portneuf Medical staff, AFL-CIO rep., to SEICAA (Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency) staff. Thank you to all these groups and individuals who travel here and take time to share their opinions with us.
On Thursday, the entire Idaho House of Representatives voted to reject the pay increase and per diem increase, which was the only correct thing to do since Idaho families are struggling. This House Concurrent Resolution now goes to the Senate side. I believe as a legislator that I should not have a pay increase in this turbulent time of our economy, especially when the Legislature is looking at budget cuts to agencies and universities.
Please contact me on any issue at esmith@house.idaho.gov or call the toll free number 1-800-626-0471 or with the regular mail address of Capitol Annex P.O.Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720-0038.
Jobs
Elaine was a critical supporter of HB651, legislation that provides tax credits to encourage the creation of living wage jobs (those paying at least $15.50 an hour with benefits). This measure provides businesses with the tax relief they need and families with the wages they deserve.
Education
A strong economy needs a strong educated workforce
Elaine understands that you can't have a strong economy without a strong education system, and has consistently stood up for the needs of Idaho's public schools and ISU because an educated workforce is the engine of economic prosperity in Pocatello.
Business
Elaine has worked side-by-side with Idaho's business leaders on the House Business committee to balance the needs of businesses with the needs of our communities. By working to recruit businesses that support a high quality of life, Elaine encourages smart growth in Bannock County.
Paid for by the committee to re-elect Elaine Smith, Alan Stanek, Treasurer