All 2008 Legislative News
Nevada senator 'confounded' by Utah's ultra-loyal Republicans U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he once believed residents of Idaho, Nevada and Utah were very much alike a decade ago, but that he just doesn't understand why voters in Idaho and Utah continue to vote Republican.
Utah, Idaho congressmen team up on federal lands legislation At a meeting of government and education officials in Idaho Monday, Utah Congressman Rob Bishop and Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali discussed legislation crafted to reflect the Council of State Governments-West's Action Plan for Public Lands and Education initiative, which would allow states to use up to 5 percent of federal lands contained within their borders to fund public education.
Wyoming senator says Endangered Species Act changes needed U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said he believes changes are needed to clarify delisting procedures for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, and said he supported the Bush administration's plan to make changes to the federal act.
Kempthorne tried changing ESA when he was Idaho senator The changes proposed by the Bush administration to the federal Endangered Species Act are similar to reforms championed by Dirk Kempthorne when he served as Idaho's U.S. senator more than a decade ago, and although that legislation had support from both sides of the aisle in Congress, the political environment today means an uphill battle for Interior Secretary Kempthorne.
Idaho governor questions survey on women in leadership roles A report by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society at the University at Albany said that only one in four governor-appointed posts in Idaho are held by women even though they make up half the state's population, but Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter questioned just what the survey looked at and said nearly half the governor's staff are women, and three of the governor's six policy advisers are women.
Washington county GOP criticizes governor over Areva failure The Benton County Republican Party is running ads criticizing Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is running for re-election, for her failure to help recruit a French company that was considering the state as a potential site for a uranium-enrichment plant; Areva ultimately decided to build the plant in Idaho.
Idaho congressman to discuss federal wildfire policy today in Cascade U.S. Rep. Bill Sali will be in Cascade to discuss federal wildfire policy on Tuesday at a public meeting set to begin at 9:30 a.m., and the Idaho lawmaker will hold another public meeting in Donnelly at 4 p.m.
Loss of federal timber payments will leave Idaho county $2.6M short Shoshone County commissioners have until Aug. 18 to come up with a plan to trim the Idaho county's budget by 21 percent, the amount of federal timber payments the county receives, which the county will have to do without if Congress does not approve an extension of the Secure Rural School and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000.
As more Idahoans opt for ethanol blends, state's gas tax revenue falls In the first four months of 2008, 44 million gallons of gasohol sold in Idaho, 11 million more gallons than sold in all of 2007, and if that trend continues, by Dec. 31, nearly a sixth of all gasoline sold this year will contain ethanol, which would cost the state $3.3 million in fuel tax revenue.
Homeland security chief, Interior secretary tour Idaho fire center Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff were in Idaho to tour the National Interagency Fire Center on Wednesday, where Kempthorne said the call to scale back wildfire suppression efforts just didn't make sense given the number of homes now built in the wildland-urban interface.
Idaho congressman plans to join GOP energy protest Friday U.S. Rep. Bill Sali is in Iraq this week, but the Idaho Republican said he intends to return to Washington D.C. on Friday to join other GOP congressmen who have refused to leave for August recess to protest inaction on legislation that would lift a ban on offshore drilling.
Idaho wildlife official given lesser position after criticizing wind project After Idaho House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke contacted Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to complain about Idaho Fish and Game Regional Supervisor David Parrish's criticism of a proposed wind-energy project, the Idaho department demoted Parrish.
Idaho governor in Twin Falls today to talk about road needs The public forum tonight in Twin Falls is the sixth Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has held in the state on transportation needs.
Kempthorne agrees to turn over Idaho gubernatorial documents Two years after he left the position of Idaho governor, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has agreed to turn over his gubernatorial papers to the state by September.
National group will pay for Idaho county's appeal of immigration case Washington, D.C.-based Judicial Watch said it will pay the appeal costs of Canyon County's unsuccessful attempt to use federal anti-organized crime laws to go after Idaho businesses that knowingly hired undocumented workers.
Project Vote Smart bus tours the West, beefing up political info Project Vote Smart, a Montana-based nonprofit that maintains a comprehensive database on federal and state officials, has had a bus on the road since October, and the bus is now touring the West, with stops in Colorado and Utah, and is now headed to Idaho to inform voters about elected officials' votes, donors and ratings from interest groups.
Idaho senator's day in Minnesota court is Sept. 10 A Minnesota appeals court will hear Sen. Larry Craig's case on withdrawing his guilty plea in an airport sex sting on Sept. 10.
Montana, N.D. senators thump IHS director for $16M mess Indian Health Services Director Robert McSwain appeared before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday to explain the $16 million worth of missing or damaged equipment turned up by a federal audit, which McSwain faulted for treating the missing or damaged equipment as new.
USFS pulls ad depicting Smokey the Bear admonishing ATV riders Idaho-based The BlueRibbon Coalition, which advocates for off-road vehicle access to public lands, applauded the U.S. Forest Service's decision to pull an ad that showed Smokey the Bear warning all-terrain vehicle riders that sparks from their ATVs could start a forest fire.
Hundreds of Idahoans respond to Crapo's fuel survey U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo asked Idaho residents to tell him how high fuel prices have affected their lives, and he received 1,200 responses that ranged from giving up vacations to families making decisions between food, medicine or fuel.
Polygamy focus of U.S. Senate panel hearing today At the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat and a Mormon convert, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing today to review efforts to crack down on crimes associated with polygamy.
Nearly all of Idaho's $224M budget surplus spoken for An Idaho financial official said the state controller's touting of a $224-million budget surplus was a little misleading in that all but $50 million had already been allocated.
Idaho wolf foe says decision will aid his wolf-removal initiative Ron Gillett, the head of the Anti Wolf Coalition in Idaho, said now that the wolf is back on the federal endangered species list, he'll try again to get an initiative calling for removal of wolves back on the ballot.
Idaho attorney general finds nothing illegal in tax commission's actions The veteran tax commissioner who complained that Idaho's four tax commissioners routinely settled tax protests with corporations, many from out of state, panned the opinion of the Idaho's attorney general office that said the compromises broke no laws.
Risch, Minnick hold cash advantage over rivals for Idaho seats Republican Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch has raised four times the cash Democrat Larry LaRocco has in the campaign for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement. But Democratic contender Walt Minnick has the financial edge over incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali in the race for Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat.
Idaho governor's road show opens to a packed house in Caldwell In the first of six public meetings Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has planned across the state to discuss transportation projects and how to pay for them, dozens of people packed the meeting room at The College of Idaho in Caldwell to share their ideas.
Idaho reports $221M surplus at end of fiscal year 2008 Sales tax collections and revenue projections didn't meet expectations this fiscal year in Idaho, but state officials said the year closed with $221.8 million in surplus funds.
Nevada senator takes plea for FLDS investigation to Congress Nevada Sen. Harry Reid will appeal to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee next week to launch a federal criminal investigation of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Idaho governor takes transportation dilemma on the road Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, members of his staff and Idaho Department of Transportation officials will hold the first meeting of the "Building Roads, Building Bridges, Building Consensus" tour designed to gather public input on how best to pay for upgrading and maintaining the state's roads.
Colorado Wild warns of unintended consequences of Udall bill U.S. Rep. Mark Udall's proposed amendment to the 1986 law governing ski-area permits on federal lands to provide other year-round outdoor recreational opportunities is too vague, said Colorado Wild Director Ryan Demmy Bidwell, and he said the amendment could open up such areas to such things as roller coasters and water parks.
Candidates for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat to discuss strategy today Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell will hold a joint press conference today in Boise to discuss holding a series of live debates across the state, and are challenging Republican Jim Risch to join them.
Bush administration opposes bill to compensate ranchers for wolf kills Legislation sponsored by Montana Sen. Jon Tester and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso would provide matching federal funds to state programs designed to compensate livestock producers for animals killed by wolves, but at a hearing Wednesday on the bill, Interior officials said the federal government should not be responsible for such payments.
U.S. House sends catastrophic wildfire funding bill to the Senate On Wednesday, the U.S. House passed the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act, which creates a special federal fund for fighting catastrophic wildfires; the bill now moves on to the Senate for action.
Idaho man to take the helm at American Petroleum Institute Former Mud Lake resident Jack Gerard will take the post of president of the American Petroleum Institute on Nov. 1; the Idaho native has also served as the head of the National Mining Association and president of the American Chemistry Council.
Idaho orders independent audit of state tax commission decisions After a 28-year Idaho State Tax Commission auditor charged that the state's tax commission members routinely settled corporations' tax protests contrary to state law, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced retired Boise accountant P. LaVern Gentry will conduct an independent audit of the state panel's decisions.
Idaho governor wants nonmotorized watercraft to be registered Idaho's 880 square miles of water, its teeming rivers and creeks, are a draw for watercraft, motorized and human-powered, and Idaho's consideration of a proposal to require all watercraft be registered has roiled the waters of public debate.
High court's ruling on gun ownership resonates in Idaho An Idaho man who co-authored a paper cited in Justice Antonin Scalia's majority opinion on gun rights was particularly pleased with Thursday's Supreme Court decision.
Idaho tax panel finds no wrongdoing in corporate tax compromises Members of the Idaho State Tax Commission said their review of the state's compromise agreements with corporations over taxes due found no wrongdoing, and that the settlements, which are not public, are proper and save the state money that would be spent litigating tax protests.
Cancer claims Idaho state senator Sen. Tom Gannon's wife was appointed to fill his place in the 2008 Idaho legislative session while he fought lung cancer, which claimed the lawmaker at age 62.
Idaho congressional candidates focus on energy U.S. Rep. Bill Sali, R-Idaho, said he believes ramping up domestic production of oil is the best way to address increasing energy costs, but his Democratic opponent Walt Minnick said a multipronged approach, which includes domestic drilling, alternative energy and conservation efforts, is a better way to go.
Humane Society, Idaho lawmakers at odds over horse-slaughter bill Idaho officials, including U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, said legislation supported by the Humane Society of the United States that would put an end to the shipping of horses from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, will lead to more horses being abandoned on public lands, a position with which Humane Society officials do not agree.
Obama's new chief of staff has Idaho ties, too Jim Messina, Montana Sen. Max Baucus' chief of staff who is leaving that position to take the post of chief of staff with Barack Obama's presidential campaign, moved with his family to Idaho when he was three. Messina graduated from Boise High School in 1988, and still has family in the Treasure Valley.
Idaho Republicans pick a new state leader Norm Semanko ousted two-term Idaho Republican Chairman Kirk Sullivan at the party's state convention on Saturday.
Push on for Congress to get wilderness bills passed In addition to the bill passed that designated 106,000 acres of land in Washington state as wilderness, the U.S. House has passed five other bills designating more than 500,000 acres of federal land across the nation as wilderness; the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has approved another four bills and could pass more. Has a graphic showing current legislation that includes areas in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
Alliance plans effort to unseat GOP leadership in Idaho this weekend At the Idaho Republican Party's convention this weekend in Sandpoint, an alliance of Ron Paul libertarians, social conservatives and those who want a closed GOP primary plan will work on deposing the party's two-term state chairman.
U.S. House passes Amtrak funding bill by veto-proof margin, too Both the U.S. House and Senate have approved a nearly $15-billion, five-year funding bill for Amtrak by veto-proof margins.
Leadership challenge arises on the eve of Idaho GOP convention Idaho Republicans will gather tomorrow in Sandpoint and choose their leaders for the next two years, but on Tuesday, Norm Semanko, an agribusiness lobbyist and 2006 congressional candidate, stepped up to challenge Chairman Kirk Sullivan, who has held the post for four years.
Mexico consulate to open in Idaho later this year Idaho Congressman Bill Sali had tried to delay the opening of a Mexican consulate in Boise until federal officials could provide assurance that the consulate wouldn't aid illegal immigrants by issuing identification cards that they could then use to open bank accounts and access other services.
Montana's congressman: Better bill exists to fund rural schools Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg said he voted against Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio's bill to extend federal payments to rural counties most affected by a loss of timber income because that bill tied the payments to oil revenues, but said he would support another bill sponsored by Oregon Rep. Greg Walden that would renew federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes funds and Secure Rural Schools for another four years.
Bill to extend timber payments to rural counties fails in the U.S. House Although a majority of representatives voted in favor a measure to extend payments to rural counties in Oregon and other states where timber revenues from federal lands are declining, special House rules that did not allow amendments led to the demise of the bill, sparking another round of angry words between Oregon's Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio and his Republican counterpart Rep. Greg Walden.
Bill to end access fees on federal lands remains in Senate committee Montana Sen. Max Baucus' Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act, legislation designed to end federal lands agencies' authority to impose recreational access fees and increase the fees charged at national parks and supported by Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, remains stalled in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
BLM officials say they need another 10 years on OHV plans At an oversight hearing before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, Bureau of Land Management officials said they'll need at least another decade to complete local travel plans, but Committee Chairman New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman said the agency must get the resources to get plans in place sooner than that.
Montana, Idaho senators team up on federal water bill Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus, along with Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, are co-sponsors of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, federal legislation that would create a funding program for cooperative efforts on water management projects.
Idaho congressman dissects misleading ads about CIEDRA changes U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's staff said the removal of two Sawtooth National Recreation Area land transfers - an eight-acre transfer to the City of Stanley and an 86-acre transfer to Custer County - was done to make Simpson's Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act more palatable to Democrats and did not change the overall concept of the legislation, contrary to information contained in advertisements run by the Idaho Recreation Council.
Oregon congressmen at loggerheads on federal aid for rural schools The U.S. House debate on legislation renewing for four years federal aid to rural counties hit hard by declining timber harvests on national forests exploded into an angry fight between Oregon lawmakers, as Rep. Greg Walden and other Republicans took issue with Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio's decision to bring the legislation up for debate with a provision that the bill be funded by oil sources.
U.S. Senate panel hearing on OHV access set for Thursday The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday on the U.S. Forest Service's three-year effort to manage off-road vehicle access, and both environmental and OHV groups plan to appear and provide senators their perspective on that effort.
Interior Dept. considers rule change on guns in national parks Proponents of a proposed rule change that would apply weapons laws of bordering states to national parks and wildlife refuges, allowing visitors to carry guns into those areas, said the change will make parks safer, but opponents, including several former National Park Service chiefs, said the policy change is not needed; then there's the issue of Yellowstone Park, where Idaho, Montana and Wyoming laws could all apply.
With primary over, Idaho's political season pushes off The battle between Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and Democrat Larry LaRocco, a former Idaho congressman, for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement is the headliner in this year's political season in Idaho, and on Wednesday both candidates came out swinging.
Auditor says Idaho Tax Commission allows companies to skate on taxes Stan Howland, a 28-year employee of the Idaho Tax Commission, released a report that said members of the state's tax collection agency routinely allowed companies to pay just a percentage of what they truly owe to the state.
Risch, LaRocco will face each other in Idaho U.S. Senate race Long-time rivals Republican Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and former congressman Democrat Larry LaRocco both won their party's primary on Tuesday, pitting the longtime political rivals against each other again in November's general election for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement.
Idaho congressman sails through primary challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson easily won in Idaho's primary on Tuesday and will face Democratic challenger Debbie Holmes in November's general election.
Congressman Sali wins 60 percent of the vote in Idaho primary U.S. Rep. Bill Sali won the Idaho primary against his Republican challenger, and will face Democrat Walt Minnick in November in what some analysts say will be a tough race.
Some Idaho GOP legislative races too close to call Idaho House Majority Mike Moyle appeared to handily win the Republican primary against two challengers, but other Republican legislators were locked in tight races too close to call.
Voter turnout for Idaho's primary election estimated at 15 percent According to early reports, voter turnout in Idaho's Ada and Kootenai counties was about 11 percent, while voter turnout in Butte County in central Idaho was 60 percent.
Ethanol is losing its luster Complaints that ethanol is putting the squeeze on food prices have spurred a call for Congress to roll back its biofuels mandate, although analysts say it's unlikely that any action will be taken before November's election since the 10 states that produce 80 percent of the nation's ethanol have among them nearly half the 270 electoral votes needed to win a presidential election.
U.S. Senate's war-funding bill contains funds for Northwest counties Oregon's congressional delegation launched a two-track method to maintain funding to rural counties in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California, Montana and other Western states that lost revenue when logging declined in federal forests, and Sen. Ron Wyden's measure to do that passed the Senate along with the $165-billion funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio's bill to extend the payments for four years will be voted on by the U.S. House next month.
BIA official tells senators: chaos and havoc on the way out On his last day as Interior assistant secretary for Indian affairs, Carl Artman testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and told senators and tribal leaders that the BIA is getting a handle on land-trust and probate issues, but tribal leaders and federal lawmakers had myriad examples that problems persist in the agency.
In one Idaho county, jail's location the hot issue Canyon County has an overcrowding problem in its jail system, and candidates for countywide positions offering different solutions for the Idaho county's incarceration facility.
Simpson tweaks Idaho wilderness bill to gain Democrats' support U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said Monday proposed amendments to his Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act that would designate new wilderness areas in the Boulder Mountains and White Cloud Peaks are designed to boost Democrats' support of the measure, and hopefully get the measure out of committee.
Obama stumped by Hanford question at Oregon event At a political rally in Oregon this weekend, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was asked about the federal government's cleanup of the Hanford site in Washington state, the nation's most contaminated nuclear area; the Democratic presidential contender admitted he knew little about Hanford, but promised to learn about the project.
Idaho congressman has GOP challengers, a first since elected in 1998 Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson will face two Republican challengers in the May 27 primary: Gregory Nemitz and Jack Wayne Chappell.
Nuclear power, dairy odors on agenda at Idaho county debate The four candidates for the Jerome County Commission fielded questions on nuclear power, rules governing dairy operations and how they would respond to concerns presented by residents of the Idaho county at a debate Tuesday night.
Idaho Democratic superdelegate says he supports Obama Four of the five Democratic superdelegates in Idaho have now said they support Sen. Barack Obama as the party's presidential nominee; a fifth superdelegate will be selected during the state party's convention in mid-June.
Idaho superdelegate says he'll decide in June Three of four of the superdelegates of the Idaho Democratic Party are backing Sen. Barack Obama to be the party's presidential nominee, but Keith Roark, the state party's chairman, said he'll make his decision in early June; a fifth superdelegate will be chosen at the party's state convention in June.
Montana county asks USFS to halt road talks with Plum Creek The Missoula County Commission has asked the U.S. Forest Service to release documents that provide the underpinnings of discussions between the federal agency and Plum Creek Timber Co. on road easements across federal lands and to not hold any more talks with the timber company until the county has had a chance to review the paperwork, but Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey has already said the documents won't be released, and the county is preparing to head to court.
Former Idaho governor declines to cede control of his records Dirk Kempthorne left the Idaho governor's office two years ago to become secretary of the Interior, and records of his seven years in the gubernatorial office remain under lock and key.
Nation's attorneys general talk energy at Idaho summit Attorneys general do not set energy policy, but they do advise those who do, and at a summit this week in Idaho, attorneys general from across the United States will discuss trends, obstacles and solutions to the global energy situation.
Idaho fights USDA's exclusion of potatoes from WIC program Idaho potato growers concede that it's unlikely the state's congressional delegation will get the U.S. Department of Agriculture to change its policy of excluding potatoes from the list of fruits and vegetables that can be purchased using funds from the federal Women, Infants and Children program this year, but they're hoping to get the tuber on the list in the future.
Montana, Calif. congressmen team up to help sick veterans Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and California Rep. Mike Thompson are again trying to get medical coverage for veterans who were unknowingly exposed during biological and chemical weapons tests between 1963 and 1973; similar legislation sponsored by the two was passed by the House last year but failed to make it through the U.S. Senate.
Interior moves forward with rule change on guns in national parks A proposed rule change published Wednesday in the Federal Register would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry loaded guns into national parks and wildlife refuges in states that allow firearms in parks; the rule change would allow loaded guns in Grand Teton and Yellowstone as Wyoming does not ban guns in parks.
Idaho ranchers, environmentalists testify on Owyhee Initiative At a Senate hearing Tuesday on Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Initiative, ranchers and conservationists praised the bill that would designate an 807-square-mile wilderness in southwest Idaho, while opening up other lands to recreation and grazing.
Other states monitor latest effort to designate wilderness in Idaho Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Initiative would designate 517,000 acres in Idaho's Owyhee County as federal wilderness, but it also removes some restrictions on other acres or sells them outright, which has drawn praise from some circles and criticism from others.
Wyoming senator sponsors bill to pay ranchers for cows killed by wolves U.S. Sen. John Barrasso's Gray Wolf Livestock Mitigation Act would create a federal grant program to match state programs in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to compensate farmers and ranchers for livestock killed by wolves and grizzly bears. The program would also help cover the costs of fencing, guard dogs and other protections to ward off the predators.
Hunters, anglers team up to lobby for responsible energy development A coalition of hunting, fishing and wildlife groups have formed the Sportsmen United for Responsible Energy Development. The coalition released its 10-point Sportsmen's Bill of Rights, which demands continued access to public lands. This will give hunters and anglers a say in energy development on public lands, and management of those lands to benefit multiple use.
Texas inmate jumps through the hoops, gets on Idaho ballot Idaho Democrats will have three presidential candidates to choose from when they vote in the state's May 27 primary: Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama, and Keith Russell Judd, who's doing time in a Texas prison.
Presidential hopefuls still on the fence on salmon Republican presidential contender has expressed his support for maintaining the four dams on the lower Snake River in Washington in the past. But neither Democratic presidential contender has waded into the issue, despite the deep divide in the Pacific Northwest over the issue of endangered salmon, dams and water.
Idaho senator tries again on Owyhee Canyonlands wilderness bill Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo submitted a new version of his legislation that would protect 517,000 acres of Owyhee Canyonlands in the state as wilderness and would designate 315 miles of river as Wild and Scenic Rivers; the bill would also release 200,000 acres of wilderness study lands back to multiple-use management.
Second Democratic contender bows out of Idaho congressional race Larry Grant, a former Micron Technology attorney, announced Thursday that he would not seek the Democratic Party's nomination in Idaho's 1st Congressional District, leaving Walt Minnick as the Democratic presumptive nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Bill Sali.
GOP presidential hopeful Ron Paul to hold rally in Idaho April 25 By nearly all accounts, Arizona Sen. John McCain is the Republican Party's presumptive nominee as the party's presidential candidate, but Ron Paul continues his presidential run which will include a stop in Twin Falls on April 25th.
Legislature treated Idaho's Magic Valley, water issues well The Idaho Legislature has come under some criticism for failing to come up with a solution for the state's $240 million gap in transportation funding, but in the south-central portion of the state, the Legislature's action on water issues appears to balance out the lack of an accord on roads.
Former NPS directors oppose lifting of gun restrictions in parks Seven former directors of the National Park Service have gone on record against an attempt to lift gun restrictions in national parks.
Gavel drops on Idaho legislative session Idaho lawmakers celebrated the end of the 2008 legislative session Wednesday evening, but many lawmakers were disappointed that they were unable to agree on how to raise money for roads and to give local governments the authority to raise sales taxes to pay for transportation projects. Contains a sidebar on legislation passed, including the grocery sales tax rebate and funding drug-treatment programs.
Anti-wolf initiative in Idaho could return federal oversight of the species The group that is working on a ballot initiative demanding that wolves be removed from Idaho said that they're nearing the requisite number of signatures needed to get the initiative on the ballot, but they're unsure if all the folks who signed the petitions are registered voters, and the initiative, if passed, could require Idaho to once again cede control of the species to the federal government.
Idaho lawmakers kill bills to clear way for session's end A last ditch effort to raise additional funding for roads died in the House, a Senate committee denied an effort to give cities and counties the authority to raise sales taxes, with voter approval, for transportation projects, and lawmakers were set to try again this morning on a business-equipment tax change as lawmakers try to clear their desks and head out of Boise.
Idaho senators say they'll resuscitate local option tax measure Just hours after the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee killed a measure that would give local governments authority to raise sales taxes for transportation projects, Senate leaders said they'd revive the measure, in part to give the Senate a bargaining chip in negotiations with the House on amendments to the business equipment tax.
Idaho governor signs grocery-tax relief bill into law Legislation that boosts the amount of grocery tax rebates to Idaho residents was signed into law on Monday by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.
Idaho vehicle-emissions test bill now on Otter's desk The Idaho Legislature passed legislation that would establish vehicle-emissions testing across the state, and the measure is now on the governor's desk awaiting action.
French company set to announce uranium plant site soon A spokesman for Areva, Inc., a French company that plans to build a uranium-enrichment plant in the United States, said it will announce the plant's location either late this week or early next week; sites under consideration include New Mexico's Lea County, near Idaho Falls in Idaho, the Tri-City area of Washington state, as well as sites in Ohio and Texas.
Idaho legislative session drags on Despite an optimistic beginning, the Idaho Legislature is still in session, but with most of the major issues either resolved or dead, lawmakers predict the session will wind up mid-week.
Roads, business tax cut keep Idaho legislators in Boise Idaho lawmakers had hoped to be done with the legislative session last week, but an impasse on funds to build roads and a proposed business tax cut has extended the lawmakers' stint in Boise.
Idaho lawmakers put plan in place to replace federal timber funds Legislation is headed to Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk to replace federal timber payments to schools with state funds if the federal Craig-Wyden legislation isn't reauthorized.
Idaho businessman announces congressional run Gregory Nemitz, a Republican from Twin Falls, announced Wednesday he would seek the Republican Party's nomination for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, a seat now held by Republican Mike Simpson.
Kid-related legislation fails to gain traction in Idaho Legislature Idaho lawmakers are expected to finish their work this week and have a handful of bills to deal with, but none of those bills address efforts to improve early education opportunities for children.
Local-option tax measure squeaks through Idaho Senate panel vote Legislation that would give Idaho voters the authority to raise local sales taxes to pay for roads and transportation projects narrowly survived a vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee; since the measure amends Idaho's Constitution it must have the support of at least 23 of the state's 35 senators, but 10 have already said they'll vote against it.
Idaho lawmakers say no to $190M request for new prison Legislation that requested $190 million to build a new prison in Idaho was drafted but didn't get a hearing before the Legislature, and lawmakers told the head of Corrections that there is simply no time for them to even consider the request.
Idaho congressman wants to ease path for new nuclear power plants Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson said the process to get a license to build a nuclear power plant is too rigorous and takes too long, and he wants to eliminate some of the rules to ease the way for more nuclear power plants.
Idaho Senate panel approves new primary measure Under legislation approved Tuesday by the Senate State Affairs Committee, Idaho voters could participate in a new form of presidential primary in 2010, with Democrats and Republicans voting in their own party primaries, while still giving independent voters a chance to cast their votes.
Idaho Senate panel approves business-equipment tax bill City and county officials testified that phasing out the tax businesses pay on equipment would leave a huge hole in their budgets, but the Idaho Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee narrowly approved legislation to do just that; the bill now moves on to the full Senate for action.
Idaho Legislature sends vehicle-emissions testing bill to Otter A bill that allows Idaho regulators to establish mandatory vehicle emission tests in areas where pollution is approaching federal limits was sent to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for action, and if he signs the bill into law, it will likely mean such tests will be instituted in Ada and Canyon counties.
GAO studies moving USFS to Dept. of Interior The U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee on interior, environment and related agencies has asked the Government Accountability Office to examine moving the U.S. Forest Service, which is now part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the Department of Interior, where it would reside with National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Tri-City groups urge Washington governor to support Areva plant County and city governments in the Tri-City area of Washington state are urging Gov. Chris Gregoire to support efforts to land Areva Inc.'s $2 billion uranium enrichment plant; the company is also considering sites in Idaho, New Mexico, Texas and Ohio.
California man says he'll run for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat Hal Styles hasn't made the move from his home in Southern California to Idaho yet, but he's planning to do so "sometime soon" in order to run for the Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's decision not to run again.
Lawsuit presses Bush administration on 681 species of plants, animals Bush administration officials concede that more than 280 species should be on the federal endangered species list but said that the onslaught of lawsuits has hindered efforts to proceed with the listing process; Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall told Congress last month that his agency will make listing decisions on 71 species by October, and another 21 species a year later.
Idaho Legislature long on work, short on time Idaho lawmakers would like to call it quits on this year's legislative session by the end of this week, but there's much to be done, including coming up with a compromise on improving the state's roads and hammering out a local option tax proposal.
Bush administration revises effort to wean businesses off illegal labor The Bush administration's "no-match" policy that would have warned businesses that employees on their payroll were using suspect Social Security numbers and required those businesses to resolve the matter or fire the employees was put on hold by a federal judge last September; on Friday a revised plan was rolled out and if the changes satisfy the courts, employers could begin receiving such notice as early as June.
Idaho Senate sends grocery tax credit bill to Otter Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has indicated that he will sign into law the legislation that increases income tax rebate for groceries.
Idaho governor uses line-item veto to nix $16.8M drug-treatment program Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter used his line item veto for the first time on Thursday when he excised $16.8 million from two drug treatment bills because he said the programs funded hadn't proved to be effective.
Idaho Senate puts REAL ID bill on hold On Wednesday, Idaho Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis put legislation that would have exempted the state from implementing federal guidelines for driver's licenses on hold until he had a chance to talk with Idaho National Laboratory officials on how the bill would affect that federal facility.
Idaho lawmakers, governor push for new, higher dams Idaho lawmakers are pushing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to study a long-proposed dam on the Weiser River, to update studies on the Teton Dam, which burst in 1976, and to consider raising the height of the Minidoka Dam on the Snake River to increase the capacity of that dam's reservoir.
Idaho Senate passes bill to roll back benefits for retired state workers Under a bill approved Thursday by the Idaho Senate, medical benefits for the 3,000 retired state workers will be capped at about $1,800 annually, and would eliminate future medical benefits for current workers when they retire.
Former Idaho elk rancher to run as an independent for U.S. Senate Rex Rammell, a former elk rancher in Idaho had previously announced that he would run for the Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Larry Craig, who is not seeking re-election; but with what Rammell said was the GOP's "anointment" of Lt. Gov. Jim Risch as the party's nominee, Rammel has decided to run for the seat as an independent candidate.
Idaho Senate panel approves grocery tax relief measure The Idaho House has already approved legislation that gradually increases the amount of a rebate given to low-income Idaho families and senior citizens to offset the sales tax on groceries, and on Tuesday, the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee approved the measure to send it along to the full Senate for a vote.
Idaho Senate panel kills bill that targeted companies using illegal labor On Monday, the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee killed legislation fashioned after an Arizona law that imposes sanctions on employers who knowingly hire illegal workers; similar legislation failed in an Idaho House committee last month.
Idaho Senate passes duo of tax breaks for uranium plant In an effort to lure a French company to build a uranium-enrichment plant in the state, the Idaho Senate passed legislation Monday that extends a sales tax exemption to cover production equipment that handles nuclear fuel and caps property tax valuations on the plant at $400 million if Areva Inc. invests $1 billion in the plant over the next seven years.
Idaho House panel OKs stiffer penalties for fisheries destruction In response to the destruction of kokanee salmon spawning beds by a builder last spring, the Idaho Senate passed legislation to increase the amount of fines imposed on developers who degrade water quality in lakes or damage fisheries with unlawful construction and the Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the legislation on Monday.
Latest sales tax report shows spending down in Idaho The Idaho State Tax Commission reported gross receipts were down 0.79 percent in February, the largest decline in tax revenue in about 20 years.
Idaho bill gives Ag Dept. authority to fight quagga mussels The House State Affairs Committee sent a bill directly to the floor of the Idaho House that would give the state Department of Agriculture authority to enact measures to curb quagga mussels, including setting up stations to examine boats for the invasive species.
Idaho House passes bill forbidding DOT from implementing REAL ID Legislation passed last week by the Idaho House specifically forbids the state's Department of Transportation from implementing the federal REAL ID Act, which mandates nationwide requirements for states' driver's licenses and requires states to link their license databases to a national database; the legislation must still pass the Idaho Senate and be signed into law by the governor to take effect.
Environmental groups assail plan for Idaho's roadless areas A new report issued by the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups examines how management of Idaho's 9.3 million acres of federal national forest lands would change if the Bush administration adopts Idaho's plan.
GOP amendment causes rift in Idaho effort to pass local option tax An effort to give local governments the authority to impose a tax to pay for transit and transportation projects in Idaho stalled after Republican lawmakers, including the governor, introduced a constitutional amendment that would require such local sales taxes be approved by a two-thirds majority of voters in the city or county seeking the tax.
Idaho Senate panel advances 2 uranium-plant incentive bills The Idaho Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee approved legislation that would cap the taxable value of a proposed uranium-enrichment plant at $400 million, and approved a second bill that extended a sales tax exemption for business equipment used to handle nuclear fuel; the full Senate will now vote on the legislation drafted to entice a French company to build the plant in eastern Idaho.
Idaho lawmakers submit more modest vehicle-registration fee increases Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter dropped his plan to raise vehicle-registration fees to raise more than $202 million over the next three years after House lawmakers said it was too expensive, and now legislators are presenting a package of smaller registration fee increases that would raise about $40 million each year.
Idaho lawmakers consider plan to buy fish farm to ease city's water woes The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a plan to provide $5 million in funding, plus a $10-million state loan, to help Twin Falls buy a fish farm along the Snake river which would allow the Idaho city to use its share of the water allocation to dilute its drinking water to lower arsenic levels.
Idaho legislative panel OKs $400K to study rebuilding Teton Dam The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee gave preliminary approval to two dam-related projects in Idaho on Tuesday: $400,000 to study resurrecting the Teton Dam that failed in 1976, and $1.4 million to study enlarging the Minidoka Dam on the Snake River.
Idaho House panel sends infrastructure bill to the full House Legislation that would allow developers to use bond revenue for trails, water and sewage systems, roads and bridges, fire and police buildings and parks both inside and outside developments was narrowly approved by the Idaho House Revenue and Taxation Committee, and now moves to the full House for a vote.
Bill to impose higher fines on unlicensed outfitters heads to Idaho governor Legislation that imposes higher fines on unlicensed outfitters in Idaho and sets jail time for those convicted was passed by both the House and Senate.
Idaho lawmakers nix climate-change bill, pull Ranch, Farm Protection Act Despite two years' effort to get stakeholders on board to pass the Idaho Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act, which would give tax credits to landowners who put a conservation easement on their land for 30 years, House GOP leaders pulled the bill after objections to the tax credits and the easement period were voiced.
Idaho governor says constitutional route may be best for local tax option Treasure Valley proponents of a plan to give local governments the option of passing a local tax to pay for mass transit projects weren't thrilled to hear Idaho Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's opinion that he believes a constitutional amendment may be the only way to give local governments that tax option.
Idaho governor withdraws plan to increase vehicle-registration fees Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter sent a scathing letter to lawmakers, criticizing them for not acting on his package of bills designed to raise funding for road projects.
Idaho House approves incentives for uranium-enrichment plant The Idaho Senate will now vote on a package of tax incentives for a proposed uranium-enrichment facility that a French company wants to build near Idaho Falls.
Idaho House panel OKs bill to let state set up vehicle emissions testing Concerns about air quality in Idaho's Treasure Valley prompted legislation approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee that would allow the state to set up vehicle emission test stations in areas where air pollution levels are approaching federal limits.
Trio of bills address concerns of N. Idaho residents on water efforts Northern Idaho lawmakers are successfully rowing a trio of bills through the Legislature that make water adjudication efforts in their part of the state voluntary for domestic and stock-water rights holders, cut fees in half and remove Kootenai-Moyie River Basin from the state's adjudication effort.
Idaho House sends conservation tax credit bill on to the full House The House Revenue and Taxation Committee approved the Idaho Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act, which would provide up to $3 million annually in income tax credits to landowners who protect their land from development for more than 30 years; the bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
Group gives Utah government highest rating The Pew Center on States Government Performance Project for 2008 gave Utah an A- for its efforts on managing information, people, money and infrastructure; Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico and Wyoming each got a B-; and Colorado, Montana and Nevada earned a C+.
Idaho Senate advances bill on climate change Three Republican members of the Idaho Senate Resources and Conservation Committee questioned the need for a resolution that asks the Office of Energy Resources and Department of Environmental Quality to come up with recommendations on regulating greenhouse-gas emissions, should the state ever wade into that arena of regulation, and to put a high priority on developing conservation and renewable resources in Idaho.
Idaho Senate to take up public lands, energy bill The Idaho Senate Resources and Environment Committee will take up legislation that would open up the state's endowment lands to renewable energy projects.
Legislation would put BLM areas on same level with NPS, USFS lands Environmental groups and U.S. Bureau of Land Management officials are working together on federal legislation that would permanently designate 26 million acres of land in the Western United States under management by the BLM for conservation.
Idaho Senate panel approves $20-million aquifer plan The Idaho House has already approved a bill that would allocate $20 million to study, monitor and develop management plans for 10 aquifers in the state, and on Wednesday the Senate Resources and Environment Committee unanimously approved the bill.
GOP House leaders introduce 3 bills to raise revenue for Idaho roads The day after Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter submitted his proposals on raising revenue to improve roads, Republican House leaders submitted three of their own that included shifting $22 million in sales tax revenue from tires, batteries and car accessories to highway funding, putting limits on bonds for "Connecting Idaho" projects, and requiring legislative approval for such projects.
Bill protects rights of Idaho colleges to ban weapons on campuses The Senate State Affairs Committee approved a bill that prevents local governments from enacting rules on firearms, but a provision that required the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents at the University of Idaho to set rules on weapons on campuses was stripped from the bill, keeping authority for such decisions in the hands of state college officials.
Idaho governor pitches $202 million road plan Gov. Butch Otter is proposing a series of fee increases to raise $202 million annually by 2011 to maintain Idaho's roads, including a 4 percent tax on rental cars, an increase of fees on commercial truckers, and a rise in registration fees for personal vehicles to a flat annual fee of $150.
Idaho Senate panel advances teachers' pay plan along Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's 11th hour show of support for a $20 million pay-for-performance plan for public school teachers helped get the bill through the Senate Education Committee on a 5-4 vote Tuesday.
Idaho, farmers, environmentalists reach new accord on field burning The Idaho Legislature must approve a deal hammered out between the state, farmers and environmental groups over field burning that gives the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality authority over burning and imposes a new set of strict regulations on the process.
Idaho House debates bill to entice uranium-enrichment plant to Idaho A French company said it will bring its $2-billion uranium enrichment plant to Idaho if the state can come up with the necessary package of tax incentives, and on Monday the House Revenue and Taxation Committee began debate on the incentive package.
Interior Department says it will review ban on guns in parks On Friday, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced that his department will review gun laws on lands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service and draw up new rules by April 30 for public comment, a move supported by 50 senators, including those from Wyoming and Montana, but opposed by park rangers, retirees and conservation groups.
Idaho House sends tribal fuel tax accord to Otter The Idaho House approved fuel tax agreements with the Coeur d'Alene, Nez Perce, Kootenai and Shoshone-Bannock tribes that allow the tribes to collect taxes on gas equal to the state's 25-cent-per-gallon tax, and require the tribes to raise their fuel tax rates if the state raises its rate.
Majority of Idahoans want sales tax off groceries According to the latest public survey by Boise State University, 69 percent of Idahoans surveyed want the sales tax removed from groceries, and most lawmakers do too; however, the tax brings in nearly $200 million in revenue each year, and the governor, as well as Democratic and Republican lawmakers, all have their own opinions about how to handle the loss of revenue from the existing tax.
Idaho dairies hire lawmaker to advise them on immigration issues The Idaho Dairymen's Association is forming a coalition to work on immigration reform issues. The association has hired state Rep. Raul Labrador, an immigration attorney, to advise the coalition on the issues.
Idaho schools chief whacks teacher's pay plan by two-thirds Schools Superintendent Tom Luna presented his new teacher's pay plan to Idaho lawmakers on Tuesday, cutting the original $60 million to $20.5 million, and eliminating a controversial provision that would have provided bonuses to teachers in exchange for giving up their contracts.
Idaho governor's top aide says she's stepping down Idaho Gov. Butch Otter's top aide on health and welfare issues announced that she would leave office on Friday to be with her infant grandson who is scheduled for surgery to remove a birthmark.
Idaho bill would open federal lands for renewable-energy projects When Idaho was granted statehood in 1890, the state was granted 2.1 million acres of public school endowment lands, and state Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, wants to open up some of those lands for renewable energy projects.
Montana gay community outraged by congressman's prank On a congressional trip to the Middle East last month, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg put together an "Idaho Travel Package" for Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson that included a stuffed sheep with gloves attached to it, a Village People CD, and a T-shirt that reads, "My senator may not be gay, but my governor is Butch"; the Montana Human Rights Network and the Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center want the Montana Republican to apologize for the offensive prank.
Fifth Idaho Republican announces run for U.S. Senate Iraq War veteran Scott Syme announced that he would challenge the four other Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, who is not seeking re-election.
Bill would make developers foot the bill for affordable housing in Idaho Idaho's resort towns are struggling to keep year-round workers living in their towns, and legislation under consideration in the Gem State would make developers pay a fee to help build affordable housing.
Idaho bill would create elk farm panel Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said his bill to create a Domestic Cervidae Council will help promote the state's elk-farm industry and fend off attacks against the industry from sportsmen's groups and other Idaho lawmakers.
Geothermal company asks Idaho Legislature for tax break Idaho lawmakers said they would likely debate next week the request of U.S. Geothermal Inc. to give geothermal power producers the same tax breaks wind power producers in the state get.
Washington congressman: USFS budget an 'unmitigated disaster' A group of Democratic federal lawmakers said President Bush's budget plan for the Interior Department could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and sharply reduce road and trail maintenance work, land acquisition and cooperative projects with states; they did, however, applaud the proposed $148 million increase in wildfire fighting funds.
U.S. Senate Ethics Committee rebukes Idaho senator Idaho Sen. Larry Craig was publicly admonished by the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee for his arrest and guilty plea to an incident last summer in a Minneapolis airport men's room, but the Committee stopped short of recommending a more serious punishment, such as expulsion.
Former, current Idaho state workers criticize Otter's benefits plan Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's proposal to raise the pay of state workers by 5 percent but reduce benefits paid for those workers from 78 to 70 percent over the next five years is drawing fire from both former and current state workers, but Department of Administration Director Mike Gwartney said the state cannot afford to maintain the status quo.
Idaho schools chief scales back teachers' pay plan Idaho Schools Superintendent Tom Luna cut down his teachers' pay proposal to $30 million, about half of what his original proposal would have cost, and lawmakers said they anticipated taking up a new bill that embodies Luna's changes.
Idaho's newest rest area is a truck stop Idaho Department of Transportation officials said the public-private partnership used to create the state's newest official rest area in a Flying J truck stop will be used in all future rest area designations, and is part of the department's effort to cut expenses.
Idaho group wants public to get a say on managing bighorn sheep The Idaho Conservation League asked Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to get the public involved in crafting a bighorn sheep management plan, and said that the governor's top-down approach to developing such a plan is an invitation for more lawsuits.
Idaho AG says nuclear-power siting initiative may not pass muster Twin Falls podiatrist Peter Rickards said the Idaho Attorney General's opinion on Rickards' proposed ballot initiative that would give voters a final say on where nuclear power plants could be built won't keep him from continuing to get the measure on November's ballot.
Idaho lawmakers take aim again at shooter-bull operations Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise, admitted his bill to ban canned hunts in Idaho would again fail, but said he submitted the legislation to keep debate about the issue alive.
Idaho Republicans disappointed with Romney's decision Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney raised more money in Idaho than any other presidential candidate, and his decision to suspend his campaign disappointed many in the state.
Flagging revenues may tank Idaho governor's pay-raise plan Idaho revenues fell about $38.5 million below expectations in January, and members of the Legislature's budget committee said that shortfall would certainly stall Gov. Butch "C.L." Otter's proposed raises for state employees, as well as Schools Superintendent Tom Luna's plan to raise teachers' salaries.
Gingrich's book tour makes a stop in Idaho Former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich has written a book on market-based conservation efforts, and he was in Boise on Wednesday to tout A Contract with the Earth.
Idaho bill would allow concealed weapons on college campuses Idaho state senators are considering legislation that would strip community college and university officials of their authority to ban concealed weapons on their campuses.
Mining companies sponsor bill to change Idaho law on groundwater Last year, Idaho lawmakers and regulators began working on an update to the Idaho Groundwater Quality Plan passed in 1992 designed to protect aquifer quality while still allowing mining activity in the state, but those efforts failed to elicit new rules; now the State Senate is debating legislation sponsored by the Idaho Mining Association that would allow groundwater degradation directly under mining sites as long as the water doesn't migrate from those sites.
County officials in N. Idaho ask Legislature to slow down water process County commissioners from Idaho's northern counties testified before the state Senate Resources Committee that many of the residents in their counties are distrustful of the state's effort to adjudicate water rights and asked that those efforts be scaled back, slowed down or ended.
Mountain West voters give nods to Obama, Romney Democrats in Idaho, Colorado and Utah picked Barack Obama as their presidential choice, and Republicans in Montana, Colorado and Utah said Mitt Romney was theirs. A good roundup of results from the Mountain West.
Idaho bill would compensate ranchers for livestock killed by grizzlies There are current programs in place in Idaho that compensate ranchers for livestock killed by black bears and mountain lions, and now lawmakers are considering legislation that would compensate ranchers for livestock killed by grizzly bears.
Idaho House votes to extend debate on land-conservation bill The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted to further debate the Idaho Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act, which would give tax credits to landowners that put conservation easements on their land to keep them from being development.
Idaho Democrats to vote today Camas County will not take part in today's Democratic presidential caucuses in Idaho, but party officials predict record turnout in the other 43 counties; Idaho Republicans will hold their nominating contests on May 27.
Energy expert: Nuclear power a good fit for Idaho Jim Yost, one of Idaho's most experienced energy experts and recently appointed by the governor to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, told members of the Senate Resource and Conservation Committee that nuclear power would be OK for Idaho but that a site for such a plant would have to be carefully chosen; he also said he supports development of the state's renewable energy resources, and that he agrees with Gov. Otter's opposition to any effort to breach dams in the state.
Proposed federal budget contains little funding for parks projects A representative for the National Parks Conservation Association said president Bush's proposed federal budget has $161 million in new money for national parks operations, but slashes funding for construction projects by $46 million and contains cuts in funding for historic preservation programs and for national parks' education and recreation programs as well.
Idaho House panel kills measure to increase grocery-tax relief Members of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee that killed a measure to increase the amount of grocery-tax relief said that the legislation did too little to help Idahoans, and vowed they would continue their effort to get sales taxes on groceries removed entirely.
President's budget proposal cuts funding for USFS, BLM, BIA The Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee called President Bush's proposed budget for 2009 a "Groundhog Day" budget, containing the same budget reductions for federal land agencies that have been repeatedly rejected by Congress and the American people.
Republican lawmakers lay out economic scenarios for Idaho The Republican chairs of the Idaho House and Senate Finance Committees divided the budget for the fiscal year 2009 into two parts: one for ongoing expenditures and the other for one-time surplus spending.
Independent Western voters make Tuesday's contests tough to call Issue-focused voters who are likely to cross party lines when deciding whom to vote for in the presidential contests in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Colorado make Tuesday's vote a tough one to call.
In Idaho, Andrus endorses Obama; Church endorses Clinton Democratic presidential contenders picked up key endorsements in Idaho on Thursday, with former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus supporting Sen. Barack Obama, saying the Illinois senator reminded him of John F. Kennedy, while Bethine Church, widow of former Idaho Democratic Sen. Frank Church, said she supported Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Idaho lawmakers want Education board to explain $1.4M deficit All eight members of the State Board of Education will be expected to explain to the Senate Education Committee just why the board ran a $1.4 million deficit in 2007.
French firm woos Idaho as possible site for uranium-enrichment plant A nuclear-energy company controlled by the French government has hired a lobbyist to work with Idaho officials; Idaho lawmakers said they're already working on an incentive package to encourage Areva Inc. to build a new uranium-enrichment plant near the Idaho National Laboratory nuclear reservation near Idaho Falls.
Idaho lawmakers pitch different plans on grocery sales tax Idaho is one of 15 states that still make residents pay sales tax on groceries, and state lawmakers are considering a proposal, not supported by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, to raise rebates given to low-income residents; Democratic lawmakers would like to phase out the sales tax on groceries altogether, and Republican legislators said they have an alternate proposal as well, but neither will be considered until the current legislation is fully vetted by the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Debate about grocery-tax bill begins anew today in Idaho House Majority Caucus Chair Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly, said the debate about providing a grocery-tax rebate to low-income Idahoans will be different this year, as Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has already signed off on this year's version of the legislation.
New rules for border crossing take effect Thursday U.S. citizens will be required to carry proof of citizenship when crossing the nation's northern and southern borders on Thursday.
Idaho committee advances $20-million bill for aquifer study On Tuesday, the House Resources and Conservation Committee approved Gov. Butch Otter's $20-million proposal to study and develop management plans for all of Idaho's aquifers that includes $3 million to study the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer; the measure now moves on to a vote before the full House.
Obama plans campaign stop in Idaho's capital city on Saturday Idaho Democratic Party officials said they don't know the full details of presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's planned stop in Boise on Saturday, but they did confirm that any appearance Obama makes will be open to the public.
Medical condition sidelines Idaho Senate Minority leader Idaho Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, has asked Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to appoint former Sun Valley Mayor Jon Thorson to fill in for Stennett while he undergoes treatment for a medical condition.
Obama targets Utah, Idaho, other GOP-leaning states Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama is on the hunt for delegates in states that have traditionally voted Republican, such as Utah, Idaho, Kansas and Alaska.
Senate Ethics Committee mum about progress of Craig investigation The U.S. Senate's Ethics Committee's investigation into Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's controversial arrest last summer is continuing, but members of the committee won't say how the process is going nor when it will be complete. Medicaid director asks Idaho lawmakers to OK $1.4B proposal Idaho's three-pronged Medicaid project launched two years ago that divided recipients into three groups with health care plans crafted to fit their needs has thus far been a success, and on Thursday the director of the state's Medicaid program asked lawmakers to approve a |