Past Video

Broadcast Schedule

May 8, 2009: "Week Seventeen" After 117 days in session, the Idaho Legislature has finally adjourned sine die. This week's wrap-up show features an all-star panel of pundits and politicians dissecting the final days of the political stand-off between Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and the House over transportation funding. Thanh Tan moderates the discussion among Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review, Dan Popkey and Kevin Richert of the Idaho Statesman, political analyst Jim Weatherby, Keith Allred of The Common Interest, Lt. Gov. Brad Little, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, House Asst. Majority Leader Scott Bedke, Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly and House Minority Leader John Rusche.

May 8, 2009: "After the Show: Week Seventeen" Panelists reflect on the changes lawmakers made to public education this year, the effects of the stimulus package, and the growing political clashes inside the Republican party.

May 1, 2009: "Week Sixteen" The House of Representatives left the Senate hanging this week after voting Wednesday night to adjourn sine die. The lawmakers refused to give in to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's demands for a fuel tax increase and $75 million in additional road funds. The Senate continues to stand by the governor's side, so forcing the House to return on Monday. This week's show features insight and commentary from Sen. Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner, House Minority Caucus Leader Bill Killen, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, political analyst Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review.

May 1, 2009: "After the Show: Week Sixteen" Panelists Stegner, Killen, Bedke, Weatherby and Russell talk about how the governor may have permanently lost support from lawmakers after last week's veto spree. They also respond to accusations that some members may be hypocritical for wanting road projects in their districts but not wanting to raise taxes to pay for them. The discussion includes spirited debate between Rep. Bedke and his "blood cousin" in the Senate, Sen. Stegner, as they respond to critical editorials about the House's early adjournment.

April 24, 2009: "Week Fifteen" Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter wielded his veto stamp 35 times this week, in an all-out effort to convince lawmakers to support HB 96, a bill amended by the Senate to increase the fuel tax by four cents. Lawmakers responded by killing the measure by a vote of 15-55. This week's panel discusses how the vetoes may have backfired, the new road proposals being considered by the House, the potential end game, and the scramble to end the session. Host Thanh Tan is joined by regular contributors Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review. This week's featured lawmakers are JFAC co-chair Sen. Dean Cameron, House Assistant Minority Leader James Ruchti, and Rep. Cliff Bayer.

April 24, 2009: "After the Show: Week Fifteen" Panelists Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell, Sen. Dean Cameron, Rep. James Ruchti, and Rep. Cliff Bayer respond to Sen. Cameron's impassioned plea for support of the governor's road priorities, then watch archive footage of former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne vetoing a slew of bills to get his transportation bills passed in 2005 and compare the two governors' approaches. Also: editorials from around the state and the quirky story behind the House "crow."

April 17, 2009: "Week Fourteen" Lawmakers are itching to go home, but two issues remain unresolved: transportation funding and the final budget. Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly, Senate Transportation Chair John McGee, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, political analyst Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review join host Thanh Tan for a discussion about the Senate's last-ditch effort to help the governor move his transportation agenda forward. Also: the failure of the liquor license quota bill in the House and the latest agreement on cutting state personnel costs.

April 17, 2009: "After the Show: Week Fourteen" The discussion turns to the remaining public education funding bills, the proper role of government in treating cystic fibrosis patients, a controversial bill to allow guns at work, and some perspective on Sen. McGee's attempt to "suck up" to House Transportation Chair JoAn Wood. The lawmakers also respond to increasingly strong criticism over their lengthening stay in the Capitol annex.

April 10, 2009: "Week Thirteen" Governor Butch Otter's push for additional road funding hit another bump this week after the House voted against a two cent fuel tax increase. By Friday, lawmakers handed him a small victory by voting to authorize $82 million in highway bonds. The discussion also touches on the controversy over personnel cuts, as JFAC continues to adjust budgets. Host Thanh Tan is joined on set by regular contributors Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman Review. Special guests are Rep. Cliff Bayer, House Minority Leader John Rusche, and Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis.

April 10, 2009: "After the Show: Week Thirteen" Panel members Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell, Rep. Cliff Bayer, House Minority Leader John Rusche, and Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis discuss a liquor license quota bill that is inching its way closer to passage in the House, Speaker Denney's decision to pull his Voter ID bill, how a noteworthy financial disclosure measure is being held "hostage," the passage of a bill to increase Fish and Game fees for non-state residents, and a spirited debate over editorials from around the state.

April 3, 2009: "Week Twelve" Gov. Butch Otter and Lt. Gov. Brad Little sit down with Thanh Tan for their first joint interview. The two leaders discuss how their partnership is working out, Little's role in developing relations with the legislative branch, the struggle to pass a substantial road funding bill in the House, the possibility of the Senate amending any fuel tax bills that may come its way, and state employee personnel cuts. Gov. Otter says he now supports a 5% cut, with 3% to be decided by agency directors and 2% to be possibly "triggered" for distribution now or later (if the economy improves).

April 3, 2009: "After the Show: Week Twelve" House Majority Caucus Chair Ken Roberts and House Asst. Minority Leader James Ruchti join Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell, and Thanh Tan for analysis of the governor and lieutenant governor's interview. They also discuss the unprecedented passage of a daycare legislation bill headed to the full House, the tragic loss of a senator's spouse, and editorials written by papers across the state about sovereignty, cupcakes, and the possibility of closing Democratic caucus meetings.

March 27, 2009: "Week Eleven" This week's show comes on the heels of JFAC's precedent-shattering decision to cut public education funding by $109 million. The panel discusses Superintendent Tom Luna's reaction to the reductions, Democratic anger over a provision in the budget holdback, and House battles over proposals to scrap bus transportation/field trip funding and to freeze teacher salaries. The group also talks about the stalled effort to pass daycare legislation in the House. Host Thanh Tan is joined on set by regular contributors Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review. Special guests are Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner, House Education Chair Bob Nonini, and House Minority Caucus Chair Bill Killen.

March 27, 2009: "After the Show: Week Eleven" Is Gov. Otter's patience is wearing thin on transportation issues? Also: a House bill to increase the fuel tax by two cents for one year, JFAC's decision to grant $82 million in bonding authority for Connecting Idaho road projects, the passage of a liquor license bill that would lift the current quota system, and an impending decision on state employee salaries. At the end, the group reacts to an editorial on the governor's performance, and places bets on the session's "going home issues" and sine die dates.

March 20, 2009: "Week Ten" Week ten of the Legislature was a crucial one for Gov. Butch Otter's transportation agenda. On Thursday the House dealt a major blow to his proposal to increase the fuel tax to fund road repairs, defeating HB 246 by a decisive vote of 23-47. Despite the loss, the governor says he refuses to give up and is working with lawmakers to push a similar bill in the coming days. For insight into this statewide issue, host Thanh Tan is joined by a panel that includes: Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review, Senate Transportation Chair John McGee, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke and House Minority Leader John Rusche.

March 20, 2009: "After the Show: Week Ten" Panelists Weatherby, Russell, McGee, Bedke, and Rusche continue their discussion over whether Sen. McGee's bill to let the governor choose the Transportation Department director has any merit . . . and whether the director of ITD should worry about her job. Also: the proposed increase in registration fees, GARVEE's impending troubles, a Senate committee's refusal to pass the House's election consolidation bill, and why the Fish and Game 15% fee increase idea has managed to move forward in these tough times. The lawmakers also tell us whether they are on board with a new bill that may require they disclose their personal incomes to the public for the first time in state history.

March 13, 2009: "Week Nine" This week's panel features three of the most knowledgeable individuals on budget issues and the stimulus: JFAC Co-Chairs Sen. Dean Cameron and Rep. Maxine Bell, and Division of Financial Management Administrator Wayne Hammon. The trio joins political analyst Dr. Jim Weatherby the Spokesman-Review's Betsy Russell and host Thanh Tan for a discussion on the governor's new recommendations for stimulus spending, the Democrats' criticism of the plan, differences over how the discretionary portion of the package should be spent, possible state personnel cuts, and the major changes being proposed to public education spending.

March 13, 2009: "After the Show: Week Nine" Panelists Cameron, Bell, Hammon, Weatherby and Russell talk about the transportation aspects of the stimulus, where jobs may be created around the state, Rep. Moyle and Rep. Bedke's idea for corporate and individual tax cuts, the feisty "north end" exchange between Sen. Nicole LeFavour and Wayne Hammon in Thursday's JFAC meeting, and critical editorials from around the state regarding Gov. Otter's plan.

March 6, 2009: "Week Eight" Gov. Otter's office sorts through over 1,000 requests for stimulus money from public and private entities. Otter says will "hold his nose" and take all the federal money for transportation projects. The Feds delist wolves, again. Also: new unemployment numbers, daycare legislation, the rejection of the governor's bill to raise the tax on rental cars, and controversy over a Tax Commission whistleblower.

March 6, 2009: "After the Show: Week Eight" Panelists discuss the possible invasion of Quagga and Zebra mussels, election consolidation, and the debate over whether the state should spend $2 million to conform with federal tax codes. Also, state economist Mike Ferguson talks about the challenges of forecasting the economy in these uncertain times. And Sen. Kelly and Speaker Denney respond to critics that claim lawmakers have worn out their welcome in the capital.

February 27, 2009: "Week Seven" Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter offers his latest thoughts on the stimulus money and sets the record straight on whether he will accept Idaho's full share of the package. Also on tap: the failed beer and wine tax bill, and the delay in voting for a fuel tax increase.

February 27, 2009: "After the Show: Week Seven" This week's Web Extra begins with a special report on the Micron layoffs from KTVB Reporter Alyson Outen, followed by a discussion of Idaho's unemployment situation and the role of stimulus money in creating jobs. Then, we hear secrets and tidbits from each of the panelists, including revelations of past crushes and a so-called "bat cave" in the Capitol Annex! Finally, panelists Betsy Russell and Dan Popkey answer a lawmaker's pressing question about the press - and receive a compliment from the inimitable Rep. Lenore Barrett (R-Challis).

February 20, 2009: "Week Six" The capitol annex was abuzz over the incoming stimulus money and its implications for education and transportation projects, as well its effect on the length of the session. Also on tap: the governor's executive advisory committee, Rep. Steven Thayn's new education resolution, and Sen. Nicole LeFavour's unsuccessful effort to extend the Idaho Human Rights Act's anti-discrimination provisions to protect gender identity and sexual orientation.

February 20, 2009: "After the Show: Week Six" Spokesman-Review reporter Betsy Russell calls out Sen. Risch for comments he made about mice and pork in the stimulus package. In addition, the panel continues its discussion on stimulus funds, a proposal to increase beer and wine taxes, and Avista Corp.'s effort to help low-income utility customers. For a change of pace, they answer some questions from lawmakers.

February 17, 2009: "Sen. Crapo says stimulus won't solve economic crisis" Sen. Mike Crapo dropped by the Idaho House and Senate on Tuesday (2-17-09). Crapo, who voted against the federal stimulus package, warned lawmakers the package will only lead to more debt for future generations. He also argued that the $787 billion measure doesn't solve the issues underlying the housing or credit crises and that the economy will continue to fail until those issues are addressed.

February 13, 2009: "Week Five" Senate Transportation Chair John McGee and House Transportation & Defense Chair JoAn Wood discuss the governor's proposals for a fuel tax increase to fund road projects with host Thanh Tan. Regular panelists Dr. Jim Weatherby and Spokesman-Review writer Betsy Russell are joined by Idaho Statesman Editorial Page Editor Kevin Richert, Rep. James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) and Rep. Ken Roberts (R-Donnelly) to talk about transportation funding as well as proposals to make sweeping changes to teacher contracts and salaries.

February 13, 2009: "After the Show: Week Five" Panelists Dr. Jim Weatherby, Spokesman-Review writer Betsy Russell, Idaho Statesman Editorial Page Editor Kevin Richert, Rep. James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) and Rep. Ken Roberts (R-Donnelly) continue the intense debate over education funding. They also discuss the effects of the just-passed federal stimulus package on Idaho's budget-setting process.

February 13, 2009: "Gloomy Numbers for JFAC" On Friday morning, JFAC received gloomy news: the state's January revenue figure is $33.1 million below the previously projected number. Idaho Reports brings you the first hour of the committee's hearing, when lawmakers made the gut-wrenching decision to cut the state budget by an additional 2%, for a total of 6% for the current year. Before stimulus dollars are taken into account, K-12 education may have to cut a total of $110 million from its budget.

February 10, 2009: "Governor Otter Interview (uncut)" We bring you the full and uncut interview Thanh Tan conducted with Gov. Butch Otter on January 14, 2009. In this version, Otter sheds light on his beliefs on the role of government and personal responsibility. If you want to know how far-or not so far-we've come in this session, check out this discussion.

February 6, 2009: "Week Four" Superintendent Tom Luna discusses the challenges he faces presiding over K-12 education amid plummeting tax revenues, unprecedented cuts, and the strong possibility the public school rainy day fund may be depleted by year's end. Sparks fly as panel members - host Thanh Tan, Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell of the Spokesman Review, Asst. Minority Leader Sen. Elliot Werk and House Education Committee Chair Rep. Bob Nonini - debate Luna's proposals, the use of rainy day funds, the lingering effects of the 2006 sales tax increase, and serious divisions over how to plan for possible stimulus dollars.

February 6, 2009: "Supt. Tom Luna Interview" Watch Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna talk about why he believes cutting the budget beyond his current proposals risks student achievement, how districts will have the flexibility to cut teacher pay and hours, the possibility of property tax increases across the state, his skepticism over receiving federal "stimulus" funds, and the strong possibility that the public school rainy day fund may be depleted by year's end. Finally, Luna addresses the rumors he's interested in running for Congress.

February 6, 2009: "After the Show: Week Four" Panelists Nonini, Werk, Weatherby and Russell expand their discussion of public education and the growing importance of the Public Education Stabilization Fund. Rep. Nonini offers details on how the House and Senate education committees may shape legislation to support Supt. Luna's agenda. The foursome also debate the opportunities for reforming government presented by the economic crisis, the surprising fall-off in prison inmates, and the latest in the local option tax show-down. Plus, don't miss Sen. Werk and Rep. Nonini wrangle over whether it's necessary to continue funding the Idaho Women's Commission.

January 30, 2009: "Week Three" Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) Co-Chairs Senator Dean Cameron and Rep. Maxine Bell discuss the state's economic woes and their approach to the education budget, rainy days funds, and a possible federal stimulus package. Former state representative and JFAC member Margaret Henbest (D-Boise) and State Board of Education Director Mike Rush join host Thanh Tan and regular contributors Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell to mull the week's events.

January 30, 2009: "After the Show: Week Three" Our panel continues to talk about all the issues we couldn't fit on the air. Henbest, Rush, Weatherby and Russell address changes in the Democratic leadership ranks in the Senate, the words about local option taxes Gov. Butch Otter left out of his State of the State address, major changes to the State Board's responsibilities, Lt. Gov. Brad Little's contradictory views on receiving lobby contributions, Betsy's story of being shut out of a campaign event, former Congressman Bill Sali's comeback, and finally - a "moment of zen," courtesy of Superintendent Tom Luna!

January 23, 2009: "Week Two" This week's show features interviews with newly-appointed Lt. Gov. Brad Little, on what the "going home" issues of the session might be; and freshman US lawmakers Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Walt Minnick, on how the Idaho Legislature should approach the possibility of a federal stimulus package. Host Thanh Tan and her panelists - Lt. Gov. Brad Little, John Miller, Dr. Jim Weatherby, and Betsy Russell - mull the issue of tension in the legislature, the debate over how much of the rainy day funds should be used, and the newly released Idaho Transportation Department Performance audit.

January 23, 2009: "After the Show: Week Two" Our panel continues to talk about all the issues we couldn't fit on the air. Lt. Gov. Little offers his thoughts on the ITD audit. On the lighter side, we discuss Sen. Gary Schroeder's "beauty secrets" and Thanh's adventures trying to redeem her purple ticket for a spot at the presidential inaugural ceremony.

January 23, 2009: "Sen. Jim Risch Interview" Republican Sen. Jim Risch talks about how he's transitioning to life in the minority party, his thoughts on the federal stimulus package, and Idaho's potential for growth in the energy sector. He also offers an impromptu tour of his temporary office in a mobile unit in the Russell Courtyard. The freshman senator is already gaining a reputation as an "overachiever," according to the Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call.

January 23, 2009: "Rep. Walt Minnick Interview" Democratic Congressman Walt Minnick talks about his transition from businessman to full-time politician, what it means to be a member of the majority in Congress, and why he believes Gov. Otter is on the right track when it comes to dealing with Idaho's budget shortfall. He also discusses his skepticism about Congress, financial bailouts, and portions of the upcoming stimulus package.

January 16, 2009: "Week One" Host Thanh Tan interviews Gov. Butch Otter. Afterwards, Tan and her panelists - Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell, and Dan Popkey - discuss the governor's comments and the Legislature's first week in session.

January 16, 2009: "After the Show: Week One" Host Thanh Tan and her panelists - Dr. Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell, and Dan Popkey - discuss budget cuts, statehouse squabbles, a revenue forecast that is even grimmer than the governor's original predictions, and the first march on the capitol by disabled Idahoans and their advocates.

January 14, 2009: "Otter plans to apologize to JFAC co-chairs after Tuesday's flap" During an interview scheduled to air on this week's Idaho Reports, Gov. Butch Otter talks with host Thanh Tan about Tuesday's tense exchange between lawmakers and his budget chief, Wayne Hammon. Hammon chided lawmakers for "sneaking" in the purchase of computers despite the governor's line-item veto of that request last session. In this excerpt, the governor watches Legislature Live video of what was said in the committee and acknowledges a "poor choice of words."

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January 12, 2009: "Otter delivers somber State of the State and Budget address" Gov. Otter asked the Legislature to approve cuts in nearly every sector of state government. His suggested holdbacks range from 5% for public education and 7.5% for Health & Welfare to nearly 56% for Parks and Recreation. The governor also laid out his plans for generating transportation revenue, including increases in the fuel tax rate, rental car excise taxes, and vehicle registration fees. Read the text (PDF).

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"State of the State Web Extra" Host Thanh Tan discusses the effect of the governor's speech with Division of Financial Management Administrator Wayne Hammon, BSU Political Scientist Gary Moncrief, and Idaho Statesman Editorial Page Editor Kevin Richert.

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January 6, 2009: Gov. Otter Appoints Sen. Brad Little Idaho's Next Lt. Governor

Senator Brad Little

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December 12, 2008: "Chief Economist Mike Ferguson Briefs Media" State economist Mike Ferguson said that over the next year Idahoans will continue to lose jobs, the state's unemployment rate will continue to rise, and sales and income revenues will continue to decline. Ferguson noted the U.S. economic downturn is comparable to that of the early 1980's, where the effects of that "depression"-like economy — such as major job losses — trickled down to Idaho. Ferguson said the current forecast is the worst he has seen in years, but it does not yet reach the magnitude of that earlier era. View the Powerpoint slides (pdf).

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December 2, 2008: "Gov. Otter announces additional 3% holdback

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