All 2011 Legislative & Political News
States' environmental agencies' budgets hit hard by cuts Although states' environmental agencies' budgets are tiny slices of the entire money pie, states are cutting their budgets, which in turn is causing eradication of entire programs.
Supercommittee's failure could have an impact in Idaho The Idaho Statesman takes a look at what federal programs in place in Idaho would be cut if the mandatory reductions are called for now that the supercommittee failed to come up with another plan.
Students at Idaho school pack their own water due to contaminated well Students at Raft River Elementary School and Raft River Junior/Senior High in Malta are taking their own water bottles to school or drinking the bottled water provided because the wells upon which the schools depend for water have tested positive for coliform bacteria over the past six years. Since voters denied a recent levy that would have provided a new water source, the students will continue to pack their own water.
U.S. Senate makes Jan. 27 a 'day of remembrance' for downwinders On Thursday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution written by Idaho U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, and co-sponsored by Idaho. Sen. Jim Risch, as well as senators from Colorado and New Mexico, to make Jan. 27, 2012, the 51st anniversary of first Nevada bomb test, a day of remembrance for Americans harmed by above-ground nuclear tests.
Anti-death penalty protest takes on new urgency in Idaho as execution nears For 16 years, a retired teacher has stood vigil on a downtown corner in Boise to protest the state's death penalty, and with the state of Idaho's planned execution of convicted killer Paul Ezra Rhoades scheduled for 8:10 Friday morning, more people are joining Henry Krewer on that corner.
Five apply to fill term of Idaho state representative who died Five residents of Idaho District 10 have applied to fill the remaining 14 months of the term of Rep. Pat Takasugi, who died earlier this month from cancer.
Twin Falls County challenges Idaho's new redistricting map On Wednesday, Twin Falls County filed a lawsuit in the Idaho Supreme Court challenging the state's new redistricting map.
Idaho lawmakers hear from business owners about onerous regulations At a meeting convened by Idaho U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador to bring business owners and members of the state Legislative Business Caucus together, lawmakers heard complaints about federal bureaucracy, a marked increase in unemployment insurance premiums, and the difficulty of getting foreign workers.
Idaho has yet to spend about 1.29% of its federal stimulus funds When federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were handed out, Idaho led the nation in putting that money to work, but the state still has $22.3 million in such funds allocated to 18 contracts, 19 grants and four loans, primarily for water, sewage treatment and telecommunications, that have yet to be spent.
Idaho Department of Labor opposes extension of jobless benefits Roger Madsen, Idaho Department of Labor director, said he is confident that if the federal government approves another extension of jobless benefits, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and the state Legislature would refuse those funds.
Voters in 2 Idaho cities deny recycling initiatives Only a third of voters in Kimberly voted in favor of a single-stream recycling program, while a recycling ballot issue in another Idaho community, Jerome, failed to pass by just 18 votes.
Idaho firm gets contract to continue uranium tailings cleanup in Utah The Department of Energy announced Friday that Portage, Inc., a small company from Idaho, would take over cleaning up uranium mine tailings on the banks of the Colorado River near Moab. Utah U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson questioned the decision, as the new, five-year contract will allocate between $20 million and $27 million annually to haul away the contaminated material, millions of dollars less per year than in the past two years.
Idaho's Owyhee Canyon, Colorado San Luis Valley on Interior List The Associated Press obtained a list of the 101 projects that will benefit from collaboration with the Interior Department through the Great Outdoors Initiative that includes the San Luis Valley Landscape Conservation project in Colorado, the Owyhee Land Exchange in Idaho, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah, and the Grand Teton National Park Multi-Use Pathways Program in Wyoming.
Idaho congressman co-sponsors bill to end energy incentives Idaho U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador announced he was a co-signor on legislation to end all energy subsidies.
School districts in Idaho take teacher merit-pay programs out for a test drive Idaho's school reform program put in place by the state Legislature this year allows school districts to create their own set of criteria for pay-for-performance bonuses for teachers, and in more than two dozen districts in the Gem State, how well parents are engaged is among the criteria.
Idaho legislators get plenty of public input on updating energy plan Friday is the last day Idahoans have to add their comments on how the state should update its 2007 energy plan, and so far Idaho legislators have heard that they should back off incentives for renewable energy and step down energy efficiency from "highest priority" to just a priority, as well as push for more solar and biomass energy and create new ways for low-income residents to pay their power bills.
Idaho legislators get plenty of public input on updating energy plan Friday is the last day Idahoans have to add their comments on how the state should update its 2007 energy plan, and so far Idaho legislators have heard that they should back off incentives for renewable energy and step down energy efficiency from "highest priority" to just a priority, as well as push for more solar and biomass energy and create new ways for low-income residents to pay their power bills.
Idaho city residents press to move Friedman airport out of Blaine Valley Members of the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority met with the Bellevue City Council to discuss options on the table for the Idaho airport, which needs to be expanded or built larger at a new location to accommodate new aircraft. More than 100 residents of Bellevue showed up to show their support for moving the airport out of the valley.
Washington State U. researcher: Bighorn-sheep vaccine a decade away Washington State University professor Subramaniam Srikumaran has successfully inoculated four bighorn sheep against pneumonia, a fatal disease that has decimated bighorn sheep herds in the West, but Srikumaran said in a letter to the Wild Sheep Foundation that a viable vaccine won't be available for at least a decade, which appears to undercut Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's reasoning for his rider to an appropriations bill that would limit federal policy on keeping domestic and wild sheep apart to just the Payette National Forest in Idaho.
Idaho GOP offers January straw poll to draw presidential candidates to state The Idaho Republican Party will host a first-ever straw poll of GOP presidential candidates in Boise on Jan. 6, and while the poll is non-binding, party officials hope it will help convince those candidates to visit the Gem State.
Idaho refuge redrafts management plan based on public input Canyon County commissioners weren't impressed by the changes Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge managers announced they'd made to its management plan based on public input, and said they'll wait to see the actual draft with those changes incorporated before weighing in on the plan.
Fiscal report says Idaho's budget situation now 'manageable' Idaho legislators were pleased by the report issued Tuesday that said tax revenues could grow by 3 percent for the coming fiscal year, giving lawmakers some respite from making more severe budget cuts.
Idaho officials in Utah for summit on immigration A one-day summit is under way in Utah today on the economic impact the wave of new immigration laws are having on states, with Mayor Paul Bridges of Uvalda, Georgia, giving the keynote speech on how a lack of immigrant labor has affected farmers in that state.
Idaho county to challenge state's redistricting plan Twin Falls County officials, upset by Idaho's redrawn legislative districts that puts the city of Twin Falls in one district and splits the rural areas of the county into two separate districts, said that they intend to file a legal challenge of the plan.
Idaho legislative panel seeks comments on state's energy plan The Idaho Legislature's Interim Energy, Environment and Technology Committee is working on an update to the state's 2007 energy plan. The panel is accepting written comments on the plan this week and will hear testimony on proposed updates at a hearing next week.
Group wants Idaho congressman's bighorn sheep rider pulled from bill The Greater Yellowstone Coalition asked Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, to pull from the current Interior Appropriations bill a provision sponsored by Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson that limits a U.S. Forest Service policy put in place in the Payette National Forest in Idaho to that forest only.
House panel takes up Utah congressman's bill to sell public lands A House subcommittee chaired by Utah Republican Rep. Rob Bishop will take testimony on legislation proposed by his colleague U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz to sell some public lands in the West to help cut the federal deficit. Also on the agenda: Bills to expand wilderness areas in New Mexico, Washington and Oregon, as well as the "Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act."
Idaho's voting districts a little less country, a little more suburban The 2010 Census found fewer Idahoans living the rural life, and the redrawn legislative and congressional districts reflect the shift to suburbia.
After district redrawn, Idaho state Sen.Broadsword says she'll retire Idaho's redrawn legislative districts put Sagle, the home of Republican state Sen. Joyce Broadsword, who represented District 2, in Senate District 1, now represented by Republican Shawn Keough, and Broadsword said she'll retire rather than force a run-off with her GOP colleague.
Former NFL player returns to Idaho, plans to run for Congress Jimmy Farris, an Idaho native who played college ball at the University of Montana and went on to play in the NFL for seven seasons, has moved back home to Lewiston, where he announced plans to run in the 2012 Democratic primary race in the state's 1st Congressional District.
Solyndra failure increases scrutiny on Idaho firm's geothermal project Boise-based U.S. Geothermal is building its $130 million Neal Springs geothermal power project in Oregon with a federal loan guarantee from the same program that funded the now-defunct Solyndra solar panel firm in California. While U.S. Geothermal CEO Dan Kunz welcomes increased review of his project after Solyndra's failure, he dislikes attempts to characterize the geothermal project as another example of misspent federal funds.
Idaho redistricting panel approves new congressional district map On a 4-2 vote, the Idaho redistricting panel approved a new map of the state's two congressional districts on Monday.
Idaho county hires tea party leader who advocates smaller government Pam Stout, whose work with the tea party landed her on the David Letterman show last year, has a new job on the Bonner County Property Rights Council, a first-of-its-kind panel in Idaho created to advise county commissioners on how to slash budgets, craft free-market options to regulations, and intercede in disputes with the federal government.
Idaho redistricting panel agrees on legislative districts The panel appointed to redraw Idaho's legislative and congressional districts to reflect population changes tracked by the 2010 Census agreed on a map redrawing the state's 35 legislative districts and will now take on redrawing the state's congressional districts.
Idaho, Colorado, Maine senators go to bat for spuds in school lunches Senators from Idaho, Colorado and Maine will try today to insert a provision in the 2012 agriculture spending bill that will block the U.S. Department of Agriculture's plan to limit serving of potatoes in the federal school lunch program.
Idaho Power unsure of impact of federal 'rapid response' on transmission projects The Gateway West transmission project, which would run 1,100 miles of high-voltage lines between southern Idaho and southern Wyoming, is one of seven the federal government has targeted for a collaborative, fast-tracked multi-agency effort to get them permitted and built. But officials at Idaho Power, one of the companies involved in the project, isn't sure what that means, and local officials and residents in Idaho would prefer a measured review of Gateway West, since they'll be living with it.
Cassia County urges Idaho PUC to deny Gateway West project In a letter to members of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Cassia County officials argued that the $2-billion cost of the Gateway West transmission project, which passes through the county on its 1,110-mile run between southern Wyoming and southern Idaho, will eventually be passed on to Idaho residents and that the line will benefit only generation projects and not consumers.
Grand Teton, Interior officials at odds over proposed Wyoming wolf plan Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott and her bosses at the Interior Department don't see eye-to-eye on wolf management in Wyoming, with Scott taking particular exception to the state's plan to allow wolves to disperse from Wyoming to Idaho.
Occupy Wall Street offshoot draws hundreds to Idaho's capital city Nearly 300 protesters braved drizzle in Boise on Wednesday to rally against corporate greed.
Five of seven expedited transmission line projects are in the West The Obama administration announced Wednesday that it would take steps to speed up the permitting and construction of seven transmission line projects, with five of the seven located in the Western United States.
Obama administration to power up Mountain West transmission projects The Associated Press announced that the Obama administration will release plans today to speed up the approval and building of a number of transmission line projects, including some in Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and Utah.
Idaho events planned to rally opponents of medical marijuana The Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council and the Kootenai Alliance for Children and Families are hosting two events in Coeur d'Alene in mid-October to rally opposition against efforts to pass medical marijuana legislation in Idaho.
New Idaho redistricting commission has 83 maps to review After the original redistricting commission failed to come up with a plan for Idaho's legislative and congressional districts based on the 2010 Census, a new commission was appointed and those members begin work Wednesday.
NRA to lobby Idaho legislators to push bill to allow guns on campuses A lobbyist for the National Rifle Association said his group will work with Idaho legislators to pass a law that will allow people to carry concealed weapons on college campuses without a permit.
Coeur d'Alene Tribe argues hunting rights with Idaho county attorney Coeur d'Alene tribal officials said the Benewah County attorney's statement that tribal members cannot hunt on lands owned by private parties contained within the Idaho reservation is in error, but Benewah Prosecutor Doug Payne believes he's right and has asked Idaho's U.S. attorney to hold a meeting on the issue Tuesday in Plummer.
Idaho schools chief in D.C. today to meet with President Obama Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna will meet with federal education officials and President Barack Obama today to discuss waivers to the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Frustrated resort official stomps out of Idaho city's council meeting Wally Huffman, Sun Valley Co.'s director of resorts and resort development, withdrew the resort's application to change Sun Valley's comprehensive plan, citing his frustration with the slow process. His exit from the Idaho city council's meeting prompted a discussion among council members about keeping the public informed about planning issues and the need to update the plan, which has been on the council's priority list for years.
Idaho governor says state can take federal money for insurance exchange Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter banned the state from taking federal money for any programs created under the 2010 health care reform law, but he said Tuesday that he will allow the state's health and welfare and insurance departments to ask for $30.9 million to set up a health insurance exchange.
State lawmakers take a tour of Idaho's Magic Valley Idaho's Magic Valley is offering its first legislative tour in eight years, with two busloads of state lawmakers and their spouses visiting Clear Springs Foods in Buhl, the College of Southern Idaho and St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, and Hilex Poly Co. and Darigold in Jerome.
U.S. House bills would require Congress to OK new national monuments At a hearing on Tuesday, the Natural Resources subcommittee heard bills from Idaho, Montana and Utah representatives that would require Congress to approve any presidential designation of national monuments.
Idaho economists weigh in on President Obama's job creation bill Two economists in Boise said they believed that President Obama's jobs bill would have a positive effect in Idaho as it focuses on areas that need it the most, i.e., education, public works and unemployment, as well as helping small businesses. But another economist said he did not believe the tax cuts and incentives would be enough to jump start the economy.
Some Idahoans see nuclear waste as an opportunity for the state With Nevada's Yucca Mountain off the list of consideration for a national nuclear waste repository, some in Idaho see an opportunity to bring spent nuclear fuel rods to the Idaho National Laboratory for storage. Lt. Gov. Brad Little and a contingent from eastern Idaho will be in Denver on Wednesday to testify before the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future.
Idaho legislative leaders asked to name new redistricting panel After the six-member redistricting panel failed to come up with new legislative and congressional districts in Idaho by the mandated deadline, and the state's Supreme Court dismissed two lawsuits seeking orders that the panel do so, Attorney General Ben Ysursa asked House and Senate leaders to name a new panel.
Idaho high court dismisses both redistricting lawsuits The Idaho Supreme Court on Friday dismissed both lawsuits filed against the panel charged with redrawing legislative and congressional districts, ruling that both were premature and that the court had no jurisdiction.
Idaho businesses explore voter-initiative to allow local-option tax A bill to give communities the option to ask voters to approve local taxes to pay to build roads or to expand transit systems failed in the 2009 Legislature, and now a group of Idaho business leaders are exploring getting the matter before voters in the form of an initiative next year.
Idaho's stalled redistricting plan focus of 2 legal challenges Just minutes after Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa asked the state Supreme Court to order the panel charged with redrawing the state's legislative and congressional districts to reconvene, the three Republican commissioners on the redistricting panel took the panel to court as well, over concerns that Ysursa's challenge may not give Commissioners enough guidance to get their job done.
BLM has list of 'crown jewels' of land for possible wilderness designation Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to submit a report to Congress in mid-October that contains a list of Bureau of Land Management holdings that should be considered for wilderness designation. Although no formal list has yet been revealed, there are indications that parcels in Montana, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico are in the report. Idaho and Wyoming officials submitted no recommendations for land within their states, and it's unlikely the report will have any proposals for those states.
Idaho redistricting panel at an impasse After the six-member commission charged with redrawing Idaho's legislative and congressional districts to conform with 2010 Census numbers deadlocked over partisan lines, Secretary of State Ben Ysursa said he'll ask the Idaho Supreme Court to order the commission to try again.
Wolves top agenda at Idaho governor's Capital for a Day event Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter was in Spirit Lake for a "Capital for a Day" event on Wednesday, where he and protesters to the state's wolf hunt kept a safe distance from each other, although a number of questions and statements at the event dealt with wolves, just like last year.
Idaho's redistricting commission faces Sept. 6 deadline The six members of Idaho's redistricting commission, three Democrats and three Republicans, have yet to reach a consensus on how to redraw the state's legislative districts based on 2010 Census data, and with a Sept. 6 deadline to have a plan drawn up, the six will likely spend the long holiday weekend working.
Imperial Oil's largest megaload so far begins Idaho-to-Alberta trek Six protesters in Moscow, Idaho were arrested right after midnight Friday after they attempted to stop Imperial Oil's eighth and largest piece of mining equipment bound from Idaho's Port of Lewiston to Alberta's oilsands. The megaload was due to begin its journey through Montana via Interstate 90 early Monday morning.
Federal appeals court declines to put Idaho, Montana wolf hunts on hold A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied the request of environmental groups to suspend planned wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana while a lawsuit over the removal of endangered species protection of wolves by Congress makes its way through the courts.
Mining companies, environmental groups find more common ground in Idaho Since 1970, when Cecil Andrus' opposition to a molybdenum mine in the White Cloud Mountains led to his election as governor, the relationship between mining companies and the environmental community, including the Idaho Conservation League, has improved. Yet there is one issue on which no compromise appears forthcoming - mining in the Boise River watershed is still met with fierce opposition.
Trail provides wheelchair access to Idaho backcountry The Murdock Trail in the Boulder Mountains is one of two trails proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in his Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act to provide wilderness access to people in wheelchairs. Although the Act hasn't yet made it through Congress, Simpson was able to get the funds needed to build the Murdock Trail and the Phyllis Lake Trail in the White Cloud Mountains.
Otter says Idaho should take federal money for insurance exchange Despite Idaho's distaste for the federal health care law, Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter said Monday the state should take federal funds to create an insurance exchange required by the federal law because the option of having the federal government create one for Idaho could put thousands of insurance agents in the state out of work.
Idaho U.S. senator: National debt problem worse than imagined U.S. Sen. Jim Risch talked with members of the press in Twin Falls on Thursday, where the Idaho Republican warned the national debt crisis was worse than he imagined and compared the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Gestapo.
Idaho legislators say $179M surplus largely already allocated Idaho's revenue forecast indicates that the state could close out the 2012 fiscal year with a $179 million surplus, but Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and legislative leaders said that money is pretty much spoken for, given the increased need for Medicaid programs, refilling rainy day funds and replacing dwindling federal aid for education.
Gun laws of 4 Western states, 4 others before federal appeals court The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, International Brotherhood of Police Officers and other groups asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a lawsuit filed in Montana seeking to assert states' rights over gun laws in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Alabama, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia.
Federal judge in Montana hears arguments on wolf delisting On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy heard from U.S. Department of Justice attorneys and counsel for four environmental groups that are challenging a congressional rider that removed wolves in Idaho and Montana from the federal endangered species list, as well as barred court reviews of that legislation.
Idaho law makes for bumpy redistricting road A law passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2009 that requires a major state or federal highway connect two counties in the same legislative district, or the approval of five of the six members of the redistricting committee to override the requirement, is making the redistricting work in the Gem State a lot bumpier.
Groups' challenge of wolf delisting law before federal judge in Montana On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy will hear arguments on a lawsuit filed by The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians challenging the rider attached to a spending bill that removed wolves in Idaho and Montana from the federal endangered species list and blocked challenges of that decision.
Yellowstone-area bear biologists discuss politics of grizzly management As the number of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem increase, the number of bear management decisions rise as well. Biologists working in the ecosystem say there's plenty of natural habitat to support the growing number of bears, but public education and political will are needed as well.
Wildlife biologists track lead levels in raptors in Montana High levels of lead in raptors who down lead shot in addition to carrion is being seen increasingly in Montana, and while some of the raptor biologists don't believe an outright ban on lead shot is the answer, they also don't think U.S. Sen. Jon Tester's bill to permanently protect lead in ammunition is a good idea either.
Idaho, Montana defy new benchmarks set by No Child Left Behind law Idaho and Montana are among the states that are defying stepped up requirements put in place by the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Reports paint disparate pictures of energy development in the West Last week the Western Energy Alliance released a report that said too much government regulation was keeping the nation from becoming less dependent on foreign sources of oil. On Wednesday, the Wilderness Society released a report that said the energy industry has plenty of leases to develop, with 6,500 currently leased but undeveloped in the West.
Wyoming governor urges NPS to allow more snowmobiles in Yellowstone Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said he believes Yellowstone National Park should allow more snowmobiles daily than the park's proposed winter-use plan permits.
Idaho senator one of 'Gang of Six' working on debt-ceiling bill A bipartisan group of U.S. senators known as the "Gang of Six," which includes Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, is working on a resolution to the ongoing negotiations involving raising the nation's debt ceiling and crafting a major deficit reduction, and its proposal submitted Tuesday is being heralded as a major breakthrough.
Idaho to get $19M in health care funds despite opposition to federal law Idaho is among the states suing the federal government over the federal health care reform law passed in 2010, but that hasn't prevented several state agencies in getting Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to sign waivers so they can tap into federal funds.
Idaho's health insurance rates to get federal review A unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will assume a lead role in the review of some health insurance coverages in Idaho as of Sept. 1, after the state declined to implement the federal health care law and does not require informing the public of health insurance increases.
Idaho ag agency begins work on rules for poultry farms Last legislative session, Idaho state lawmakers moved responsibility for oversight of poultry operations from the Department of Environmental Quality to the state Department of Agriculture. That agency has now begun work on rules and regulations for such operations which will be subject to review and approval by the 2012 Legislature.
Idaho farmers watch Farm Bill reauthorization process carefully Congress has begun work on the 2012 Farm Bill, and farmers in Idaho are keeping a close eye on what programs survive the process, and which don't.
U.S. Senate panel advances bill allowing more uses at ski hills On Thursday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011, which expands uses of U.S. Forest Service lands leased for ski areas.
Wyoming inches closer to wolf deal, but several hurdles remain The federal government and Wyoming appear to be close to reaching an agreement on managing wolves in the Cowboy State, but the agreement will still need to be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state's Legislature. Federal and state leaders also want to make the deal bullet-proof by having Congress pass a "no litigation" clause to protect the deal.
Rural lawmakers in Idaho, Washington state maintain seats of power With population in decline in rural areas of the West, state legislators in primarily rural districts are not only retaining their seats, but gaining leadership posts, including in Idaho, where the "r" by the names in leadership posts tends to stand for rancher.
U.S. House Republicans seek to limit environmental laws U.S. House Republicans said environmental regulations are strangling the nation's economy and have introduced legislation that would relax environmental regulations, including one bill that specifically targets the Clean Water Act.
Idaho governor allocates most of surplus to education Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter decided Tuesday to send the lion's share of the state's 2011 budget surplus to public schools and community colleges, a decision advocates for the state's low-income and disabled residents criticized, saying some of the surplus should have been used to address the $108 million reduction in state and federal programs that would have benefited those residents.
U.S. House panel passes wide-ranging Interior budget bill The U.S. House Interior and the Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which is chaired by Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, gave initial approval to a 2012 spending bill that cuts the budgets of the Interior Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies, and also contains a number of riders that address a range of subjects, including wolf management in Wyoming as well as the grazing debate between domestic and bighorn sheep.
Idaho governor, schools chief want to reserve vote on buying storage company Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, two of the five members of the State Land Board, said they now regret a decision to buy a self-storage business and would work to divest the state of that property.
Wyoming, federal government near agreement on wolf management Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead announced Thursday at a news conference with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe, that the federal government and the state were near an agreement that would turn over wolf management to Wyoming, setting the population limit at 10 breeding pairs and 100 wolves outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.
Idaho dentist discusses impact of Medicaid cuts On July 1, more than 42,000 low-income or disabled Idahoans lost their non-emergency dental coverage paid by Idaho through its Medicaid program. Dr. Jack Fullwiler, a longtime Coeur d'Alene dentist and current president of the Idaho State Dental Association, questioned if the estimated $1.7 million in annual savings will be realized in the long run as delaying dental issues usually results in higher costs ultimately.
Idaho's new anti-union law put on hold by federal court Last Friday, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill granted unions' request for a temporary injunction blocking a new law in Idaho that prohibited unions from using dues to underwrite members' wages to help union contractors win bids for projects.
Effort to recall Idaho's Superintendent of Schools chief fails Idaho Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna will not face a recall election in August as the campaign to force such an election lost steam.
Veterans' needs, environment, energy on agenda for governors meeting in Idaho The Western Governors' Association annual meeting begins Wednesday in Coeur d'Alene, and on the agenda are addressing needs of veterans, environmental and energy issues.
Idaho congressman shares species protection concerns Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, who tacked a measure onto a must-pass budget bill to remove wolves in Idaho and Montana and other states from the endangered species list, says he shares concerns with environmental groups that a door to weaken the Endangered Species Act further may have been opened.
Idaho governor discusses term as head of Western Governors' Association Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has served as chairman of the Western Governors' Association for the past year, and he sat down with a reporter from the Spokane Spokesman-Review to talk about his term as chairman, the association's upcoming annual conference, and how he's worked with Vice Chair Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who will become chair next year.
Idaho congressman takes solution-oriented approach to legislation Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has a reputation for being willing to listen to all sides on legislation, and although he has a low score for his votes on conservation issues, those who have worked with him said that score doesn't necessarily represent his body of work as a whole.
In Idaho, science, politics collide on issue of wolf management There are a range of differing opinions about wolves in Idaho, but now that the state has the reins of management again, state wildlife officials are hoping the species can be handled like any other big game animal.
Idaho legislators hear complaints about school data system At a hearing before the Idaho Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee in Nampa, school district managers provided a range of complaints about the state's new data system designed to compile students' grades, attendance and other information.
GOP presidential hopeful Romney makes stops in Idaho Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is seeking the Republican Party's nomination in the 2012 presidential race, appeared at fundraisers in Idaho Monday.
U.S. Senate passes amendment to cut tax credits for ethanol The day after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a measure that would have ended tax credits for ethanol, the Senate voted 73 to 27 to approve an amendment sponsored by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn that would abruptly end such tax credits, although the vote was symbolic as the amendment is attached to a piece of legislation that has little chance of passing.
Former Florida governor lauds Idaho's education reforms Calling himself an "evangelist for digital learning," former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is in Idaho this week to tout new education reforms.
Repeal of Idaho's education reform law headed for 2012 ballot The Idaho Secretary of State confirmed that enough signatures had been obtained and verified to put a measure to repeal the state's education overhaul before voters on the November 2012 ballot, but Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said Monday that he will actively campaign to keep the new system in place.
Idaho DOT pitches plan to route smaller megaloads through Coeur d'Alene The Idaho Department of Transportation made a presentation before the Coeur d'Alene City Council Tuesday night about a plan to route shipments of oilsands equipment through the Idaho city along Interstate 90 through Montana to Alberta, after larger loads of equipment had encountered delays and opposition.
Idaho legislator takes tax-protest appeal to state high court Undeterred by the loss of four previous appeals, Idaho State Rep. Phil Hart is taking his refusal to pay state income taxes to Idaho Supreme Court.
Former Florida, W.Va. governors on hand for Idaho education campaign Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna will hold the first meeting of his task force to develop a technology plan that will give Idaho high school students laptop computers. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise will make presentations to the group.
Opponents of Idaho education reform turn in signatures on repeal effort On Monday, Idahoans for Responsible Education Reform delivered petitions to the Secretary of State's office with more than 72,000 signatures on each, enough to put the repeal of the three-pronged education reform initiative passed by the state Legislature this year on the November 2012 ballot.
Idaho governor vows to work to defeat education reform referendums Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said that he will work diligently to ensure the correct information is disseminated to fight the effort to overturn three education reform measures passed in the last legislative session.
Obama administration extends moratorium on mining, logging in roadless areas Last Friday, the Obama administration announced it was extending for another year the moratorium on logging and mining activities on millions of acres of remote and rugged backcountry sections of national forests. The moratorium will not apply in Idaho, which has its own implementation of the roadless rule.
Idaho school-reform foes said they've reached referendum goal The supporters of a referendum to overturn all three education overhaul measures passed this past legislative session in Idaho said they've obtained enough signatures to put the repeal before Idaho voters in November 2012.
Farmers, ranchers in the West applaud delisting of wolves Ranchers and farmers in Idaho and Montana who have been dealing with wolves taking a bite out of their livestock business were encouraged by the decision of the federal government to remove endangered species protection for the animals in those states and return management to the states.
Wyoming governor pursues wolf deal with federal government Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says the state is on track to get a deal on wolf management hammered out with the federal government by the end of summer, but in addition to getting the deal approved by the state Legislature and the Obama administration, he also wants Congress to approve it.
Idaho's revenues for April outpace governor's estimates Idaho's tax revenue for April was $377.2 million, $14 million more than projected by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, putting the state ahead of revenue estimates for the fiscal year that ends in June.
Idaho legislators press state wildlife agency to set wolf population goal Now that wolf management is back in Idaho's hands, the state Department of Fish and Game will set a new population goal for the species, but legislators are urging them to do it immediately, with some wanting the agency to adopt the 150-wolf minimum set in its 2002 Wolf Management plan.
Idaho forges ahead with health insurance exchange plan sans federal funds Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and state legislators declined federal funds to establish a health insurance exchange as they deemed the federal health care law that called for such exchanges unconstitutional. They did not want to be complicit in the law by accepting the federal money, so the state is in the process of establishing its own exchange.
Idaho school districts brace for flood of technology Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's "Students Come First" plan will bring a dizzying array of technology into schools, but with funding for staff positions reduced to pay for that technology, school district officials are wondering just who will install, maintain and keep those gadgets running on a daily basis.
Groups file federal lawsuits in Montana to halt wolf delisting On Thursday afternoon, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Montana to halt the delisting of wolves, and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a nearly identical federal lawsuit that day as well.
Idaho plans to remove dozens of wolves from Lolo hunting district Now that wolf management is back in Idaho's hands, the state wildlife agency plans to quickly implement a long-planned action to remove up to 60 wolves in the Lolo hunting district to address dwindling elk numbers in that area of the state.
Wyoming governor says talks continue with government on wolves As wolves in Idaho, Montana and six other states come off the endangered species list, or are just months away from doing so, the wolves in Wyoming remain under federal protection, but Gov. Matt Mead said talks with the federal government continue and he's hopeful that his state will soon manage the wolves there.
Wolves in Idaho, Montana return to state control today Wolves in Montana and Idaho, as well as in portions of eastern Oregon and Washington and north-central Utah, will be removed from the federal endangered species list today.
Idaho, Montana wilderness bills among the dozen before Congress Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is one of more than dozen wilderness bills before Congress, but with Utah U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop as chairman of the House National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, which reviews wilderness measures, those bills will face tough scrutiny before they make it through that panel.
States ban felt-soled waders to block migration of aquatic invaders Felt-soled waders, used by anglers to make fishing in rushing rivers and streams more comfortable and their footing more secure, have been blamed for carrying invasive species such as the algae known as rock snot, from stream to stream. Maryland became the first state in the union to ban the waders, Vermont followed, and a ban will become effective in Alaska on Jan. 1. Idaho stopped short of banning the waders but did acknowledge they played a role in spreading invasive species; Nevada's wildlife agency's proposed plan will address the waders.
Idaho's teachers union sues governor, education official over reform law The Idaho Education Association said Wednesday that they had filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the education reform plan passed by the 2011 Legislature, and named Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and state Superintendent Tom Luna in the lawsuit.
Idaho House leaders press PUC to put caps on wind energy House Speaker Lawerence Denney and Majority Leader Mike Moyle sent a letter to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to cap wind and solar projects that can demand state-mandated prices for power from utilities.
Work begins to redraw Idaho's legislative districts The 2010 Census showed a shift in Idaho's population, with urban areas like the Treasure Valley gaining in population, while rural Idaho lost residents. With the redrawing of legislative districts based on the Census, rural Idaho will lose legislators as well.
Idaho governor vetoes block of federal health care law, issues own order Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said the bill that would have blocked the state from implementing any measures of the federal health care reform law would block the state from setting up its own health insurance exchange, which could open the door to the federal government stepping in and developing such a system. Otter vetoed the bill and issued an executive order that would block state agencies from implementing federal reforms, but still allows the state to set up its own health insurance exchange.
Idaho governor signs 'clear and present danger' wolf bill into law Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed a bill into law declaring a wolf emergency in the state that allows him to use law enforcement agents to remove wolves that present a danger to human safety.
Idaho DEQ resumes water quality monitoring program after 2 year hiatus A funding shortage put water quality monitoring by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality on hold two years ago, but the Legislature scraped together $390,000 in the upcoming fiscal year for the Beneficial Use Reconnaissance Program which will pay for six three-person seasonal teams to collect water data throughout the state.
Idaho senator co-sponsor on bill to renew tax credits for short-line railroads Idaho U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and West Virginia Sen. John Rockefeller introduced the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011, which renews tax credits for short-line railroads for six years. Kansas U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins introduced a companion measure in the House in February.
Wind-energy developer to stay in Idaho despite threats During the debate in the Idaho Legislature on extending a tax break for wind-energy projects, a lobbyist for Exergy Development Group, which is developing hundreds of millions of dollars of projects in the state, said Exergy would dump those projects if the tax break wasn't extended. The bill to extend the rebate died on a 18-17 vote, but Exergy founder James Carkulis said the company would complete its projects, despite a projected lack of profitability.
Idaho governor signs bill requiring bonds in megaloads lawsuits Under a new bill signed into law by Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter last week, opponents that sue to stop megaloads of equipment from moving across the state's highways must now post a bond worth 5 percent of the insured value of the equipment shipped.
Wolves in Idaho, Montana headed off endangered species list Idaho wildlife officials are meeting today with Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to discuss a wolf hunt in Idaho later this year, after a provision in a federal budget bill directed the wolves in Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington and Oregon be removed from the federal endangered species list.
President Obama expected to sign budget bill with wolf riders The U.S. House and Senate both passed the federal budget bill needed to finance the government through the end of September, as well as riders that put wolf management in Idaho and Montana back in those states' hands.
Idaho governor holds off on signing 'wolf emergency declaration' bill Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said if the provisions in the federal budget bill that returns wolf management to Idaho and Montana are signed into law by President Obama, the wolf emergency declaration passed by the state's Legislature will be unnecessary.
Idaho governor signs abortion-ban bill into law On Wednesday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed legislation that bans most abortions after 20 weeks into law.
Idaho senator: Tax increases, spending cuts needed to cut federal deficit Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo was a member of the president’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which recommended reducing budget deficits by $4 trillion over the next decade, a plan that is more ambitious than that unveiled by President Obama Wednesday. The Idaho Republican and the other five members of the "Gang of Six" continue to work on deficit reduction.
Idaho governor signs jobs-incentive bill into law On Wednesday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed the "Hire One Act" into law, which gives companies that meet certain requirements tax incentives for hiring new employees.
Conservation groups now focus on Montana, Idaho wolf hunts With the delisting of wolves in Montana and Idaho almost assured given the rider attached to the federal budget bill, conservation groups are now focusing on state management of the species and the number of wolves allowed to be taken in hunts.
Wolf rider makes it into 'must pass' federal budget bill A measure to put wolves in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Utah under state control is now part of federal budget legislation, which provides a pathway for Wyoming to take control of wolves in that state.
Montana senator's wolf rider to budget bill sparks opposition Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester confirmed that he had successfully attached a rider to the "must-pass" budget bill that would remove wolves in Idaho and Montana from the endangered species list and return management to those states. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has attached a similar rider to the House's budget bill. Environmental groups are opposing the riders, saying that the riders would set a bad precedent that could affect many more species than just wolves in the long run.
Montana senator's wolf rider to budget bill sparks opposition Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester confirmed that he had successfully attached a rider to the "must-pass" budget bill that would remove wolves in Idaho and Montana from the endangered species list and return management to those states. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has attached a similar rider to the House's budget bill. Environmental groups are opposing the riders, saying that the riders would set a bad precedent that could affect many more species than just wolves in the long run.
Federal budget deal precludes BLM's Wild Lands Inventory Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson wrote the provision in the federal budget bill that eliminates funding for the Bureau of Land Management's inventory of lands with wilderness characteristics.
Federal budget deal precludes BLM's Wild Lands Inventory Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson wrote the provision in the federal budget bill that eliminates funding for the Bureau of Land Management's inventory of lands with wilderness characteristics.
Wyoming officials, groups keep watch on wolf riders in budget bills There is some uncertainty on how wolf riders attached to budget bills that remove endangered species protections from wolves in Idaho and Montana will affect ongoing negotiations between the federal government and Wyoming about wolf management.
Wyoming officials, groups keep watch on wolf riders in budget bills There is some uncertainty on how wolf riders attached to budget bills that remove endangered species protections from wolves in Idaho and Montana will affect ongoing negotiations between the federal government and Wyoming about wolf management.
Idaho senators co-sponsors on downwinder bill before U.S. Senate today The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments Act of 2011 will be introduced today in the U.S. Senate, and Idaho's Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo are among the co-sponsors.
Idaho senators co-sponsors on downwinder bill before U.S. Senate today The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments Act of 2011 will be introduced today in the U.S. Senate, and Idaho's Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo are among the co-sponsors.
Idaho, Montana lawmakers confirm wolf rider part of federal budget bill Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson and Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said Saturday that a rider that would remove endangered species protection from wolves in Idaho and Montana was attached as a rider to the federal budget bill.
Idaho governor signs third, final piece of education reform into law On the heels of Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's signing of the third piece of education reform legislation into law, a parent-driven effort to overturn the law with a voter referendum was launched.
Idaho Legislature OKs bill to pay $100K in attorney's fees for GOP lawsuit When the Republican Party hired an attorney to sue Idaho to close the Republican primary election, it signed an agreement that the bill would be paid with taxpayer money, and the Idaho Legislature speedily approved paying the $100,000 bill, a move even some Republican lawmakers disputed.
Idaho Senate ends session singing, House ends with a fight The Idaho Legislature ended its 2011 session on Thursday, with the Senate voting to not renew an alternative-energy tax rebate that expires in June. In the House, Speaker Lawerence Denney reprimanded Reps. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, and Tom Trail, R-Moscow, for not supporting the GOP leadership, and appointed new chairs for the committees that they had led.
Yellowstone Park has a plan in case of government shutdown Businesses in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming that depend on the tourists who visit Yellowstone National Park are concerned about the impact a government shutdown would have on them, but all agreed a shutdown now rather than later would be better.
Idaho Senate sends wolf-disaster declaration bill to Otter The Idaho Senate voted 27-8 on Wednesday to send a bill to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk that would allow the governor to declare a wolf emergency and enlist local law enforcement to remove wolves that present a public safety risk. Rep. Judy Boyle's bill passed the Idaho House on a 64-5 vote Tuesday.
Legislation on siting wind farms dies in Idaho House Legislation that would impose new restrictions on where wind farms can be sited in Idaho died in the House State Affairs Committee. Rep. Janice McGeachin told members of the committee that two House members with personal financial ties to the wind industry had voted in favor of another wind-energy related bill but did not disclose their financial ties.
Idaho House sends abortion bill to governor Legislation that would ban abortions after 20 weeks passed on a 54-14 vote in the Idaho House and is now on Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk awaiting action.
Idaho Senate sends $1.56B education budget to the House The Idaho Senate cut another $47 million out of the education budget and sent the $1.56 billion measure to the House for action.
Legislator assures Idaho county wind-farm bill won't pass this session Idaho state Rep. Tom Loertscher introduced legislation that dictates siting of wind turbines, which raised concerns in Cassia County that the bill would take away some of the county's power on determining the siting of wind farms. But in a conference call with the county's commissioners, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke said it was unlikely the bill would be ripe for consideration this session.
Idaho lawmakers want emergency clauses tacked onto education bills Concerned that voter referendums could delay the implementation of education reform measures passed by the Legislature this session, Idaho lawmakers advanced legislation Monday to pass emergency clauses for those reforms. If passed, the laws would take effect immediately and short-circuit proposed referendums seeking to delay implementation until after the November 2012 elections.
Megaload of refinery equipment nearly to its final Montana destination The two halves of a coking drum that began their journey from South Korea where they were manufactured, then shipped to Idaho's Port of Lewiston to begin their controversial overland trip from Idaho through Montana are now in Billings, one day away from their final destination: ConocoPhillips's refinery at 401 S. 23rd St.
Montana, Idaho lawmakers will forge ahead on lifting wolf protections Although a number of groups have agreed to settle ongoing litigation over wolf management in the Rockies to keep Congress from acting on legislation to change the Endangered Species Act, Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said he'll press ahead on legislation if congressional action is a faster route to resolution, and Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said he remains committed to a bill that would exempt wolves from ESA protection.
New director named for Idaho Fish and Game Department Virgil Moore is the new director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Idaho House panel advance wind-energy tax credit bill The Idaho House Revenue Taxation Committee voted 12-5 on Wednesday to send legislation that will extend tax breaks for wind and other renewable-energy projects through 2014 to the full House for consideration.
Idaho cancer survivor testifies before Congress On Tuesday, before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Boise resident Trevor Schaefer urged senators to support legislation co-sponsored by Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo and California Sen. Barbara Boxer that urges a more coordinated effort to investigate and document disease clusters.
Idaho House panel votes to send final education reform bill to full House The third, and final, piece of legislation drafted to implement Idaho State Superintendent Tom Luna's education reform plan passed the House Education Committee on a 12-6 vote. The bill must get final approval in the Idaho House before it can advance to the governor's desk.
Montana county commissioner unhappy with megaloads lawsuit Yellowstone County Commissioner Jim Reno said Missoula County commissioners should have at least picked up the phone to tell the Yellowstone County Commission that they planned to sue the state over its assessment of shipping oversized pieces of refinery equipment from Idaho to Yellowstone County.
Idaho Senate sends urban-renewal revamp to Otter The sole remaining bill of 10 introduced this legislative session to overhaul Idaho's urban-renewal process passed the state Senate on Tuesday, and is now on Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk awaiting action.
Idaho House sends assisted suicide bill to governor The Idaho House passed legislation that makes it a crime in the state to help someone commit suicide, and the bill now awaits Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's signature.
National Public Radio examines debate on Canadian oil Canada is the United States' largest foreign supplier of oil but the shipment of mining equipment from the Port of Lewiston in Idaho through Montana to Alberta's oilsands country, as well as a proposed pipeline to carry oil south from Alberta to Texas, has created some cross-border tensions. First in a series.
Idaho Senate gives final OK to Medicaid cuts Legislation that will cut Idaho's spending on Medicaid by $35 million and will result in a total cut of $108 million, due to the loss of matching funds from the federal government, won final approval in the Idaho Senate on Monday.
Rival bill puts Idaho's wind power sales tax rebate in limbo A deal worked out Friday between the wind power industry and utilities on the sales tax rebate given to wind power developers was put on hold on Monday. Idaho state Rep. Ken Roberts introduced a measure that extends until 2014 the 6 percent sales tax rebate on qualifying purchases by geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass and landfill gas projects, but not wind.
National Association of Manufacturers give Idaho senator annual award Idaho U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo is this year's recipient of the National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence, given annually to a federal lawmaker for helping companies succeed in the world economy. Crapo received the award at a ceremony Thursday at the Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging plant in Twin Falls.
Idaho Senate passes third, final bill of education-reform package The third and final installment of Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's education overhaul passed the Idaho Senate on Thursday on a 20-15 vote, and now moves to the Idaho House for action.
Idaho governor tries again on jobs bill After a bill championed by the Idaho Chamber Alliance and supported by Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter designed to give incentives to employers to add employees stalled on a 5-to-4 vote in the Senate's Local Government and Taxation Committee, Otter retooled the bill in the hope of winning additional votes to send the bill to the full Senate.
Idaho House panel advances bill decriminalizing killing of wolves An Idaho House panel advanced state Rep. Phil Hart's legislation that would prevent the state from investigating, arresting or prosecuting anyone who kills wolves, although the bill was also put up for amendments.
Idaho House sends bill on use of eminent domain for power lines to the Senate The Idaho House voted 65-2 to send to the Senate a measure that would require builders of transmission line projects to prove the lines serve a public good before they could use eminent domain to secure private land for the project.
Wyoming governor, Salazar discuss wolf management After meeting with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Tuesday, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said there is "some urgency" to get the dispute over wolf management resolved before U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy rules on a proposed settlement of a lawsuit filed in Montana that would again return management of wolves in Montana and Idaho to those states.
Groups question terms of wolf settlement in federal court in Montana Two plaintiff groups that don't agree with the other groups that have agreed to a settlement of a federal district court lawsuit in Montana over wolf management questioned the terms of the settlement in a court filing on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy will consider the settlement on Thursday.
Idaho sets hearing on opposition to Imperial Oil/ExxonMobil shipments The Idaho Department of Transportation has scheduled a hearing on April 25 in Boise for opponents to lay out their objections to a plan to allow Imperial Oil/ExxonMobil to ship massive pieces of mining equipment through the state on a route through Montana to Alberta's oilsands country.
View of megaloads trip through Idaho depends on how you define commerce Idaho state Rep. Dick Harwood said his legislation, which would require opponents of megaloads of equipment passing through the state to file a bond equal to 5 percent of the worth of the equipment transported if they sue to stop the shipment, is designed to protect commerce. Linwood Laughy, a business owner on Highway 12, says his opposition to such megaloads is designed to do this also, boiling down the dispute to just one issue: how Idaho defines commerce.
Idaho House committee tosses wind-power moratorium bill On Tuesday, the Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted 11-8 to prevent a bill from advancing that would impose a two-year moratorium on new wind farms in the state.
Idaho Senate takes up agricultural nuisance bill On Tuesday, the Idaho Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved legislation that would make it harder for residents to pursue nuisance complaints against agricultural operations, and the measure now moves to the full Senate for action.
Idaho House approves bill to allow dairies to keep waste records closed The Idaho House voted 61-7 to approve a measure that exempts dairies' waste management plans from the state Public Records Act and sent the measure to the Idaho Senate for action.
Idaho House passes bill requiring bonds for protesting megaloads On a 53-16 vote on Monday, the Idaho House sent a bill that would require any party that files a lawsuit to block the shipment of megaloads of oil equipment or other such massive transportation projects to post a bond worth 5 percent of the opposed shipment.
House lawmakers pass final leg of 'Connecting Idaho' "Connecting Idaho," one of the state's most controversial programs that allowed the state to sell bonds to fund highway projects, ends this year, much to the relief of lawmakers who gladly passed the last installment of the $855-million plan.
Idaho House sends eminent-domain ban for paths to Senate Legislation to prevent local governments from using eminent domain to secure land for recreational paths passed in the Idaho House on a 56-14 vote and now moves to the state Senate.
Senate passes plan to relax elk-testing regulations in Idaho The Idaho Senate approved legislation that will reduce required testing of all elk on game farms on an annual basis to allow game farm owners to test just 20 percent of their herds once every three years; the measure now moves to the House for action.
Idaho congressman to press Congress to step in if wolf deal doesn't fly Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said he's ready to press Congress into action if U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy doesn't sign off on an agreement between the federal government and Idaho and Montana to remove wolves in those states from the endangered species list and return management of the species to those states.
Idaho lawmakers rework education reform bill The new education reform bill submitted by Idaho lawmakers, and co-sponsored by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Schools Superintendent Tom Luna, looks a lot like SB 1113, which the new legislation replaces, but it doesn't require larger class sizes nor does it cut 770 teachers from the system.
Idaho Legislature takes up wind farms, confined animal feeding operations The Idaho Legislature is debating two measures that could have considerable impact on south-central Idaho: the siting of wind farms and the openness of records about dairies' waste management plans.
Idaho congressman wields a fair hand on budget committee Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has wanted to serve as chairman of an appropriations committee since being elected in 1998, and this year he attained such a post. Given the grueling state of the national budget the sessions haven't been fun for the Idaho Republican, who's won praise for his even-handed ways.
Idaho county officials, federal lawmakers press for details on refuge management Canyon County commissioners and representatives of U.S. Peps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador met with managers of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho to discuss the refuge's future management plans.
Idaho governor signs 2 education bills into law On Thursday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed legislation that phases out tenure for new teachers and restricts collective bargaining and another that creates teacher merit pay, two of the three education reform bills introduced this year.
Idaho House passes bill cutting Medicaid budget by $34M The Idaho House voted 56-to-14 to approve legislation that will cut state funding for Medicaid by $34 million, which will reduce Medicaid programs by $108 million in the state due to a loss of federal funds. The bill now moves to the state Senate for action.
Montana moves ahead on plan to give Yellowstone bison more leeway Montana is moving ahead with a plan that would allow bison from Yellowstone National Park to move into the Gardiner Basin, which straddles the Yellowstone River and runs roughly 13 miles north of the park, a plan a Republican state lawmaker likened to "a creeping cancer."
Idaho House sends guns-on-campus bill to the Senate The Idaho House voted 41-28 to send state Rep. Eric Simpson's bill to the state Senate for action. The bill would prohibit public universities and colleges from banning firearms on campus, except in undergraduate residence halls, and would allow guns to be carried at athletic events.
Idaho Senate panel advances bill relaxing test rules for elk ranchers The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to move a bill that would relax requirements for elk ranchers to test their animals for chronic wasting disease to the full Senate for a vote.
Idaho voters ambivalent about closed primaries Some independents say having to declare a party in order to vote in a primary election will keep them away, but others support the change.
Idaho governor signs 4 bills to ease way for geothermal development At a meeting of the Idaho State Land Board, of which Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is a member, Otter signed four pieces of legislation designed to give the Lands Board more flexibility in working with geothermal power developers.
Idaho Senate sends DNA database bill to the House The Idaho Senate approved legislation that would put the state's criminal DNA database on par with the rest of the nation, and sent the measure to the state House for action.
Idaho Senate panel dumps ATV, road enforcement bills The Idaho Senate Resources and Environment Committee on Monday declined to advance Sen. Tim Corder's bill that would have eviscerated the state Department of Fish and Game's authority to regulate ATV use by hunters, as well as Sen. Monty Pearce's bill that would have prohibited state wildlife agents from enforcing federal rules on road closures.
Idaho Senate passes bill making assisted suicide a felony The Idaho Senate voted 31-to-2 to move Sen. Russ Fulcher's Senate Bill 1070, which makes it a felony to provide the physical means by which another person commits or attempts to commit suicide or participates in the suicide of another, to the House.
Industry-backed water-quality bill now on Idaho governor's desk Legislation drafted to protect Idaho's lakes, rivers and streams, and heavily amended by industries operating in the state, gained final approval from the state Senate on Friday, and is now on Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk awaiting his signature.
Idaho legislator's bill on using planes to access hunting areas lands him in hot water Idaho House Majority Leader Mike Moyle sponsored legislation requiring hunters in Idaho who fly into their hunting areas, to land their planes and wait a day before pursuing game, but at a hearing on Wednesday, critics of the bill said the legislation is actually an attempt to limit access to Sugarloaf Summit in Washington County, which is surrounded by private land, including some owned by a friend of Moyle; the measure passed on a 12-5 vote out of the House Resources and Conservation Committee.
Bill allowing guns on campuses passes out of Idaho House committee The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted 11 to 8 to send a bill that would allow people to carry guns, either openly or concealed, on the campuses of the state's four public universities and community colleges to the full House for a vote, with proponents of the measure arguing that the best defense in a campus shooting such as that which occurred at Virginia Tech in 2007 are armed students who can shoot back.
Idaho bill would prohibit state wildlife agency from enforcing federal road closures Idaho state Sen. Monty Pearce submitted legislation Thursday that would prohibit the state Department of Fish and Game from enforcing, or agreeing to help enforce, road closures on federal lands.
Teacher merit pay legislation is now on Idaho governor's desk The Idaho House voted 44-26 to send legislation that creates a pay-for-performance compensation structure for teachers to Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for action.
Idaho bill would expand collection of DNA samples from felons Idaho is the only state in the union that does not collect DNA samples from all convicted felons for a state and national database. The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee sent a bill to the full Senate that would require the state to begin collecting DNA samples from all convicted felons beginning July 1, 2013.
Idaho voters approve 3 school levies, veto one bond issue Voters approved school levies Tuesday for the Twin Falls, Jerome and Gooding school districts, but a bond issue in Idaho's Cassia County School District was voted down.
Idaho legislators hear personal testimony on Medicaid cuts Many Idahoans stepped up to the microphone on Tuesday during a 4 1/2-hour hearing on proposed Medicaid cuts to tell legislators just how those cuts would affect them or family members.
School levy in N. Idaho district passes easily Sixteen percent of the 16,135 registered voters in Post Falls cast their votes on Tuesday on the Idaho school district's supplemental levy, which passed 1,632 to 928.
Coeur d'Alene voters approve two school levies in Idaho Two supplemental school levies in the Coeur d'Alene School District passed by large margins on Tuesday in Idaho.
Idaho House passes bill limiting teachers' collective bargaining rights The Idaho House voted 48-22 to send a measure that removes most of teachers' collective-bargaining rights to Idaho C.L. "Butch" Otter for action.
Idaho House passes bill ending school districts' exemptions from voter levies The Idaho House voted 53-14 to pass legislation that removes an exemption for Blaine County School District and three others in resort areas from having to seek voter approval on school levies.
Idaho senator part of 'Gang of Six' taking on deficit reduction Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo is one of six senators who launched a bipartisan campaign on deficit reduction that will not only cut spending, but will also raise taxes and make significant changes to Social Security and Medicare.
Idaho Fish and Game Commission names candidates for director post The Idaho Fish and Game Commission released the names of the six candidates vying to replace Cal Groen, who announced last month that he was retiring as director of the state Fish and Game Department.
Montana senator puts wolf provision into 'must pass' budget bill Contained within the U.S. Senate's Continuing Resolution needed to keep the federal government funded and operating is a provision that declares wolves in Idaho and Montana are a recovered species and returns management of the species to those states.
Idaho House gives initial OK to concealed guns on college campuses The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted to approve Rep. Erik Simpson's bill that would allow people to carry concealed weapons on the state's public university and community college campuses.
Two education reform bills move to Idaho House for consideration Two of the three pillars of Idaho State Superintendent Tom Luna's education reform package, which have been approved by the state Senate, were approved by the House Education Committee on Thursday and will now move to the House floor for action.
U.S. House bill would cap attorneys' fees in Cobell settlement U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings of Washington state said legislation he is co-sponsoring with Alaska Rep. Don Young to cap attorneys' fees at $50 million in the settlement of the Cobell class-action lawsuit over federal management of tribal assets is necessary because every dollar that goes to attorneys comes out of the shares of the 400,000 class action members.
Sec'y of State Clinton tells Senate panel she supports oil from Alberta Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the Senate appropriations committee on Wednesday, where she told senators that she was "generally supportive" of oil from Alberta's oilsands, but declined to give her opinion on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would stretch from Alberta to Texas, because her department has the ultimate authority to issue the permit for its construction.
Federal judge rules Idaho's open-primary system unconstitutional U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill handed down a victory for the Idaho Republican Party, which had sued the Idaho Secretary of State over the open-primary system.
Interior Department's 'wild lands' policy fodder for 2012 elections Republican governors and federal lawmakers from western states are fighting the Interior Department's "wild lands" policy that allows the Bureau of Land Management to consider lands with wilderness characteristics for additional protections, and the American Land Rights Association believes the policy can be an issue in the 2012 elections.
Idaho House passes bill to extend jobless benefits Legislation needed to make Idaho eligible for $65 million in extended federal unemployment assistance passed in the Idaho House on a 41-28 vote this week.
BLM director says 'wild lands' policy will allow range of activities Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey said that the wild lands policy, which directs his agency to inventory wilderness-quality parcels during land-use planning and reviews and consider protections for those areas, would allow limited development in such parcels, as well as activities that don't impact wilderness characteristics.
Idaho House bill would revamp state's Medicaid system A bill filed in the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday would take a surgical approach on cutting Medicaid programs to save the state about $39.1 million in the next fiscal year.
Idaho House passes 4 bills to revamp urban renewal policies The Idaho House passed four separate measures Tuesday designed to heighten public involvement and accountability in urban renewal efforts; the measures now move to the state Senate for action.
Third pillar of education reform package stalls in Idaho Senate As the Idaho House continued to advance two pieces of State Superintendent Tom Luna's tri-part education reform legislation that have already cleared the state Senate, the third part, which would eliminate 770 teaching jobs and add technology to classrooms, stalled in the Senate Education Committee.
Montana congressman's bill tackles national monuments, wild lands In a conference call with reporters just hours before the House Natural Resources Committee began a hearing on the Obama administration's new Bureau of Land Management policy on wild lands, Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg announced legislation that would require congressional approval of any designation of a national monument in Montana by a president and would exempt lands in the state from designation under the BLM's wild lands policy; U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador introduced similar legislation for Idaho.
Idaho, Utah governors testify before Congress on 'wild lands' policy Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert were in Washington, D.C., for the National Governors Association's annual winter meeting, and they spent a few hours before a U.S. House subcommittee on the Bureau of Land Management's wild lands policy; Otter also spent some time with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar talking about wolf management.
Idaho House sends industry-backed water-quality bill to the Senate Idaho is one of the few states that have yet to comply with the Clean Water Act that requires states to protect high-quality waters from pollution. The Idaho Conservation League sued the federal Environmental Protection Agency for not forcing Idaho to take action, but the legislation now before the state Senate to bring the state into compliance may not be strict enough to fend off federal intervention.
Idaho wind energy waits for legislative decision on tax rebate With the tax rebate for wind energy developers in Idaho set to expire on June 30, legislators are struggling with renewing the 6 percent sales tax rebate for the industry in the face of declining state revenues, or allowing the tax incentive to lapse, making the Gem State's neighbors more attractive to the industry.
Former Idaho U.S. Sen. McClure dies at age 86 Jim McClure, who was elected to his first of three terms as a U.S. representative in 1966, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, where the Idaho Republican served until 1991, died Saturday.
Nevada legislators work on bills to bolster sage grouse populations Nevada officials believe that if sage grouse is listed as an endangered species, the 11 states where the bird's historic habitat is located would take an economic hit that would be 10 times worse than the Pacific Northwest took when the spotted owl was listed. State legislators are working on two different pieces of legislation: a resolution urging the state to get proactive on protecting habitat and a bill that would impose a fee on renewable energy projects to pay for environmental studies on the siting of such projects.
Bill to 'nullify' health care reform in Idaho dies in Senate committee Legislation passed by the Idaho House that would have nullified federal health care reform law died on a 7-2 vote in an Idaho Senate subcommittee.
Idaho bill to tax cigarette sales on reservations surprises tribes Representatives of the five tribes in Idaho said that House Speaker Lawerence Denney should have at least given them some notice that he planned to introduce legislation that would change how cigarettes are taxed to give tribes an incentive to charge the same amount of tax that the state does.
Two of three education reform bills pass in Idaho Senate The Idaho Senate voted 20-15 to pass two separate pieces of the three-part education reform package proposed by state schools chief Tom Luna.
Idaho bill would require huge bond for those opposing megaloads Idaho state Rep. Dick Harwood introduced a bill Wednesday that would require anyone who wants to block the shipment of massive pieces of equipment on Idaho's roads to post a bond equal to 5 percent of the value of the megaload being transported.
Washington congressman: No Snake River dam breaching bills this year Washington state U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings said he'll use his position as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee to block any bills dealing with the breaching of dams on the Snake River.
Idaho Legislature sends 2 union-busting bills to Gov. Otter Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has two bills awaiting his signature that deal with unions, with one prohibiting agreements that would require contracts to make deals with unions as a condition of being awarded government contracts, and another that forbids unions' use of membership dues to subsidize wages to help contractors with union employees to win projects.
Idaho's freshman congressman discusses budget woes at town hall meeting Idaho U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador's town hall meeting held in Coeur d'Alene on Monday focused on the dire federal budget situation.
Former Idaho U.S. senator lobbies in support of wolf-delisting bills Former Idaho U.S. Sen. Larry Craig is now a lobbyist for the Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and is working to pass bills in Congress that would remove endangered species protection for wolves.
Coalition fights to keep tax break for wind power in Idaho A coalition of wind and solar power developers, along with dairies, Micron, the Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattle Association, and power co-ops are pressing state legislators to renew the 6 percent sales tax rebate for wind projects that sunsets June 30.
Hundreds rally in Twin Falls to protest Idaho education reform plan About 250 students, parents and educators gathered in Twin Falls Park on Monday to protest Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's proposed education reform plan.
Idaho legislators OK $2.4 million for aquifer management Last week, Idaho legislative budget writers approved $2.4 million in funding for the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer and other water resources.
Legislation would protect Idaho's confined animal feeding operations Idaho state Rep. Lawerence Denney said his House Bill 166, which he plans to introduce this week, would strengthen the state's Right-to-Farm Act and protect confined animal feeding operations of all stripes.
Tom Luna's education reform plan was a long time in the making How Tom Luna's co-workers from the Bush administration - and the private education companies they now help run - positioned Idaho's schools chief to systemic propose changes that the for-profit education industry may cash in on.
Idaho well owners urge caution in granting M3 water permit There are 2,000 individual water wells in the Spring Valley where M3 Cos. want to build out a subdivision on 6,000 acres over the next 30 years, and well owners near the Idaho project spoke out against the proposal during a 17-day hearing before the Idaho Department of Idaho Resources because they fear more wells will go dry, an argument M3 executives countered with the statement that the water wells used by the subdivision will be drilled hundreds of feet lower than individual homes' water wells.
Wyoming governor says Congress should resolve wolf issue Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said he understands Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer's frustration with the stalemate on wolves, but said he believed Congress is responsible for fixing the situation.
Wyoming congresswoman's wolf amendment to budget bill fails U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis offered an amendment to a provision in the 2011 budget bill that would include Wyoming among the states - Idaho, Montana and portions of Washington, Oregon and Utah - for which endangered species status for wolves would be revoked, but the Wyoming congresswoman's amendment failed on a procedural vote.
Idaho House votes down tribal authority bill again The Coeur d'Alene Tribe's legislative effort to gain authority to arrest non-tribal members on its reservation in Idaho's Benewah County failed again this legislative session after House lawmakers voted the measure down by one vote on Thursday.
Idaho House sends health-care nullification bill to the Senate Despite objections from Democratic legislators and an attorney general opinion that the bill would not pass constitutional muster, Idaho House Republicans, except for the seven who voted "nay," approved a bill nullifying federal health care reform law measures.
U.S. House approves 'message bill' on BLM wild-horse policy The U.S. House approved a $2-million budget cut for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to protest the agency's policy on wild horses.
Montana governor urges ranchers to shoot wolves, says state will too Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said the state will no longer investigate shootings of wolves north of Interstate 90, the area where protections are the most stringent. Schweitzer ordered the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department to begin removing wolves in the Bitterroot Valley, where wolves have been blamed for a decrease in big game animals.
Idaho governor puts natural gas execs on the hot seat at regulation hearing The Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is working on rules to regulate the use of hydraulic fracturing in the state, and at a hearing yesterday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter pressed executives from Bridge Resources, the natural gas company that wants to use the drilling method in Payette County, to provide details on how the company would protect the state's groundwater from any impacts from the use of that process.
Idaho House nixes bill to join nationwide drive to tax Internet sales The Idaho House voted down a measure that would have made the state part of a nationwide push to tax sales made over the Internet.
Bill to revamp geothermal regulations moves ahead in Idaho The Idaho House Resources Committee Tuesday voted to send a measure that would revamp the state's geothermal development rules to the full House for a vote.
Idaho Tax Commission withdraws report on effect of wind-energy rebates The Idaho State Tax Commission told lawmakers that its earlier report claiming proposed sales tax rebates for wind energy developments would cost the state $47 million over the next two years was wrong, and said that such rebates would actually be neutral as far as the impact on general fund revenues.
Wolves the target of Idaho lawmakers, USFWS The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a draft environmental statement last week on a plan that would allow the Lolo Pack in Idaho to be reduced by half; and state Rep. Phil Hart introduced legislation that would bar the state from taking any action on illegal killings of wolves. Also, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson added a provision to a resolution on continued federal spending that would delist wolves in Montana and Idaho.
Interior Department makes GAO's list of 'high-risk' agencies In its "High-Risk Report," a biennial report published at the start of each Congressional session, the Government Accountability Office warned that the Interior Department may not be able to overhaul its agencies and offices responsible for overseeing energy leases and do the necessary work on those leases, too.
Idaho legislator wants those who kill wolves to avoid prosecution Idaho state Rep. Phil Hart introduced legislation that would allow people who kill federally protected wolves to go unpunished and would prohibit the state from investigating, prosecuting or punishing people who kill wolves.
Idaho congressman puts wolf measure into GOP budget bill Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson slipped a two-sentence measure into the Republican continuing budget resolution that directs Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to reissue a 2009 rule that took wolves in the Northern Rockies off the federal endangered species list.
Obama's budget has funds for small, modular nuclear reactors Contained within President Obama's 2012 budget is a request for funding small, modular nuclear reactors.
Idaho gathering draws supporters of Interior's 'wild lands' policy Last week representatives of hunting, conservation and religious groups from Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming gathered in Boise to show their support for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's "wild lands" directive.
Federal agency considers options for wolf management in Idaho After Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter objected to using state funds to manage wolves last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now contemplating paying another agency to oversee wolves in Idaho. Among the candidates are the state Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services.
Idaho bill would expand state's role in siting confined-animal-feeding operations Idaho state Rep. Bert Stevenson is sponsoring legislation that would allow the state to provide an analysis of proposed confined-animal-feeding operations to counties that request such a review.
USDA rolls out new management plan for nation's forests The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its new 94-page management plan for the 155 national forests under its authority on Thursday that calls for giving local managers more discretion in deciding wildlife issues.
Montana senators introduce bill to return wolves to state management Montana U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester introduced a one-paragraph bill that would return wolf management to the states, essentially rolling back the decision made by U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy last year that returned wolves in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to the endangered species list.
Public has until May 16 to comment on new national forest plan U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack plans to hold public meetings on the agency's new forest management plan in 12 states, including two in Montana in Billings and Missoula on March 22.
Idaho subcommittee votes to send nullification bill to full House The Idaho House State Affairs Committee sent a bill to nullify federal health care reform to the full House on a 14-5 vote on Thursday.
Idaho House ag committee will hear animal-abuse bill today The number of animal abuse complaints has risen dramatically in Idaho over the past three years, and state Rep. Jim Patrick wants to split responsibility for investigation of such cases between the state Agriculture Department, which investigates all cases now, and local law enforcement agencies, which would assume new responsibility for investigating cases involving companion animals.
Idaho House panel advances tribe's law-enforcement bill The Idaho House Judiciary and Rules Committee narrowly approved a measure to give Coeur d'Alene tribal law enforcement officers the ability to arrest non-Indians on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Benewah County, and sent the bill to the full House for its consideration.
Idaho House panel hearing on 'nullification' bill draws more than 200 The Idaho House State Affairs Committee heard three hours of testimony Wednesday on a bill that would use a centuries-old doctrine to repeal the national health care reform law, but postponed a vote on the bill until at least Thursday; similar "nullification" measures are under consideration in state legislatures in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon and at least six other states.
Opponents line up to speak against Idaho education reform bill On the first day of the Idaho Legislature's hearing on public school chief Tom Luna's proposed education reform bill, 100 people signed up to testify before lawmakers, with just 16 indicating that they supported the measure.
Legislation would require young bicyclists to wear helmets on Idaho roads Sen. Diane Bilyeu submitted legislation Tuesday to the Idaho Senate Transportation Committee that would require children under the age of 12 to wear helmets while riding bicycles on roadways in the state.
Idaho bill would slash funding for kindergarten Rep. Steve Thayn submitted legislation Tuesday that would reduce the $50 million Idaho now spends annually on funding kindergarten programs to $17 million, and focus that funding on at-risk children to prepare them for first grade.
Tie vote by Idaho city's planning commission stalls zip-line project A spokesperson for Magic Valley Flight Simulation LLC, the company that wants to install a zip line across Idaho's Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, said the company will try again after the project failed to win the approval of the Twin Falls Planning and Zoning Committee on Tuesday.
Bill would impose more oversight on Idaho's urban renewal districts Idaho state Rep. Leon Smith introduced legislation Tuesday that would impose a slate of new requirements on urban renewal districts.
Idaho GOP convention will be in Twin Falls in 2012 The Idaho Republican Party's state central committee voted unanimously to hold its 2012 state convention in Twin Falls.
Idaho Legislature begins 4-day hearing on education reform Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna testified before the Legislature on Monday on his plan to reform the state's education system, and hearings on the Republican-backed proposal will continue through Thursday.
Idaho hunters want ATV access on trails Idaho state Sen. Tim Corder wants to change state law that prohibits hunters from riding their ATVs on trails and roads open to other motorized access by removing the state Fish and Game's authority to regulate ATV access on state, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands.
Idaho governor names John Tippets to fill Geddes' Senate seat Idaho Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter selected John Tippets, a former state House representative, to fill the remaining Senate term of Bob Geddes, who resigned his seat to head up the State Tax Commission.
Idaho governor may sue USFWS over bull trout habitat designation A spokesman for Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disregarded the state's input on designation of critical habitat for the endangered bull trout and said the state is contemplating suing over the agency's decision.
Nevada county supports Idaho county's preferred route for transmission line Cassia County commissioners have been working for two years to ensure the route of the Gateway West Transmission project follows the Idaho county's preferred route along the Idaho-Nevada border, and on Thursday, the commissioners from Elko County, Nev., said they'd support Cassia County's preferred route.
Idaho House panel hears seven bills on urban-renewal districts The Idaho House Local Government Committee heard seven bills dealing with urban renewal districts on Wednesday, with one seeking a repeal of the 45-year-old bill, and others proposing a wide range of reforms for the measure.
Idaho lawmakers hear impact of budget cuts on water agency The agency that monitors, tests, adjudicates and follows Idaho waters could see a nearly 30 percent decrease in its share of the state's general fund, and on Wednesday, Idaho Department of Water Resource Interim Director Gary Spackman told lawmakers how his agency's work will have to change should those cuts be made.
Congress takes up wolf legislation A bill sponsored by Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and 15 other House members that would remove the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species List is currently before the House Natural Resource Committee, and in the U.S. Senate, Utah Republican Orrin Hatch's "American Big Game and Livestock Protection Act," which is co-sponsored by senators from Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Arizona, will be heard by the Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by California Sen. Barbara Boxer, who opposes the legislation.
Idaho lawmaker wants to reward businesses that hire locally State Rep. Roy Lacey will introduce legislation that would give companies a tax credit for hiring employees who have graduated from a public university in Idaho, and another that would give tax credits to graduates of Idaho public colleges who take jobs within the state.
Idaho legislators explore new revenue sources Corporate sponsors for playgrounds and the sale of the Simplot mansion donated by the J.R. Simplot family in 2004 for use as a governor's mansion were touted as ways to raise funds for Idaho, although legislators voted down a bill that would have tacked a $1.50 fee onto the $10 already paid by those found guilty of felonies, misdemeanors or other infractions to raise money for the state Police Academy.
Health care decision may change Idaho's plans After a federal district court judge in Florida declared federal health care reform unconstitutional, some states, such as Idaho, are contemplating canceling efforts to comply with portions of the law, while other states said the decision won't alter their compliance efforts.
Idaho bill would make temporary ban on 'spice' permanent In October, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter imposed a temporary ban on the chemicals used to make "spice," a synthetic form of THC found in marijuana, and on Tuesday, the House Judiciary and Rules Committee introduced legislation that would make the ban permanent.
Idaho crafts refinance plan for $202.4M in federal loans Idaho borrowed $202.4 million from the federal government to help fund unemployment benefits, and now the state is working on a plan to sell revenue bonds to pay off that loan.
Idaho, Nevada governors among those wanting to end teacher tenure The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Florida, Indiana and New Jersey are all working to end teacher tenure.
Hundreds of Idahoans ask lawmakers to protect health, welfare spending The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee of the Idaho Legislature held a rare "listening" session on the health and welfare budget, and while hundreds lined up to speak during the four-hour hearing, only 80 got the opportunity.
Idaho bill again explores taxing online sales Idaho state Rep. Leon Smith is trying again on legislation that would allow Idaho to tax online sales, with his latest attempt approved to become a bill by the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Rehberg, Tester press for return of wolf management to Montana On Wednesday, Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, along with Idaho Reps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador, introduced two pieces of legislation to return wolf management to states, and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester wrote to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar requesting that Montana again be allowed to hunt wolves.
Idaho community college can't keep up with enrollment gains Enrollment at the College of Western Idaho established in 2007 has grown from 1,208 students in its first semester in January of 2008 to 7,293 students this semester, and President Bert Glandon said once enrollment hits 8,270, the college will reach its limit.
Idaho's federal lawmakers applaud President's Obama's SOTU speech Idaho's all-Republican congressional delegation agreed with the overall theme of President Obama's State of the Union Speech, but said that it will be the details of doing such things as reducing the federal debt and closing loopholes for corporations that will take some work.
Idaho AG opines 'nullification' bill for federal health care unconstitutional Despite an Idaho Attorney General's opinion that legislation seeking to "nullify" federal health care reform violates both the state and federal constitutions, a group of Idaho lawmakers are pursuing the legislation which would declare the federal health care reform law invalid and order state agencies not to implement any of its measures.
Idaho bills target development of geothermal energy on state lands Four bills were introduced before the Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee that would work to make state-owned lands more attractive to geothermal energy developers.
Study finds few in Idaho earning a living wage The Alliance for a Just Society’s 2010 Northwest Job Gap Study, which determined on a county-by-county basis in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, what a living wage would be, found that few in Idaho were earning such a wage.
Idaho lawmakers, university president discuss funding University of Idaho President Duane Nellis told members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that the university has done all it can to deal with budget cuts, but lawmakers questioned how the university system had been able to put $117 million away while decrying budget cuts and raising fees and tuition.
BLM's 'wild lands' policy sparks another wilderness debate in Idaho Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter likened Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's executive order issued in December authorizing the Bureau of Land Management to inventory its holdings and identify lands with wilderness characteristics to then-President Bill Clinton's roadless rule, a sentiment shared by other western Republicans.
USFS proposes road changes in Idaho due to state law After Idaho legislators passed a bill in 2009 that allows under-age, unlicensed off-road vehicle riders to ride on U.S. Forest Service roads, the federal agency is proposing some changes to 2,500 miles of roads in the state and may close some of those roads to motorized use altogether.
Legislation would legalize medical marijuana in Idaho Idaho state Rep. Tom Trail's bill that would legalize the use of medical marijuana in the state would require patients to get a doctor's recommendation and limit usage to two ounces every 28 days.
Idaho education board has lofty goals despite leaner budget Idaho State Board of Education President Richard Westerberg told lawmakers Thursday that the board wants 60 percent of Idahoans between the age of 25 and 34 to have a college degree or a technical professional degree by 2020, about double the percentage now, and will reach that goal despite a 22 percent drop in state funding for education over the past three years by offering more online courses.
Idaho GOP legislator's bill would nullify federal health care reform Lawmakers in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Oregon, as well as three other states, are contemplating some form of nullification legislation, based on a doctrine espoused by Thomas Jefferson in 1799, to overturn the federal health care law.
Studies don't support Luna's pay-for-performance plan for Idaho teachers A key component of Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's reform plan is a plan to base teachers' pay on performance, but two high-profile studies question the effect such plans have on student performance.
Coeur d'Alene Tribe again asks Idaho Legislature for arrest authority Last year, the Idaho Legislature gave Benewah County six days to come up with a cross-deputization agreement with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe that would allow tribal law-enforcement officers to arrest non-tribal members on tribal lands in the county, but no such agreement was ever reached, and on Thursday, tribal representatives were back before legislators seeking their help on the law-enforcement loophole.
Idaho small businesses follow national trend in adding health insurance One of the provisions of the health care reform law gives tax credits to small businesses that provide health insurance coverage to employees, and insurance companies have reported a surge in the number of small companies buying health insurance since the act became law in April, a trend reflected in Idaho.
Idaho governor, former governor spar on new nuclear waste deal Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus criticized Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's deal with the federal government that allows the Idaho National Laboratory to import 880 pounds of spent nuclear fuel annually, saying that the deal opens the state up to the risk of becoming a nuclear waste repository, a charge Otter and former Gov. Phil Batt deny.
Idaho schools chief details overhaul plan with legislators Tom Luna, the state schools superintendent, told Idaho legislators Tuesday that the reforms he would like made to the schools system would cost $68 million to implement and would be paid for primarily by increasing class sizes.
Idaho state senator to take the helm at Tax Commission Idaho state Sen. Bob Geddes resigned his Senate seat and quit his job at Monsanto to take the position of chairman at the Idaho Tax Commission.
Biden hires Idaho man for chief of staff post Vice President Joe Biden has hired Bruce Reed, an Idaho native, to serve as his chief of staff.
Idaho Health official urges volunteers to fill service gaps. In his budget presentation to legislators, Richard Armstrong, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said families and communities need to step up efforts to provide services as fewer government dollars means lower levels of service.
Idaho governor urges Interior secretary to rescind 'wild lands' order In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said that Salazar's Dec. 23 order allowing the Bureau of Land Management to designate public lands "wild lands" and manage them like wilderness would put too much power in the hands of federal bureaucrats and urged Salazar to rescind the order.
Idaho schools chief pitches overhaul plan Idaho schools Superintendent Tom Luna's proposed education overhaul plan includes laptops for every high school student in the state, performance-based teachers' salaries, and larger classes.
Idaho congressman wants to delay EPA's rules on greenhouse gases U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, the Idaho congressman who chairs the Interior and Environment Subcommittee, said he may try to include a measure in a spending bill that would put the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other stationary sources on hold for two years.
Idaho Legislature's budget chief urges caution on education spending Because Idaho struck education funding deals with the federal government to secure stimulus funds and to secure money to save teaching jobs, Cathy Holland-Smith, the Legislature's budget chief, said Tuesday that the Legislature may not have the entire $50 million Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter projected to have in the bank at the end of the fiscal year, as those agreements may require the state to spend $34.6 million of that balance on public education.
Idaho governor urges fiscal restraint in State of State speech Monday Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter spoke before a joint session of the state House and Senate on Monday, where he laid out a cautious budget.
Utility defends process on proposed Montana transmission line NorthWestern Energy's Chief Transmission Officer Michael Cashell responded directly to Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman's complaints about the utility's process in seeking approval of its proposed Mountain States Transmission Intertie, or MSTI, a 500kV-line that would extend from near Townsend to southeastern Idaho, nearly 400 miles, after Wortman criticized the process in a letter to Montana U.S. Sen. Max Baucus.
Idaho legislators liken budget situation to 'cliff' A recurring theme in statements from Idaho legislators is that the state's financial situation is teetering on the edge of a cliff, and the 20 members of the Legislature's budget committee are the first to tackle just how the state should address a $340-million budget shortfall.
Idaho's unemployment rate continues its climb into record territory Idaho's unemployment rate climbed again in December, the fifth consecutive month for such an increase, with a record 71,900 Idahoans out of work.
Republicans push for closed primary in Idaho Republicans hold all major state offices in Idaho, and the party holds a clear majority in the Legislature, but GOP members still feel vulnerable and are pressing to change state law to prevent voters who are not registered Republicans from voting in its primaries.
Geothermal, transportation funding on Idaho's legislative agenda The Idaho Legislature will have a full agenda when the session begins today, including bills addressing funding for transportation projects and geothermal development, as well as legislation that would expand notification requirements for wind-energy projects.
Idaho bill would increase cigarette taxes by $1.25 a pack Idaho Rep. Dennis Lake, the GOP legislator who leads the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, said he will sponsor a bill to raise the state's tax on cigarettes by $1.25 a pack, pushing the price of a pack of cigarettes in the Gem State to about $7.
Simpson urges new Idaho congressman to work hard Idaho U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador was sworn into office on Wednesday, and his seven-term colleague Rep. Mike Simpson advised him to "keep your head low, and work hard."
Idaho lawmaker files tax return Idaho state Rep. Phil Hart, an outspoken opponent of income taxes, filed his 2009 income tax return on Dec. 22.
Idaho Gov. Otter to be sworn in today for second term At a private ceremony today, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter will be sworn in for his second term.
Utah, Idaho senators fail to advance wolf legislation Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, along with Idaho U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, had introduced legislation to remove wolves from the federal endangered species list, but that legislation failed on a procedural vote on Tuesday.
Idaho Legislature to consider bill on limiting hunters' use of ATVs An Idaho lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that will redefine the role the state Fish and Game Department will play in determining what trails should be opened to hunters who prefer to use all-terrain vehicles.
Former Idaho gubernatorial candidate urges public to shoot wolves The Lewiston Tribune reports that Rex Rammell, who was defeated in the Republican primary for governor of Idaho earlier this year, urged the Idaho County Commission to declare an emergency to allow wolves to be shot on sight. He told the 100 or more people who attended the meeting that they should put together a hunt and begin killing wolves, and he assured the crowd that neither state nor federal officials would interfere.
Idaho legislators say budget will dominate session's agenda Seven legislators from Idaho's Magic Valley met with local leaders on Thursday night to give their preview of the upcoming session, where the lawmakers will address an estimated $340-million budget gap.
Idaho legislators want to add education, health into budget process The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee of the Idaho Legislature is discussing inviting members of the committees who deal with education and health and welfare to participate in joint hearings.
Republican National Committee selects Idaho attorney for counsel post Norman M. Semanko, an Idaho lawyer who has served as the chairman of the state's Republican Party for the past two years, has been picked by the national GOP to serve as general counsel of that group.
Virginia court decision puts health care reform on appeal track A federal judge in Virginia ruled Monday that the requirement of the health-care reform law that every American have health care coverage is unconstitutional, but the judge declined to suspend implementation of the act.
Idaho governor gives details on what stalled wolf talks Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said last week's talks between federal officials and Idaho, Montana and Wyoming officials on wolves in the Northern Rockies stalled in part because of a federal proposed mandate that Idaho maintain a wolf population between 500 and 700 wolves.
Groups spar over cause, effect of fewer energy leases in the West Kathleen Sgamma of the Colorado-based Western Energy Alliance said the 79 percent decline in energy leases in the Rocky Mountain West between 2005 and 2010 was caused by too rigid environmental laws, but Erik Molvar, with the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, said energy companies aren't nominating parcels for leasing because they already have plenty leased that they haven't developed yet.
Idaho senators ask Vilsack to tout taters south of the border Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have asked U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary to discuss the expansion of the potato market in Mexico when he meets with Mexican agricultural officials this week.
Legislator wants to make Idaho Tax Commission settlements public Idaho state Rep. Grant Burgoyn said he is considering legislation that would require public disclosure of state Tax Commission settlements, but state Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill said he's concerned that such disclosures could violate the privacy of taxpayers.
USFS questions intent of Idaho parks' letter to OHV users The Nez Perce Forest in Idaho is updating its travel management plan, and Forest Service officials are questioning why the state parks department sent a letter to all registered off-highway vehicle users urging them to get involved in the process; the Idaho wildlife agency would like to know that information as well.
Idaho legislator loses tax appeal Idaho state Rep. Phil Hart lost his appeal of an order of the State Tax Commission that he owed $53,000 in back taxes, when a state district court judge sided with the Tax Commission and rejected Hart's appeal because he missed a crucial deadline.
Western governors plead for respite from 'nonsensical' species act At the Western Governors' Association winter meeting on Wednesday, governors from Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana asked the federal government to give them some relief from federal protections of thriving but endangered species such as prairie dogs that are ravaging range in their states.
Idaho wildlife panel officially suspends wolf management The Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted Wednesday to endorse Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's decision to halt state management of wolves.
Endangered Species Act on Western Governors' agenda today The Western Governors' Association is holding its winter meeting in Las Vegas, and today, the Endangered Species Act is on the agenda.
Water rights generate lively discussion at Western Governors' meeting Water rights were on the agenda of the first day of the Western Governors' Association's winter meeting in Las Vegas on Tuesday, with federal officials urging states to consider water needs over water wants, while states pleaded for more flexibility and less federal oversight.
Wyoming, Montana governors have different perspective on wolf talks Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer declared negotiations between Montana, Idaho and Wyoming and the federal government on wolf management were dead on Monday, but Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal didn't agree with that stance.
Interest high in open Idaho city council seat Twenty-four candidates have filed to run for the seat on the Twin Falls City Council now held by Lee Heider, who was elected to the Idaho Legislature.
Montana FWP warns MSU that wolf study endangers cooperation The Bozeman Daily Chronicle obtained a copy of a letter from Dave Risley, an administrator with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, to Montana State University President Waded Cruzado warning that the agency's conflict with MSU Professor Scott Creel over wolf studies could end the decades-long cooperation between the agency and the college.
Washington, D.C. all abuzz about wolves On Thursday, Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg joined Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, Wyoming Rep. Cynthia Lummis, Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada, Utah Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, Arizona Rep. Trent Franks and Wally Herger of California, in signing onto the State Sovereignty Wildlife Management Act, which would give states more flexibility in adapting species management to their unique circumstances, while Montana's U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar urging continuation of efforts to turn wolf management back over to Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Parties pick their legislative leaders in Idaho Idaho Republicans and Democrats met Wednesday to pick their legislative leaders for the upcoming session, with Senate Republicans selecting Sen. Brent Hill as president pro tem and Majority Leader Bart Davis retaining his position; Democrats elected Sen. Edgar Malepeai as minority leader.
Little says California's fiscal problems could boost Idaho's economy As Idaho legislators prepare to address a $340-million budget shortfall, Lt. Gov. Brad Little said he believed that California's economic woes could send tax-weary businesses to the Gem State.
Idaho congressman poised to head committee that funds EPA Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has been critical of the Environmental Protection Agency and its impact on business, and as lead Republican on the Interior and Environment subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, and with Republicans poised to take control of the U.S. House, the Idaho congressman may soon lead the committee that holds the budget reins for the EPA, the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department.
Idaho Legislature to work on emergency medical services A new report issued Tuesday found duplication of emergency medical services in Idaho, as well as gaps and turf wars, and committees in the Idaho House and Senate agreed to work together to change the system in the next Legislature.
U.S. Senate passes food safety legislation It's not certain that Congress will have time yet this session to address the differences between the food safety legislation passed Tuesday by the U.S. Senate and the bill passed earlier last year by the House, and House Democrats said they're considering just approving the Senate's version, which has less money for inspections and more exemptions from rules.
Idaho investigating former gubernatorial candidate for poaching elk Rex Rammell, who unsuccessfully ran for governor this year in Idaho and for U.S. Senate two years ago, was apprehended by an Idaho Fish and Game agent while dragging an illegally tagged elk with a snowmobile, and is accused of interfering with the warden's efforts to seize the elk, making threatening statements to the warden and refusing to accept a citation. |
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