Dams, Taxes & Repeals

A few lawmakers joined a noontime rally outside the Annex Wednesday to oppose the war in Iraq. Most walked by unperturbed.

Changes to state retiree benefits are headed to Otter’s desk, another move toward ending the 2008 session. But the roads fight is no closer to resolution with even more new bills promised, including a set from the House Democrats expected today.

Rammell, Google and Areva on today’s Newsrack…

Press asked to Pledge or stay out

Posted on the wall of the Annex Press Pit: If media people don’t wish to say the Pledge of Allegiance they should come into the House chambers after it is completed.

Public Displays of Jesus Affection

Every day at Idaho’s temporary statehouse, broadcast over loud speakers, you can hear prayer. Sometimes it’s the House chaplain recalling the travails of Daniel or perhaps dipping into a New Testament reflection. Or maybe it’s the Senate’s pastor asking for divine guidance in matters of state.

Roads, Groceries & Joe

A grocery tax compromise brokered by House leaders is breaking through, but transportation bills are stuck, with even more “new ideas” in the works at this late date. Meanwhile, the House Rev & Tax folks are going to look at just a handful more exemptions after *shocking* news that cutting both grocery and personal property taxes could hurt the budget a few years down the road.

Two reviews of legislation that affects cities and counties today, Pro-Life is also a position, Ron Paul’s ballot position and a Taser death in today’s Newsrack…

Uranium, Liquor & State Pay

Glee at the debate over Election Day liquor sales pervaded the Capitol Press Corps Monday. It’s a wonder elections even get covered with this prohibition in place that looks like it’s coming to an end.

The House is going to look…

Otter reluctantly signs halfway house crackdown bill

Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter today signed House Bill 465 allowing cities and counties to further scrutinize group homes, but warned local jurisdictions that they must play a meaningful role in safely and effectively reintroducing former inmates to society.

Transport Equation, Prison & Justices

As the week that was supposed to be the last begins, it’s obvious lawmakers will be around a bit longer. It’s chaos on the transportation front, controversial (electioneering?) bills on immigration and abortion are still being introduced. The Senate is sitting on some so-called “going home” bills.

Dueling election reform bills that fail to satisfy the wing of the Idaho GOP clamoring for change were also just unveiled Friday and will take some serious scrutiny. Secretary of State Ysursa does not want any change, but brought a bill anyway.

Also, a hot judge’s race taking shape early, drug treatment in the jails and Spitzer v. Craig… in today’s Newsrack.

Dems to put 2/3 vote back on Legislature

Here’s your 66.666’s…

Anderson gets tased

Rep. Eric Anderson, a Priest Lake Republican, volunteered to be tased Thursday as a bill to regulate stun guns as concealed weapons died 7-7 in Committee.

Local Transit, IEA & Grocery Tax

A watershed hearing is being held this morning on local option taxes for transit and transportation. The bill being debated is brought by an opponent of local option taxes and will be opposed by most local option supporters. Media reports this morning call that coalition fractured. Testimony at the hearing will tell, but it appears the counties were thrown a bone and peeled off to support amending the Constitution.

Luna’s final efforts to change teacher policy and pay failed Thursday when the Senate Education Committee decided against expediting teacher firings with opposition from school boards, who apparently asked for it in the first place. Also, Tamarack getting worried, grocery tax debate in Senate but not vote and honkers taking over the place… in today’s Newsrack.