[Vision2020] Rep. Trail's Legislative Newsletter 4 - Feb 2-6, 2004

Tom Trail RepTrail@infotrail.com
Sat, 7 Feb 2004 21:40:23 -0600


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Dear Constituents:
 
We just completed the fourth week of the legislative session.  We are
seeing a lot of activity with bills.  Here are some of the highlights of
the week.
 
1.  Patriot Act  --  Rep. Charles Eberle and I are sponsoring a
resolution which supports the actions of Congressman Butch Otter and
Sen. Larry Craig in attempting to modify some of the more onerous parts
of the Patriot Act.   Legislative leadership is certainly not
enthusiastic about our efforts, and the Speaker has indicated that he
will support it only if he has letters of support from Sen. Craig and
Congressman Otter.  We are encouraging citizens to contact Craig and
Otter's office to send a letter to the Speaker to encourage him to let
us have a hearing and a chance to defend our civil rights at the grass
roots level.
 
2.  Open Meetings Resolution  --  I introduced a resolution calling for
the Legislature to renew its commitment to the Open Meetings Law in
Idaho.   Citizens are becoming increasingly concerned about too many
closed door meetings in violation of the law.  Again, Legislative
leadership is not enthusiastic to even let us have a hearing.  On the
other hand, it is my understanding that they are going to form some type
of study committee to study the issue between sessions.  This may be an
attempt to "bury" the issue--I hope not.
 
3.  Constitutional Amendment for Tax Exemptions -- Rep. Delores Crow's
Rev and Tax Committee is considering a constitutional amendment which
would require the Legislature to have a 2/3rds vote in order to pass any
type of tax increase.  It is almost as if we legislators don't trust one
another in matters like tax increases.  The legislation doesn't address
the question of a 2/3rds vote to approve a tax decrease.
 
     I've sent legislation to Rep. Crow's committee which would call for
a constitutional amendment that would require a 2/3rds vote to approve
any tax credit or tax exemption.  The 75 or so tax exemptions that we
currently have total up to $1.2 billion a year.  These are essentially
uncollected taxes and represent a major tax shift on the Idaho citizen.
 
4.  ISAT  --  The House Ed Committee approved a rule that would require
public high school students to pass a high stakes test before receiving
a diploma.  The vote was 12-6.  I voted against it.  Previously a House
Sub Committee had voted 6-3 to reject the rule, but the Governor's
office applied heavy pressure.
 
     My concerns related to validity issues as being culturally biased
against non English speakers and special needs students.  This is not
the last step in the argument.   The rules can still be modified next
year.   There are still great concerns about the potential unfunded
mandate of NCLB (No Child Left Behind).
 
5.  Technology funding  --  The Governor's proposed $3 million dollar
cut in technology funds simply doesn't make any sense.  He claims that
the future of Idaho is in high technology and is promoting an office of
technology.  We are moving into the first phase of the ICRIMS system
which Albertson's advisors tell us will require even higher investment
in technology in the public schools.  We are trying to see if some
federal funds can be diverted to fill the gap.  It is almost like having
our public school system trying to row a high tech boat with one oar.
 
6.  The Repeals of HB329aa (Voluntary Contributions), HB403aa (school
facilities), and the Property Tax cap and Teacher Index have been placed
in the Ways and Means Committee.  Rep. Ringo and I (and colleagues) felt
these were important issues to debate but the Ways and Means Committee
is known as the Black Hole and a bill usually never comes out of the
Committee  --  it is a graveyard.  It has already cost the state more
than $500,000 in defense fees to fight the court cases.
 
7.  State Board of Education Proposal by Sen. Schroeder  --  Sen.
Schroeder proposes a constitutional amendment which would create two
Boards of Education -- one to address K-12 issues and one board for
Higher Education.  There are increasing concerns that the current board
members are simply overwhelmed and cannot adequately carry out their
responsibilities for public and higher education.  I remember that both
Tom Boyd, former SBOE (State Board of Education) member and Paul
Agidius, current member complaining about the foot high pile of
documents they had to review each month.   More time of Board members to
concentrate on areas of concern might help increase the Board's
oversight on accountability and perhaps avoid a problem like Idaho
Place.
 
8.  ABCTE (American Board for Certification of Teaching Excellence)  --
The SBOE's arrogant and non-democratic procedures for adopting this
temporary rule has drawn the ire of a number of teaching professionals
and legislators.   The PSC (Professional Standards Commission) was not
asked for any input nor was there a public hearing.   Deans of Education
were not asked for their input.   Dean Dennis Cartwright, NNU,
communicated to me that the Deans have been threatened and intimidated
either directly or through University administration to stay out of the
dialog.  In checking with two of the deans, we found this to be the
case.  I'm urging both Sen. Schroeder and Rep. Barrclough to hold a
public forum in the Gold Room on this important issue.
 
9. Education Budget  --  JFAC wants to set the overall budget at
$17,000,000 below the Governor's proposal.  December and January's tax
shortfalls give us grave concern that unless the economy starts to pull
out that JFAC may be proposing even deeper cuts.
 
 
Rep. Tom Trail
 
I can be contacted at ttrail@house.state.id.us 
 
This newsletter as well as older ones can be found at
www.infotrail.com/idaho
 
 
 

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<body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
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<div class=3DSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Dear
Constituents:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>We
just completed the fourth week of the legislative session.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>We are seeing a lot of activity =
with
bills.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Here are some of =
the
highlights of the week.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>1.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Patriot =
Act<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span></span></font></b><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Rep. Charles Eberle =
and I
are sponsoring a resolution which supports the actions of Congressman =
Butch
Otter and Sen. Larry Craig in attempting to modify some of the more =
onerous
parts of the Patriot Act.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>Legislative leadership is certainly not enthusiastic about our =
efforts,
and the Speaker has indicated that he will support it only if he has =
letters of
support from Sen. Craig and Congressman Otter.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>We are encouraging citizens to =
contact
Craig and Otter's office to send a letter to the Speaker to encourage =
him to
let us have a hearing and a chance to defend our civil rights at the =
grass
roots level.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>2.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Open Meetings =
Resolution</span></font></b><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span>I introduced a resolution calling for the Legislature to renew =
its
commitment to the Open Meetings Law in Idaho.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Citizens are becoming =
increasingly
concerned about too many closed door meetings in violation of the =
law.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Again, Legislative leadership =
is not
enthusiastic to even let us have a hearing.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>On the other hand, it is my
understanding that they are going to form some type of study committee =
to study
the issue between sessions.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; =
</span>This
may be an attempt to &quot;bury&quot; the issue--I hope =
not.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>3.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Constitutional =
Amendment
for Tax Exemptions </span></font></b><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>-- Rep. Delores =
Crow's Rev
and Tax Committee is considering a constitutional amendment which would =
require
the Legislature to have a 2/3rds vote in order to pass any type of tax
increase.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>It is almost as =
if we
legislators don't trust one another in matters like tax increases.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>The legislation doesn't address =
the
question of a 2/3rds vote to approve a tax =
decrease.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I've sent =
legislation
to Rep. Crow's committee which would call for a constitutional amendment =
that
would require a 2/3rds vote to approve any tax credit or tax =
exemption.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>The 75 or so tax exemptions =
that we
currently have total up to $1.2 billion a year.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>These are essentially =
uncollected taxes
and represent a major tax shift on the Idaho =
citizen.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>4.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>ISAT<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span></span></font></b><font =
size=3D2
face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>--<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>The House Ed Committee approved =
a rule
that would require public high school students to pass a high stakes =
test
before receiving a diploma.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; =
</span>The
vote was 12-6.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>I voted =
against
it.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Previously a House Sub
Committee had voted 6-3 to reject the rule, but the Governor's office =
applied
heavy pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>My concerns =
related to
validity issues as being culturally biased against non English speakers =
and
special needs students.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; =
</span>This is not
the last step in the argument.<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>The rules can still be modified next year.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>There are still great =
concerns
about the potential unfunded mandate of <span class=3DSpellE>NCLB</span> =
(No
Child Left Behind).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>5.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Technology =
funding</span></font></b><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span>The Governor's proposed $3 million dollar cut in technology funds =
simply
doesn't make any sense.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>He =
claims
that the future of Idaho is in high technology and is promoting an =
office of
technology.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>We are moving =
into the
first phase of the <span class=3DSpellE>ICRIMS</span> system which =
Albertson's
advisors tell us will require even higher investment in technology in =
the
public schools.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>We are =
trying to
see if some federal funds can be diverted to fill the gap.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>It is almost like having our =
public
school system trying to row a high tech boat with one =
oar.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>6.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>The Repeals of =
HB329aa
(Voluntary Contributions), HB403aa (school facilities), =
</span></font></b><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>and
the <b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Property Tax cap </span></b>and <b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>Teacher Index </span></b>have been placed in the Ways and Means
Committee.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>Rep. Ringo and =
I (and
colleagues) felt these were important issues to debate but the Ways and =
Means
Committee is known as the Black Hole and a bill usually never comes out =
of the
Committee<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>it is a graveyard.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>It has already cost the state =
more than
$500,000 in defense fees to fight the court =
cases.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>7.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>State Board of =
Education
Proposal by Sen. Schroeder</span></font></b><font size=3D2 =
face=3D"Courier New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span>Sen. Schroeder proposes a constitutional amendment which would =
create
two Boards of Education -- one to address K-12 issues and one board for =
Higher
Education.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>There are =
increasing
concerns that the current board members are simply overwhelmed and =
cannot
adequately carry out their responsibilities for public and higher
education.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>I remember that =
both Tom
Boyd, former SBOE (State Board of Education) member and Paul Agidius, =
current
member complaining about the foot high pile of documents they had to =
review
each month.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>More =
time of
Board members to concentrate on areas of concern might help increase the
Board's oversight on accountability and perhaps avoid a problem like =
Idaho
Place.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>8.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>ABCTE =
</span></font></b><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>(American
Board for Certification of Teaching Excellence) <span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;</span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span>The SBOE's arrogant and non-democratic procedures for adopting =
this
temporary rule has drawn the ire of a number of teaching professionals =
and
legislators.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The PSC =
(Professional
Standards Commission) was not asked for any input nor was there a public
hearing.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Deans of =
Education
were not asked for their input.<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>Dean Dennis Cartwright, NNU, communicated to me that the Deans =
have been
threatened and intimidated either directly or through University =
administration
to stay out of the dialog.<span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; =
</span>In
checking with two of the deans, we found this to be the case.<span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>I'm urging both Sen. Schroeder =
and Rep.
Barrclough to hold a public forum in the Gold Room on this important =
issue.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D2 face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'>9. Education Budget</span></font></b><font size=3D2 =
face=3D"Courier New"><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp; </span>--<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span><span class=3DSpellE>JFAC</span> wants to set the overall budget =
at
$17,000,000 below the Governor's proposal.<span =
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>&nbsp;
</span>December and January's tax shortfalls give us grave concern that =
unless
the economy starts to pull out that <span class=3DSpellE>JFAC</span> may =
be
proposing even deeper cuts.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Rep.
Tom Trail<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>I
can be contacted at ttrail@house.state.id.us =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>This
newsletter as well as older ones can be found at =
www.infotrail.com/idaho<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D2 face=3D"Courier New"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New"'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

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