[Vision2020] February 9-13 Legislative update
DonovArn@aol.com
DonovArn@aol.com
Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:49:42 EST
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To Tom, Shirley, and All,
"1. 3% increase for State Employees -- The joint House and Senate Human
Resources Committee voted to recommend a 3% pay increase for state workers. The
additional 1% is contingent upon the state collecting $5 million more in tax
revenue this year than expected. Rep. Ringo and I voted for an additional 2%
increase for state employees who have not received a raise for 2 years."
3% is NOT a raise. It is a cost of living adjustment.
"2. Governor's Budget for Education Inadequate for Public Education"
Write a bill to cut the Governor's paycheck. He doesn't need it, the children
do. What happened to the surplus Kempthorn was given when he came into
office?
"3. Integrity of Public Officials -- Sen. Ingram wants to introduce
legislation that would clamp down on state officials accepting gifts from companies
and lobbyists. Ingram says lawmakers shouldn't be in the business of
accepting gifts. But Speaker Newcomb said lawmakers differ from other public
officials."
If Speaker Newcomb thinks it is "OK" to take pay-offs for voting on bills, he
is out of touch with the public. I am outraged that ANY elected official
would take even a cookie from a lobbyist. All legislators should ALWAYS vote for
what is in the best interests of the people while maintaining the rights of the
minority. I am surprised taking gifts is not illegal.
"4. Attempt to Ban Smoking -- SB1283 would ban smoking in most
restaurants, taxi cabs, retail stores, museums, hospitals, theaters and offices to the
public."
I don't know of any Retail stores, Museums, Hospitals, Museums, and taxi cabs
that still allow smoking. Restaurants, I object to banning smoking in. Bars
and Restaurants make their living off smokers coming in as a place to socialize
and smoke. You would destroy them.
"The Senate passed the measure 23-13. My research indicates that the
restaurant trade may be impacted for a short period of time but that it recovers."
Yes, overall it would. But you would knock out many mom and pop owned
restaurants until the smokers moved to another restaurant chain. I don't think this
is fair.
"Last year the American Medical Association estimated that over 400,000
deaths were attributed to smoking. I will support this bill."
How many were children? What laws do we have protecting small children and
babies from second hand smoke? An adult can choose to not attend a restaurant
that is occupied by mostly smokers. A baby cannot choose to leave their crib and
get away from a smoking parent of guardian. Yet we are protecting those that
do have alternatives instead, like leaving or choosing to quit smoking. Why? I
think protecting children should be a higher priority and more effective than
telling businesses how to run their business. Children are 50%+ likely to
smoke when they get older if their parents smoke around them.
5. State Board of Education Debate --
Are these the kids or the Adults? Sounds like none of them can handle the
job. I would replace them all and start over. Best thing to do for the kids. I
don't think we can spend another 2 years finger pointing when problems need to
be fixed. Accept their resignations and start anew for the sake of children's
education. It is clear they cannot work together and the children are the ones
talking the punishment.
Respectfully,
Donovan J Arnold
In a message dated 2/14/2004 8:00:39 PM Pacific Standard Time,
RepTrail@infotrail.com writes:
Dear Constituents:
We are probably in the midterm of the 2004 Legislative session. JFAC will
soon start setting the education appropriations bills and March 12-20th are
predicted to be the range of dates that we may be finishing the session. Tax
returns were not up to estimates for December and January so JFAC is looking at a
budget potentially below the Governor's budget.
Here are some of the week's highlights.
1. 3% increase for State Employees -- The joint House and Senate Human
Resources Committee voted to recommend a 3% pay increase for state workers. The
additional 1% is contingent upon the state collecting $5 million more in tax
revenue this year than expected. Rep. Ringo and I voted for an additional 2%
increase for state employees who have not received a raise for 2 years. If one
looks at $19,000 as the poverty level for a family of four then U. of I.
payroll figures indicate that about 20% of U. of I. workers fall below the poverty
level. Obviously the poverty level varies according to the number of people
in a family -- but the figure does give us some general perspective.
Surveys also indicate that many state workers hold down 1-3 additional jobs, qualify
for food stamps, and some are on welfare. BSU actually has a type of soup
kitchen approach offering free meals to workers below the poverty level. We are
losing many of our most valuable state workers, and we need to develop a long
term plan to help get the pay schedule competitive with the private sector.
2. Governor's Budget for Education Inadequate for Public Education - The
House and Senate Education Committees critically examined the Governor's
Education Budget and found it to short-change education in a number of areas. These
concerns were reported to JFAC. Gov. Kempthorne's plan to spend $5 million
less on technology for classrooms doesn't get any applause from members of either
committees. Accepting the Governor's plan could harm an Albertson Foundation
backed $35 million initiative to help parents and teachers track student
performance. Recommendations were also made to put $4 million in the ISAT
intervention program to help struggling students with the mandatory graduation exit
test.
3. Integrity of Public Officials -- Sen. Ingram wants to introduce
legislation that would clamp down on state officials accepting gifts from companies
and lobbyists. Ingram says lawmakers shouldn't be in the business of accepting
gifts. But Speaker Newcomb said lawmakers differ from other public
officials. I beg to differ on this point -- appearances are everything. In a recent
BSU survey about 70% of Idaho citizens indicated they believe that lawmakers
support legislation according to the amount of contributions and gifts they
receive from companies and lobbyists. There is that old saying -- follow the
money. A good example brought to my attention by a constituent is the intense
lobbying by Qwest and the Governor to deregulate land phone lines. Over the
years Qwest has contributed more than $182,000 to the Governor and lawmakers,
and most recently made a sizeable donation to help pay off the Governor's
campaign debt from the 2002 campaign. Legislation is also being introduced to raise
the contribution level from $1,000 to $2,000 for candidates. And it simply
goes on and on -- I can't think of a better reason than to support public
campaign financing.
4. Attempt to Ban Smoking -- SB1283 would ban smoking in most restaurants,
taxi cabs, retail stores, museums, hospitals, theaters and offices to the
public. The Senate passed the measure 23-13. My research indicates that the
restaurant trade may be impacted for a short period of time but that it recovers.
Last year the American Medical Association estimated that over 400,000
deaths were attributed to smoking. I will support this bill.
5. State Board of Education Debate -- Sen. Schroeder introduced a bill
that would split the SBOE into two boards: one focused on public education and
the other on higher education. This system works well in several states.
Board members such as Tom Boyd and Paul Agidius both told me that they were
overwhelmed with the amount of information they received before each monthly board
meeting, and that they were so caught up with details that they often couldn't
see the broader picture. Sen. Schroeder mentioned that this aspect may have
prevented the Board from monitoring and preventing the Idaho Place scenario.
Blake Hall of the Board immediately attacked Sen. Schroeder saying that the
Senator bore major responsibility for not spotting Idaho Place problems. This
is very curious since the SBOE has the mandate to be responsible for Higher
Education. Perhaps Mr. Hall is too busy as a lobbyist for the University of
Chicago and an engineering firm to fully concentrate on his SBOE duties.
5. HB502 -- This bill is called the "enrich" Qwest bill which would remove
pricing for basic residential and business phone services from regulation
from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. It would allow Qwest and 16 other
providers across the state to raise local rates as much as they want whenever
they want to. The PUC is the only protection Idaho consumers have in terms of
phone companies jacking up prices. The PUC allows companies to make a decent
return on their investment Qwest has 444,000 phone lines and if they increase
the charge $1/month that puts an additional $444,444 into their pockets. A
headline in the Statesman of February 14th indicated that a cable company was
increasing their prices by 17%. Cable companies are deregulated.
I received a call from a constituent in Potlatch. She is a senior
citizen living on $700/month. She said that if her phone bill goes up then either
her phone or prescription has to go. HB502 will be an additional tax on the
Idaho citizen especially hitting low income citizens and small businesses.
Qwest is still recovering from massive fraud charges from their
executives for defrauding stockholders of over $250,000,000 and for fraud concerning
the selling of $30 million in equipment to schools in Arizona which didn't
exist.
It is curious that several years ago we proudly supported the
continuance of regulation of electric power. We pointed out with pride how we
protected the consumer. What short term memories we have in the legislature. I just
hope that we do not become known as the ENRON Legislature with the passage of
HB502.
6. Promise Scholarship -- Rep. Ringo and I will introduce a piece of
legislation that would change the payment of the scholarship. Currently, the
Scholarship (B) pays qualified high school students graduating from a Idaho high
school (with a 3.0 gpa) and who go to an Idaho university or college
$250/semester (for 4 terms). We are recommending that the $1,000 be paid up front during
the first year or $500 for each of the first two semesters. This will serve
as a greater incentive to attract first year students and also reduce
university administrative costs.
Rep. Tom Trail/Dist 6
You can reach me at ttrail@house.state.id.
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<DIV>
<DIV>To Tom, Shirley, and All,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courie=
r New'; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">"1.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&=
nbsp; </SPAN>3% increase for State Employees </SPAN><FONT face=3D"Courier Ne=
w" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPA=
N style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s"> </SPAN>The joint House and Senate Human Resources Committee voted=20=
to recommend a 3% pay increase for state workers.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun=
: yes"> </SPAN>The additional 1% is contingent upon the state collecti=
ng $5 million more in tax revenue this year than expected.<SPAN style=3D"mso=
-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Rep. Ringo and I voted for an additional 2% in=
crease for state employees who have not received a raise for 2 years."</SPAN=
></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT size=3D3><STRONG>3% is NOT a raise. It is a c=
ost of living adjustment.</STRONG></FONT> </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG>"</STRONG>2. Governor's Budget for Educatio=
n Inadequate for Public Education"</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D3><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><EM><STRONG>Write a bill to cut the Governor's payc=
heck. He doesn't need it, the children do. What happened to the surplus Kemp=
thorn was given when he came into office? </STRONG></EM></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D3><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG></STRONG></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt;=20=
FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">"3.<SPAN style=3D"=
mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Integrity of Public Officials</SPAN><FONT f=
ace=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'C=
ourier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sen. Ingram wants to introduce legislat=
ion that would clamp down on state officials accepting gifts from companies=20=
and lobbyists.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Ingram says la=
wmakers shouldn't be in the business of accepting gifts.<SPAN style=3D"mso-s=
pacerun: yes"> </SPAN><EM><STRONG>But Speaker Newcomb said lawmakers d=
iffer from other public officials."</STRONG></EM></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT=
></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG><EM></EM></STRONG></SPA=
N></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG><EM>If Speaker Newcomb=20=
thinks it is "OK" to take pay-offs for voting on bills, he is out of to=
uch with the public. I am outraged that ANY elected official would take even=
a cookie from a lobbyist. All legislators should ALWAYS vote for what is in=
the best interests of the people while maintaining the rights of the minori=
ty. I am surprised taking gifts is not illegal.</EM></STRONG></SPAN></FONT><=
/SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG><EM></EM></STRONG></SPA=
N></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bol=
d; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal=
">"4.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Attempt to Ban Smoking<=
/SPAN><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FO=
NT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--=
<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>SB1283 would ban smoking in=20=
most restaurants, taxi cabs, retail stores, museums, hospitals, theaters and=
offices to the public."</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG><EM=
>I don't know of any Retail stores, Museums, Hospitals, Museums, and taxi ca=
bs that still allow smoking. Restaurants, I object to banning smoking in. Ba=
rs and Restaurants make their living off smokers coming in as a place t=
o socialize and smoke. You would destroy them. </EM></STRONG></SPAN></FONT><=
/SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> "</SPAN>The Senate passed the measure 23-13.<S=
PAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My research indicates that the=
restaurant trade may be impacted for a short period of time but that it rec=
overs."</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><STRONG><EM=
>Yes, overall it would. But you would knock out many mom and pop owned resta=
urants until the smokers moved to another restaurant chain. I don't think th=
is is fair.</EM></STRONG></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> "</SPAN>Last year the American Medical Associa=
tion estimated that over 400,000 deaths were attributed to smoking.<SPAN sty=
le=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I will support this bill."</SPA=
N></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><EM><STRONG=
><U>How many were children? What laws do we have protecting small children a=
nd babies from second hand smoke? </U>An adult can choose to not attend a re=
staurant that is occupied by mostly smokers. A baby cannot choose to leave t=
heir crib and get away from a smoking parent of guardian. Yet we are protect=
ing those that do have alternatives instead, like leaving or choosing to qui=
t smoking. Why? I think protecting children should be a higher priority=
and more effective than telling businesses how to run their business.=20=
Children are 50%+ likely to smoke when they get older if thei=
r parents smoke around them.</STRONG></EM> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT=
></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=
=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi=
-font-weight: normal">5.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Stat=
e Board of Education Debate<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><=
/SPAN><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FO=
NT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>=
</SPAN></FONT>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-=
FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></FON=
T></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-=
FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">Are these the kids=20=
or the Adults? Sounds like none of them can handle the job. I would replace=20=
them all and start over. Best thing to do for the kids. I don't think we can=
spend another 2 years finger pointing when problems need to be fixed. =
Accept their resignations and start anew for the sake of children's edu=
cation. It is clear they cannot work together and the children are the ones=20=
talking the punishment. </SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></F=
ONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-=
FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></FON=
T></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FO=
NT><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-=
FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FO=
NT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Respectfull=
y,</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FO=
NT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Donovan J A=
rnold</SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT>&nb=
sp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FON=
T-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s"></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>In a message dated 2/14/2004 8:00:39 PM Pacific Standard Time, RepTrail=
@infotrail.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE style=3D"PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue=20=
2px solid">
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'">Dear Constituents:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'">We are probably in the midterm of the 2004 Legislative session.<SPAN styl=
e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>JFAC will soon start setting the educa=
tion appropriations bills and March 12-20th are predicted to be the range of=
dates that we may be finishing the session. Tax returns were not up to esti=
mates for December and January so JFAC is looking at a budget potentially be=
low the Governor's budget.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'">Here are some of the week's highlights.<B style=3D"mso-bidi-font-weight:=20=
normal"><SPAN style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p=
></o:p></SPAN></B></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">1.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>3% incre=
ase for State Employees </SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=
=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbs=
p; </SPAN>The joint House and Senate Human Resources Committee voted to reco=
mmend a 3% pay increase for state workers.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">=
</SPAN>The additional 1% is contingent upon the state collecting $5 m=
illion more in tax revenue this year than expected.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacer=
un: yes"> </SPAN>Rep. Ringo and I voted for an additional 2% increase=20=
for state employees who have not received a raise for 2 years.<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If one looks at $19,000 as the poverty=20=
level for a family of four then U. of I. payroll figures indicate that about=
20% of U. of I. workers fall below the poverty level. <SPAN style=3D"mso-sp=
acerun: yes"> </SPAN>Obviously the poverty level varies<SPAN style=3D"m=
so-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>according to the number of people in a famil=
y -- but the figure does give us some general perspective.<SPAN style=3D"mso=
-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Surveys also indicate that many state wo=
rkers hold down 1-3 additional jobs, qualify for food stamps, and some are o=
n welfare.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>BSU actually has a=
type of soup kitchen approach offering free meals to workers below the pove=
rty level.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are losing many=
of our most valuable state workers, and we need to develop a long term plan=
to help get the pay schedule competitive with the private sector.<o:p></o:p=
></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">2.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Governor=
's Budget for Education Inadequate for Public Education</SPAN></FONT></B><FO=
NT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY=
: 'Courier New'"> - The House and Senate Education Committees critically exa=
mined the Governor's Education Budget and found it to short-change education=
in a number of areas.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>These=20=
concerns were reported to JFAC.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SP=
AN>Gov. Kempthorne's plan to spend $5 million less on technology for classro=
oms doesn't get any applause from members of either committees.<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Accepting the Governor's plan could har=
m an Albertson Foundation backed $35 million initiative to help parents and=20=
teachers track student performance.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20=
</SPAN>Recommendations were also made to put $4 million in the <SPAN class=
=3DSpellE>ISAT</SPAN> intervention program to help struggling students with=20=
the mandatory graduation exit test.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">3.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Integrit=
y of Public Officials</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><=
SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"ms=
o-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </=
SPAN>Sen. Ingram wants to introduce legislation that would clamp down on sta=
te officials accepting gifts from companies and lobbyists.<SPAN style=3D"mso=
-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Ingram says lawmakers shouldn't be in the busi=
ness of accepting gifts.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But=20=
Speaker Newcomb said lawmakers differ from other public officials.<SPAN styl=
e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I beg to differ on this point --=
appearances are everything.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>=
In a recent BSU survey about 70% of Idaho citizens indicated they believe th=
at lawmakers support legislation according to the amount of contributions an=
d gifts they receive from companies and lobbyists.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spaceru=
n: yes"> </SPAN>There is that old saying -- follow the money.<SPAN sty=
le=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A good example brought to my at=
tention by a constituent is the intense lobbying by Qwest and the Governor t=
o deregulate land phone lines.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPA=
N>Over the years Qwest has contributed more than $182,000 to the Governor an=
d lawmakers, and most recently made a sizeable donation to help pay off the=20=
Governor's campaign debt from the 2002 campaign.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun:=
yes"> </SPAN>Legislation is also being introduced to raise the contri=
bution level from $1,000 to $2,000 for candidates.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spaceru=
n: yes"> </SPAN>And it simply goes on and on<SPAN style=3D"mso-s=
pacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPA=
N>I can't think of a better reason than to support public campaign financing=
.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">4.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Attempt=20=
to Ban Smoking</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN st=
yle=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-space=
run: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>SB=
1283 would ban smoking in most restaurants, taxi cabs, retail stores, museum=
s, hospitals, theaters and offices to the public.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun=
: yes"> </SPAN>The Senate passed the measure 23-13.<SPAN style=3D"mso-=
spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My research indicates that the restaurant trade=
may be impacted for a short period of time but that it recovers.<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Last year the American Medical Associat=
ion estimated that over 400,000 deaths were attributed to smoking.<SPAN styl=
e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I will support this bill.<o:p></=
o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">5.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>State Bo=
ard of Education Debate<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPA=
N></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 1=
0pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20=
</SPAN>Sen. Schroeder introduced a bill that would split the SBOE into two b=
oards: one focused on public education and the other on higher education.<SP=
AN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This system works well in=
several states.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Board member=
s such as Tom Boyd and Paul Agidius both told me that they were overwhelmed=20=
with the amount of information they received before each monthly board meeti=
ng, and that they were so caught up with details that they often couldn't se=
e the broader picture.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>=
Sen. Schroeder mentioned that this aspect may have prevented the Board from=20=
monitoring and preventing the Idaho Place scenario.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacer=
un: yes"> </SPAN>Blake Hall of the Board immediately attacked Se=
n. Schroeder saying that the Senator bore major responsibility for not spott=
ing Idaho Place problems.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thi=
s is very curious since the SBOE has the mandate to be responsible for Highe=
r Education.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Perhaps Mr. Hall=
is too busy as a lobbyist for the University of Chicago and an engineering=20=
firm to fully concentrate on his SBOE duties.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">5.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>HB502</S=
PAN></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE:=
10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20=
</SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This bill is called=
the "enrich" Qwest bill which would remove pricing for basic residential an=
d business phone services from regulation from the Idaho Public Utilities Co=
mmission.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It would allow Qwes=
t and 16 other providers across the state to raise local rates as much as th=
ey want whenever they want to.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPA=
N>The <SPAN class=3DSpellE>PUC</SPAN> is the only protection Idaho consumers=
have in terms of phone companies jacking up prices.<SPAN style=3D"mso-space=
run: yes"> </SPAN>The <SPAN class=3DSpellE>PUC</SPAN> allows companies=
to make a decent return on their investment<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes=
"> </SPAN>Qwest has 444,000 phone lines and if they increase the charg=
e $1/month that puts an additional $444,444 into their pockets.<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A headline in the Statesman of February=
14<SUP>th</SUP> indicated that a cable company was increasing their prices=20=
by 17%.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Cable companies are d=
eregulated.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I=
received a call from a constituent in Potlatch.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun:=
yes"> </SPAN>She is a senior citizen living on $700/month.<SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She said that if her phone bill goes up=
then either her phone or prescription has to go.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun=
: yes"> </SPAN>HB502 will be an additional tax on the Idaho citizen es=
pecially hitting low income citizens and small businesses.<o:p></o:p></SPAN>=
</FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </=
SPAN>Qwest is still recovering from massive fraud charges from their executi=
ves for defrauding stockholders of over $250,000,000 and for fraud concernin=
g the selling of $30 million in equipment to schools in Arizona which didn't=
exist.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SP=
AN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </=
SPAN>It is curious that several years ago we proudly supported the continuan=
ce of regulation of electric power.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20=
</SPAN>We pointed out with pride how we protected the consumer. <SPAN style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What short term memories we have in the=20=
legislature.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I just hope that=
we do not become known as the ENRON Legislature with the passage of HB502.<=
o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><B style=3D"mso-b=
idi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face=3D"Courier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"=
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-bidi-fon=
t-weight: normal">6. Promise Scholarship</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=3D"Cour=
ier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'=
"><SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>--<SPAN style=3D"mso-space=
run: yes"> </SPAN>Rep. Ringo and I will introduce a piece of legislati=
on that would change the payment of the scholarship.<SPAN style=3D"mso-space=
run: yes"> </SPAN>Currently, the Scholarship (B) pays qualified high s=
chool students graduating from a Idaho high school (with a 3.0 <SPAN class=
=3DSpellE>gpa</SPAN>) and who go to an Idaho university or college $250/seme=
ster (for 4 terms).<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are re=
commending that the $1,000 be paid up front during the first year or $500 fo=
r each of the first two semesters.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> <=
/SPAN>This will serve as a greater incentive to attract first year students=20=
and also reduce university administrative costs.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P=
>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'">Rep. Tom Trail/Dist 6<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT face=3D"Cou=
rier New" size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New=
'">You can reach me at ttrail@house.state.id.</SPAN></FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE>=
</DIV>
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