[Vision2020] Legislative report

[Shirley Ringo]

 Visionaries:



This has been a busy week in the legislature.  As the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee winds down, there is concern surrounding the fact that state revenues for the past two months have been below projections.  This is causing a cautious attitude that may thwart certain initiatives, such as putting aside $38,000,000 and using the interest for yearly needs-based scholarships.  There may at least be support for $2,000,000 ongoing funding for this scholarship program.

 

Earlier this session, the House passed a measure for increasing the grocery tax credit.  The cost of the plan is $47.5 million.  It is expected that the Senate will offer an amendment that will reduce the fiscal impact considerably.

 

Representative Scott Bedkey (R-Oakley) has proposed a new plan for teacher compensation.  Essentially, his plan allows teachers to move to higher levels of pay in exchange for giving up their continuing contract rights.  The state compensation plan for teachers needs modification.  I shall continue my efforts to urge Representative Bedke to approach educators and begin with a clean slate to seek a mutually agreeable plan.



It's time for the legislature to recognize that communities should have the latitude to make some of their own decisions regarding taxing for community projects.  A measure to allow voter-approved local option taxes to fund responsible solutions to transportation problems was defeated in the House Revenue and Taxation committee.  The bill had the backing of a broad coalition of stakeholders, including Mayors and local business leaders.



Moscow citizens and leaders developed legislation to give important address confidentiality protection to victims of domestic violence.  We suffered a setback when the Judiciary and Rules Committee reconsidered and defeated the bill.  We'll continue our efforts, and try again next year.



English will be the official language of the state of Idaho and the only language used for government business if the House goes along with the Idaho Senate.  The Senate approved this measure by a vote of 20-15.



It looks as though the state may pay for increases in health insurance costs for public employees next fiscal year.  The situation could change, though, as it requires sufficient reserves in the insurance fund.



When the public education appropriation is debated on the House floor, I will argue for a 5% raise for teachers to match the 5% raise for public employees.  (Tom Luna's budget gives teachers a 3% raise.)  The cost of living increase is reported to be about 3.8%. In addition, the state does not specifically fund health insurance benefits for teachers.  This is provided by local districts, and fortunes differ from one district to the next.



It is expected that we will conclude this session within the next two weeks.  Let me know if you have questions.



Shirley Ringo



    
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