[Vision2020] Legislative Update XIV April 12-17

[ttrail at moscow.com]

LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER XIV--APRIL 12--17/2009

Constituents:

     It looks like we'll hanging around Boise at least one more week.   
One major accomplishment is that an agreement has been struck with the 
Legislature and Governor regarding how personnel cuts will be handled and 
how some of the stimulus monies will be utilized.  This leaves basically 
some transportation initiatives that the Senate and the Governor are 
still trying to push ahead.  The Governor achieved a major victory last 
Friday with the passage of GARVEE Bond funding totaling some $89 million 
for Idaho roads.   I supported the legislation.   Here are some other 
items of interest.

       1.  Moscow Community Walk--The Moscow Community Walk will be held 
next week in Moscow.  Participants will gather at 12:30 pm in Friendship 
Square.   The goal of the Walk to consider that at least at one moment in 
time we can celebrate our commonalities and well as our differences.   
After the initial ceremony participants will walk to Eastside Park where 
food, activities, and program activities will take place.   HCR12 
sponsored by Representative Ringo and myself provided legislative 
recognition more the event.

       2. Economic News--One positive item is that $7,000,000 more than 
anticipated came in last month from taxes to the State General Fund.   On 
the downside, we had a report today by Roger Madsen, Director of the 
Department of Labor.  Our unemployment rate is at about 7.2%.  Director 
Madsen said that 110,000 Idahoans are looking for work and that there are 
only about 4,000 jobs now being advertized.

       In 2008 $237,000,000 was paid out in unemployment benefits.   So 
far this year more than $210,000,000 has been paid out for unemployment 
benefits.   We met in the House Human Resources Committee today and 
passed a bill that will take advantage of stimulus money and provided an 
extension of benefits. The unemployment rate in Oregon and Washington is 
almost at the 10% level and California is already in double digits.  
Utah, Montana, and Wyoming are in the 5-6% unemployment bracket.  
Director Madsen does not see too many bright spots on the immediate 
horizon.

       3.  SB1148--The Governor's bill to expand the number of liquor 
licenses in the state went down to defeat in the House on a 42-28 vote.   
His plan would have reformed the 62 year old quota system.  Many 
legislators said provisions of the state Constitution to promote 
temperance and morality would be undermined if more businesses were able 
to offer hard drinks.  Testimony during the debate also cited that crime 
rates had risen in state where similar legislation had been passed.  It 
was also evident that not all the stakeholders had been invited to the 
table to be involved in the Governor's proposal.

      This is a relatively short report, and I hope that the next 
newsletter is the last one.   We have the transportation issues, 
appropriations bills, and a few education bills left on the agenda.   
Again, I appreciate hearing from constituents.  My e mail is 
ttrail at house.idaho.gov.  

Representative Tom Trail



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