[Vision2020] Pre-Session Legislative Update from Rep. Trail

[ttrail at moscow.com]

	                    PreLegislative Newsletter - 2009 Session

Constituents:

The Idaho Legislature begins the first day of work on January 12th with 
Governor Otter's State of the State address.  This is an economically 
bleak time nation and statewide.  There will be no new programs requiring 
new funding approved.

Unemployment figures in Idaho are hovering around the 6% mark and will 
increase even further according to predictions.  Most experts predict 
that the economic recovery period may well not occur until next year.

We do have about $400,000,000 in three rainy day funds/reserve funds.  
Public education has about $114,000,000 in the public education reserve, 
and this will be used to protect negative budget impacts on public 
education.  The remaining reserves will be utilized, in part, to protect 
other high priority programs; however, budgets for all agencies including 
the current fiscal year and FY10 will suffer.  Holdbacks of 4% have 
already been initiated and agency administrators have been told to 
prepare budgets reflecting a 6% cut.  We may even approach a 10% holdback 
if economic conditions worsen. University of Idaho administrators 
indicate that if they have to exceed a 6% cut then we are looking at 
eliminating faculty/staff.  This then leads to the elimination of 
programs.   Protection of Higher Education programs is absolutely 
essential for the University of Idaho and other institutions in the 
state.  Investment in education has long term benefits.

The major battle may well be between the Governor and the Legislature 
over the Governor's Transportation Proposal.  Essentially the Governor 
would like to increase taxes to improve Idaho's transportation 
infrastructure at a cost of $240 million.  The increase would be 
primarily new taxes on fuel and increase registration fees.  The 
Legislature in the main agrees with the Governor on improving our 
transportation infrastructure, but not at this time of dire economic 
stress on our citizens.  This could be the primary battle during this 
next session.  One note of hope: if the Obama bailout plan for major 
infrastructure program passes Congress, then Idaho could benefit from the 
plan.   The Governor's office has a list of major highway projects that 
are ready to start up within 60-120 days.  If the federal funding comes 
through then this may take care of any major legislative battles.

One of my major concerns is ensuring that our State is able to fund the 
safety net programs for our low income families.   There will be many 
tough decisions to make and priorities to work out.

My address in Boise is Capitol Annex, 514 W. Jefferson St., Boise, ID. 
83702. Please use my Boise e mail address--ttrail at house.idaho.gov.  My 
phone number in the Chamber is 208-332-1260 and my office number is 208-
332-1184.  

Please communicate your ideas, concerns, and recommendations.   I will 
try and reply as soon as possible.

Rep. Tom Trail



---------------------------------------------
This message was sent by First Step Internet.
           http://www.fsr.com/