[Vision2020] Legislative Report

[Donovan Arnold]

Good question Bill. Also who is going to be responsible for the devaluation of property values along that route? Seems to me the State is taking away wealth without just compensation. Also who is going to clean up any mess or accidents if or when they occur? If the death or injury occurs to an officer, worker, or citizen, what will be the compensation and who will pay it? It seems to me that the State of Idaho is just asking for a whole lot of headaches for no gain. 
 
Donovan Arnold

--- On Fri, 3/4/11, Bill London <london at moscow.com> wrote:


From: Bill London <london at moscow.com>
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Legislative Report
To: "Shirley Ringo" <ringoshirl at moscow.com>, vision2020 at moscow.com
Date: Friday, March 4, 2011, 1:25 PM







S-
Thanks for keeping us informed.
I have a question regarding the “megaloads” on Highway 12.
It seems very clear that the costs of permits (income to ID transport department) in no way covers the incredible amount of staff time used.
Do you think the costs of megaloads permits should increase to cover all true costs?
BL


 

From: Shirley Ringo 
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 1:02 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com 
Subject: [Vision2020] Legislative Report
 


Legislative Report
>From Representative Shirley Ringo
 
As this legislative session wears on, we become better acquainted with our new legislators.  The Tea Party faction was energized in the most recent election, sending many extremely conservative legislators to Boise.  Their influence on decision-making is continually emerging.
 
For example, yesterday (March 3) there was a bill to extend benefits for the unemployed.  The measure uses federal funds only.  It provides relief to families where the wage-earners have been unable to secure jobs, and stimulates the economy.
One would expect such a bill to gain considerable support.  Well, wrong again.        
 
Representative Steve Thayne moved to reject the bill.  These people shouldnt delay their search for jobs, he said.  (People who receive unemployment benefits must verify that they are seeking work to qualify for payments.)
 
I was horrified at the number of others who joined in.  The theme involved describing lazy folks who are scamming the system.  Besides, they dont pay taxes on the benefits, one said.  (In fact, they do.)
 
Fortunately, the measure passed.  (41- 28 1)  The twenty-eight nay votes came from roughly half of the members of the majority party.
 
House Bill 129 passed March 3.  (56 13 1)  This legislation weakens Idaho law for childcare providers by relaxing standards relating to the number of children per each adult staff member.  
 
The Joint Finance Committee passed a budget for colleges and universities today.  The general fund support was down by 3.5%, or about $7.7 million.  I offered a motion designed to give better support to colleges and universities.  It failed by a vote of 16-4, with the only favorable votes coming from my colleagues in the minority party.
 
Educators, parents, and students who have come to the capitol building to testify against the education reform bills must be feeling discouraged.  Despite overwhelming testimony against Senate Bills 1110 (merit pay) and 1108 (anti-union), the House Education Committee passed them with only five dissenting votes.  (13- 5)  Senate Bill 1113 (increase class size/more on-line classes) is still being held in the Senate Education Committee.  I would hope it will stay there.  In theory, the money saved in that scheme would make money available for merit pay.  It appears the parts are not fitting together at this time.
 
Hearings will be held next week relating to changes in Health and Welfare policy.  Most of these changes will involve cost containment, and many will be drastically unfortunate for our folks with disabilities.  
 
I am always delighted to see visitors from District 6.  Recently, there have been folks from the Daily News and Lewiston Morning Tribune, the Historical Society, educators, the Moscow Fire Department, Democrats attending the Frank and Bethine Church dinner, parents and students, and other constituents.  I have also heard from many of you with opinions and suggestions regarding legislation.  Thank you, and continue to let me know of your concerns.
 
Sincerely,
 
Shirley Ringo


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