<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:12pt"><div>With all due consideration to the justifiable outrage, we really don't know the circumstances of the crime, as the perpetrator was the only witness. A defense attorney could argue that her death was the result of a domestic argument, her killing was in a moment of rage (second degree), and his subsequent actions were done in a panic. The minimum penalty for second degree homicide is less than the maximum for voluntary manslaughter:<br><br>From the Idaho Code on Criminal Penalties:<br><pre> 1. Voluntary--by a fine of not more than fifteen thousand dollars<br>($15,000), or by a sentence to the custody of the state board of correction<br>not exceeding fifteen (15) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.</pre>If a jury, or<br>the court if a jury is waived, does not find a
statutory aggravating<br>circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt or if the death penalty is not sought,<br>the court shall impose a life sentence with a minimum period of confinement of<br>not less than ten (10) years during which period of confinement the offender<br>shall not be eligible for parole or discharge or credit or reduction of<br>sentence for good conduct, except for meritorious service. Every person guilty<br>of murder of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment not less than ten<br>(10) years and the imprisonment may extend to life.<br><br>By adding the maximum sentences for the lesser crimes, he may serve more time than if convicted of first degree murder.<br><br>The prosecutor has to balance the likely outcome of a trial with the cost to the county's budget. If he can get a plea that imposes an equivalent punishment without the cost of a trial, he may think it a desirable outcome.<br>Murder trials are expensive, and the Idaho
public, while desirous of harsh justice, does not seem to wish to tax themselves in a manner to achieve it.<br><br>Ron Force<br>Moscow, ID USA<br><br></div><div style="font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br><div style="font-family: times new roman,new york,times,serif; font-size: 12pt;"><font face="Tahoma" size="2"><hr size="1"><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">From:</span></b> Shirley Ringo <ringoshirl@moscow.com><br><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">To:</span></b> vision2020@moscow.com<br><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sent:</span></b> Tue, March 30, 2010 9:43:01 AM<br><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Subject:</span></b> [Vision2020] final legislative report from Shirley Ringo<br></font><br>
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<div><font face="Arial" size="2">Visionaries:</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri"></font> </div>
<div><font face="Calibri">This legislative session was a difficult one – adversely
affected by choices made at the very beginning. <span style=""> </span>We had to deal with challenges presented
by a struggling economy – the choices set the tone.<span style=""> </span>A reasonable, multi-pronged approach
should have included finding efficiencies, responsible budget cuts, and
carefully crafted revenue enhancements.<span style="">
</span>My membership on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC)
gives me access to budget decisions, but we were severely limited by lack of
revenue enhancements and a low revenue projection accepted by the
majority.</font></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">I objected
strenuously to the stingy appropriations for k-12 education and colleges and
universities.<span style=""> </span>My colleagues on JFAC
and I offered ideas for improving those budgets, but did not get support from
the majority.<span style=""> </span>With the economic
downturn, we expect higher Medicaid caseloads.<span style=""> </span>In addition, the numbers of inmates in
the corrections system are increasing.<span style="">
</span>In my opinion, the limited funds we appropriated in this session are
simply not going to work.<span style=""> </span>Unless we
see a quick improvement in revenues, I would foresee huge problems in Medicaid,
Mental Health Services, Public Health Services, and Corrections budgets.
</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">I worked to
improve transparency and contract procedures involved in the Idaho Education
Network.<span style=""> </span>Due to the Governor’s
strong support of the status quo, this was not an easy task.<span style=""> </span>I will watch closely to see if this
improves. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">There was
legislation I was happy to support:</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>The Child Protection Act made guardian ad lidem provisions to improve
advocacy for the best interest of the child.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><font face="Calibri">Senate
Bill 1382 provides a process for a court to use when deciding whether or not to
grant de facto custodian status to a grandparent or other relative.<span style=""> </span>It establishes standards </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>to apply when considering whether to award custody rights to a de facto
custodian. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>We removed complications that arose a year ago regarding vaccines for
insured and non-insured children.<span style="">
</span>Now vaccines will be available at federal rates for all children, and the
physician </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>may carry one stock of vaccine supplies.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>We increased the non-point source limit on State Revolving Fund loans
from 5% of the total state revolving loan fund to 20% in order to meet the
federal Green Infrastructure </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>requirements.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>People with epilepsy who control seizures using prescription drugs
sometimes suffer ill effects when the formulation of an anti-epileptic drug is
changed.<span style=""> </span>We enacted legislation
that</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>provides that if pharmacists change the product, they shall notify the
physician and the patient.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">I believe
there was legislation that wasted time or, worse, will cost the state by
bringing litigation:</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>The Firearms Freedom Act provides that firearms and ammunition
manufactured in Idaho using parts manufactured in Idaho will be exempt from
federal law or regulations.<span style=""> </span>This
passed </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>despite the Idaho Attorney General’s opinion that it is likely
unconstitutional.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>The Freedom of Conscience for Healthcare Professionals provides that no
healthcare professional shall be civilly, criminally, or administratively liable
for declining to provide healthcare </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>services that violate his or her conscience.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>The Health Freedom Act states that every person in Idaho is free from
government compulsion in the selection of Health Insurance Options.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>A resolution urges Congress to Amend the Tenth Amendment of the United
States Constitution to limit the role of the federal government as it relates to
states.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>Legislation failed that would declare the Idaho Giant Salamander as the
official state amphibian.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">A House Bill
to provide penalties for texting while driving was amending in the Senate.<span style=""> </span>The final proposal provided:</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>First violation an infraction with a fine of $50;</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>Second and subsequent violations where there is no property damage or
injury, an infraction with a fine of $100;</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri"><span style="">
</span>A violation where there is property damage or injury, a fine of not more
than $300, or up to 90 days in jail, or both.<span style=""> </span>This is classified as a
misdemeanor.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">The House
narrowly approved the amended version, but because we had to hurry the process
to meet our planned adjournment, a 2/3 favorable vote was needed to consider the
bill.<span style=""> </span>We did not get the required
2/3, so the bill died.<span style=""> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">My JFAC
duties are demanding.<span style=""> </span>When budget
setting begins, our first meeting each day is at 7 AM.<span style=""> </span>JFAC meetings are followed by the house
session, and I have a committee meeting most afternoons.<span style=""> </span>In addition, it is my pleasure to work
with constituents to prepare legislation for them.<span style=""> </span>We successfully obtained a special
license plate for the Selway-Bitterroot Foundation to advertise their program
and obtain additional funding for their stewardship efforts.<span style=""> </span>The Public Employees needed to change
the Bribery and Corruption code so they can offer an award, including one of
economic significance as part of an employee recognition program, so we
addressed that with legislation.<span style=""> </span>I
joined two colleagues to pass legislation to prohibit the use of severance pay
for public employees, including payment by the employer for the purchase of
membership services into the Public Employee Retirement System.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">I hope my
service meets your expectations, and am happy to answer questions and offer
assistance where possible.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font face="Calibri">Representative Shirley Ringo</font></p></div><meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on"></div></div></div><br>
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