<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Listee's,<div><br></div><div>The unknown in this deal is what is the judge going to do? For instance, 15+ 15+ 25 = 55 years (IF maximums are imposed), IF they run consecutively. BUT, 15, 15 and 25 running concurrently is a MAX of 25 minus time for good behavior........so less than 25.</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><div>On Mar 30, 2010, at 5:09 PM, Ron Force wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 12pt; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">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="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 12pt; "><br><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; 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><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shirley Ringo <<a href="mailto:ringoshirl@moscow.com">ringoshirl@moscow.com</a>><br><b><span style="font-weight: bold; ">To:</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:vision2020@moscow.com">vision2020@moscow.com</a><br><b><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Sent:</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tue, March 30, 2010 9:43:01 AM<br><b><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Subject:</span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>[Vision2020] final legislative report from Shirley Ringo<br></font><br><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Arial" size="2">Visionaries:</font></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Calibri"></font> </div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font face="Calibri">This legislative session was a difficult one – adversely affected by choices made at the very beginning.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span> </span>We had to deal with challenges presented by a struggling economy – the choices set the tone.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>A reasonable, multi-pronged approach should have included finding efficiencies, responsible budget cuts, and carefully crafted revenue enhancements.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">I objected strenuously to the stingy appropriations for k-12 education and colleges and universities.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>My colleagues on JFAC and I offered ideas for improving those budgets, but did not get support from the majority.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>With the economic downturn, we expect higher Medicaid caseloads.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>In addition, the numbers of inmates in the corrections system are increasing.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>In my opinion, the limited funds we appropriated in this session are simply not going to work.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">I worked to improve transparency and contract procedures involved in the Idaho Education Network.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Due to the Governor’s strong support of the status quo, this was not an easy task.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>I will watch closely to see if this improves.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">There was legislation I was happy to support:</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It establishes standards</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>to apply when considering whether to award custody rights to a de facto custodian.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We removed complications that arose a year ago regarding vaccines for insured and non-insured children.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Now vaccines will be available at federal rates for all children, and the physician</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>may carry one stock of vaccine supplies.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>requirements.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We enacted legislation that</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>provides that if pharmacists change the product, they shall notify the physician and the patient.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>This passed</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>despite the Idaho Attorney General’s opinion that it is likely unconstitutional.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>services that violate his or her conscience.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Legislation failed that would declare the Idaho Giant Salamander as the official state amphibian.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">A House Bill to provide penalties for texting while driving was amending in the Senate.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>The final proposal provided:</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>First violation an infraction with a fine of $50;</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri"><span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>This is classified as a misdemeanor.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We did not get the required 2/3, so the bill died.<span> </span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">My JFAC duties are demanding.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>When budget setting begins, our first meeting each day is at 7 AM.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>JFAC meetings are followed by the house session, and I have a committee meeting most afternoons.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>In addition, it is my pleasure to work with constituents to prepare legislation for them.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><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-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><font face="Calibri">Representative Shirley Ringo</font></p></div></div></div></div><br>=======================================================<br>List services made available by First Step Internet,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br>serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994. <br> <a href="http://www.fsr.net">http://www.fsr.net</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <br> <a href="mailto:Vision2020@moscow.com">mailto:Vision2020@moscow.com</a><br>=======================================================</div></span></blockquote></div><br></div></body></html>