All 2008 Legislative News
Retiring U.S. senators from Idaho, Colorado, N.M. close offices As they prepare to leave office, Idaho Sen. Larry Craig and New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici have closed all of their state offices, and Web sites for Craig and Colorado Sen. Wayne Allard indicate that comments will no longer be taken, while Domenici has shut down voters' email access to him.
Huntsman, Schweitzer deliver Western govs' energy message to Obama Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer met with President-elect Barack Obama's transition team co-chair, John Podesta, on Friday to deliver the Western Governors Association's energy priorities.
Idaho agencies order employees to take holiday time off - without pay In an effort to cut costs, the Idaho Attorney General's office and the state Department of Agriculture are giving employees extra days off around Thanksgiving and Christmas, without pay.
Idaho lawmakers will try again on Owyhee, White Clouds bills U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said they'll continue their efforts to get their Idaho wilderness bills passed in the 111th Congress, now that it appears unlikely Congress will get to the measures in the waning days of this session.
U.S. Senate tables Public Lands Omnibus bill for this session On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, that the Senate would not have time to take up the Public Lands Omnibus Bill, which combines more than 150 bills to expand wilderness areas and allow a variety of land trades, this session but said it would likely be one of the first bills to be considered in January by the 111th Congress.
Hundreds protest California's Prop. 8 at Idaho rally In an event Saturday morning in Boise, timed to coincide with similar events across the nation, hundred turned out to protest the passage of California's Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Oklahoma senator succeeds in blocking public-lands omnibus bill Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn's filibuster threat has apparently tabled a massive public-lands omnibus bill, although Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso said that he intended to fight for the bill, which contains the Wyoming Range Legacy Act and the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act, as well as bills to designate areas of Idaho, Colorado and Oregon as wilderness.
Political, policy changes alter Northwest salmon debate The election of Idaho Republican Sen.-elect Jim Risch and Oregon Democrat Sen.-elect Jeff Merkley, both of whom have said they support a collaborative management plan for the Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Bush administration's announced support of the removal of four dams on the Klamath River in Oregon and California, will significantly change the salmon debate in the Northwest. An analysis.
National property rights groups wrangle over Idaho wilderness bill The American Land Rights Association sent out an alert on Monday calling Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Canyonlands bill a "land grab," a position another group, Stewards of the Range, called "not right or truthful."
Idaho governor warns more budget cuts may be necessary Analysts are crunching the numbers in preparation for a meeting next week between Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and state legislative leaders, but on Tuesday Otter predicted state agencies may have to make additional cuts to their budgets.
Democrat Minnick wins Idaho congressional race Democrat Walt Minnick was declared the victor in the race for Idaho's First Congressional District, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Bill Sali.
Republican Risch easily wins race for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch easily defeated Democrat Larry LaRocco in the race for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat, leaving Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter the task of appointing a new lieutenant governor.
Idaho congressional race too close to call With about half of the votes counted, Democrat Walt Minnick had 52 percent of the vote in Idaho's 1st Congressional District race, with Republican incumbent Bill Sali holding 48 percent of the votes.
Interior Dept., groups at odds over federal policy changes The Interior Department has released a number of proposals lately to tweak federal policies on endangered species, management of public lands in Utah and mountaintop mining that the federal agency said are minor, common-sense changes needed to balance environmental needs with the nation's energy policy, but environmental groups said those changes will overhaul, not adjust, policies.
Idaho county voters OK conservation measure Blaine County's Proposition 1, which would increase property taxes for two years in the Idaho county to raise money to purchase land or development rights for preservation, appeared to be on the path to approval, while a second measure that would have permanently raised taxes to pay for a consolidated 9-1-1 dispatch center looked like it might fail.
Simpson wins sixth term in Idaho's 2nd Congressional District race Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson held a commanding lead over his Democratic challenger for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, capturing 70 percent of the votes with 55 percent of the precincts reporting.
Incumbents win the day in south-central Idaho legislative races Magic Valley voters re-elected incumbents in the six contested legislative races in the Idaho valley, with Republican Sen. Dean Cameron, Democrat House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, Republican Rep. Jim Patrick, Republican Rep. Stephen Hartgen, Republican Sen. Bert Brackett, and Republican Rep. Sharon Block all winning re-election.
Idaho voters have a slate of statewide choices to make, too Voters in Idaho will select their choice of candidates for the U.S. presidency today, but they'll also select a new U.S. senator, with Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch battling Democrat Larry LaRocco and independent candidate Rex Rammell for the seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's decision not to seek re-election, and Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali is fighting for another term against Democrat Walt Minnick in the state's lst Congressional District.
Oregon senator lends Idaho U.S. Senate candidate a hand Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden was in Boise on Thursday to help fellow Democrat Larry LaRocco's campaign for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat; Wyden participated in a roundtable discussion about health care reform, where he pushed for support of the Healthy Americans Act.
Idaho governor backs off plan for virtual horse-racing After two state legislative panels objected, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said he will ask the Idaho State Racing Commission to withdraw a temporary regulation that would allow the state to offer pari-mutuel betting on computer-generated horse races as early as mid-November.
Gun rights an issue in Idaho congressional race Even though Democrat Walt Minnick, who is challenging Republican Congressman Bill Sali, owns seven guns to Sali's five, the National Rifle Association gave Sali an A+ and Minnick a D+.
Idaho Democratic Party ad campaign shows Sali's Social Security number An ad campaign launched by the Idaho Democratic Party intended to highlight Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali's past financial difficulties clearly shows Sali's Social Security number, a detail the Idaho Republican Party says makes Sali the target for potential identity theft.
Idaho lawmakers slam the gate on virtual horse races A panel of Idaho lawmakers voted 5-1 to put the issue of allowing cyber horse racing in Idaho before the full Legislature, pulling the reins on a temporary rule backed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and the Idaho State Racing Commission to allow betting on virtual races starting Nov. 17.
Idaho congressional candidates both run afoul of campaign-finance rules Both Republican U.S. Rep Bill Sali and his Democratic challenger in Idaho's 1st Congressional District have run afoul of Federal Election Commission rules on reporting campaign contributions, and both candidates are working to correct the problems.
Nader campaigns for president in Idaho Ralph Nader, who is running for the U.S. presidency as an independent, was in Boise on Tuesday as part of his campaign swing through the Northwest.
Candidates for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat spar in Boise Candidates for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat Republican Jim Risch, Democrat Larry LaRocco, along with independent candidates Rex Rammell and a Gem County farmer who changed his name to Pro-Life met in Boise Tuesday night for a debate, where they staked out their positions on the economy, health care and abortion.
Friends find Idaho U.S. Senate candidates amazingly similar Both Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and his Democratic challenger for the open U.S. Senate seat in Idaho are straight-talking, hard-working Catholics, and both have been criticized as being career politicians with close ties to special interest groups.
Idaho senator questions grazing-wildfire report As an Idaho rancher, Sen. Larry Craig has had some firsthand experience fighting wildfires, and in a recent interview, the lawmaker questioned the findings of a study released last month that grazing restrictions in the Jarbidge area didn't contribute much to the massive Murphy Complex Fire that burned across 600,000 acres in Idaho and Nevada in 2007.
Idaho counties report increased interest in early voting While counties across Idaho report an increased interest in early voting, Ada County leads the pack with 67,700 voters requesting mail ballots and hundreds showing up to vote early at the county's two voting stations.
Debate in Idaho congressional race turns testy At a debate between Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali and his Democratic challenger, Walt Minnick, on Sunday night, the candidates for Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat held a spirited debate on gun rights, and at times was full of finger pointing and charges of election improprieties.
Legislator says Wyoming wolf bill gets good reception Wyoming State Rep. Keith Gingery wrote legislation to change Wyoming's wolf management plan to address criticisms leveled against it by a federal judge whose decision stopped the species from being removed from the federal endangered species list; Gingery said some lawmakers on the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee liked the bill, while others preferred to press the court to adopt the original plan.
Idaho congressional candidates spar over health care, economy At a debate Thursday evening in Lewiston, Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali and his Democratic challenger, Walt Minnick, disagreed on everything from health care to the economy.
Risch's opponents for Idaho U.S. Senate seat debate Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell, who are running against Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat, found one thing they could agree on in Thursday's debate in Twin Falls - which Risch did not attend - that Risch is the wrong man for the job.
Candidates for Idaho congressional seat disagree on economic fixes Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali told members of the Meridian Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday that he believes tax cuts will help restore the economy, but his Democratic challenger, Walt Minnick, disagreed; Minnick also said he supported President Bush's decision to spend $250 billion to help shore up the nation's ailing banks.
Idaho senators now on board with Snake River legislation Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Larry Craig initially resisted legislation championed by Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso to designate 387 miles of the Snake River under the national Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, but Barrasso worked with the Idaho senators to address some of their concerns and now the bill has the support of both Crapo and Craig.
New objections may scuttle USFS plan for N. Idaho forest The Coeur d'Alene Forestry Coalition worked for more than two years with the U.S. Forest Service to develop a plan to remove 950 trees and burn nearly 2,000 acres of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, but after seeing that the plan included the removal of Fir trees larger than 2 feet in diameter, a member of the Coalition has withdrawn its support.
Presidential candidates closely aligned on environmental issues The economy, the war in Iraq and other national issues have shunted the environment off the presidential debate stage, but a review of the candidates' stance on several issues find them more in agreement than in opposition.
Utah, N.M. governors dispute Chaffetz's 'tent cities' plan Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who is the current chair of the Western Governors Association, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson both criticized the claim of Jason Chaffetz, who is running for Utah's 3rd District U.S. House seat, that his idea of detaining illegal immigrants in tent cities is in line with the WGA's proposal, which is to build a regional detention facility to house illegal immigrants.
Candidates for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat spar over economy For the first time in the campaign season, Republican candidate for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat, Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, joined Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell in a debate, with the three candidates addressing the economy, climate change and energy issues at a debate Wednesday night in Lewiston.
Idaho congressman defends absence from congressional hearings U.S. Rep. Bill Sali was one of more than a dozen members of the House Oversight Committee who declined to attend this week's hearings where federal lawmakers took officials of American International Group, Inc., and bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers to task; the Idaho congressman said the hearings were politically motivated and did little to address the nation's economic crisis, but Sali's Democratic contender, Walt Minnick, said his absence indicated apathy about the Wall Street meltdown.
Idaho governor pitches 'pay-as-you-drive' plan Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said one way Idaho could raise revenue to build and maintain the state's highways, roads and bridges would be to charge drivers for miles driven each year, and said mileage could be charted through the vehicle registration process.
Idaho beet growers dispute presidential candidates' stance on sugar Sugar subsidies have been criticized by both Republican presidential candidate John McCain and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, a position that has Idaho's sugar beet industry a little bitter.
Massive lands bill will protect hundreds of miles of rivers in the West If the U.S. Senate lives up to Majority Leader Harry Reid's promise given last week, a massive lands bill that would add 852.8 miles of rivers in Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Massachusetts to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers system, will come up for a vote in November.
Utah woman to represent Mexicans living in 4 Western states The Local Council of Mexicans Abroad, an organization formed in 2002 by then-president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, represents Mexican communities in the United States, Canada and other countries, and on Saturday a Utah Spanish teacher was elected to represent Mexicans living in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.
Study critical of Idaho's rules on student voter registrations The New York University Law School's Brennan Center for Justice said that Idaho's requirement that college students may only vote in Idaho if they plan to remain in the state after graduation may be unconstitutional.
PILT payments included in Senate's financial bailout bill The package of legislation approved by the U.S. Senate to rescue the nation's faltering financial industry contained a measure to extend payments to rural counties, primarily in the Northwest, hurt hard by logging cutbacks on federal forest lands.
Northwest senators divide vote on financial rescue legislation Northwest senators crossed party lines in their support of or opposition to legislation passed by the U.S. Senate Wednesday to rescue the nation's financial industry with Democrat Patty Murray of Washington state joining Republicans Larry Craig of Idaho and Gordon Smith of Oregon in support of the bailout, while Republican Mike Crapo of Idaho cast an opposing vote along with Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Washington's Maria Cantwell.
Former GOP presidential candidate stumps for Risch in Idaho Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who ran for the Republican Party presidential nomination in 2008, was in Idaho on Wednesday, where he held a series of meetings with Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, who is running for Idaho's open U.S. Senate.
Senate may take up far-ranging public-lands bill in November Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he will try to get Congress in November to address the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, a bipartisan bill with more than 140 pieces of legislation that includes protections for the Wyoming Range and a stretch of the Snake River in the Cowboy State.
Idaho senator says action needed to rescue financial industry Sen. Mike Crapo said he would not have voted for the U.S. House bill crafted to rescue the nation's financial industry that failed to pass on Monday, but the Idaho Republican said that action is needed and that he believes there is time to create the right financial fix.
Wyoming lawmakers ask Kempthorne to weigh in on Yellowstone plan Members of Wyoming's congressional delegation have asked Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to come up with a plan to allow snow machines in Yellowstone National Park this winter, although it's unclear just how he would do that and if he has the authority to do so.
Idaho Lt. Gov. Risch: Flawed legislation better than inaction Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, who is the Republican Party's nominee in the race for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat, said he believed a criminal investigation into the nation's financial industry would be appropriate and that he would not be surprised if such a probe did not uncover some criminal activity.
Libertarian Party's message resonates in Idaho Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate, is on the ballot in 44 states, including Idaho, where his party's message of less government and more individual rights is attracting voters from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Idaho senator says federal action on financial situation needed soon U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo said conversations with economic experts convinced him that quick action is needed to keep the nation's economy on track, but said that in order for him to support the current rescue plan before Congress, a provision limiting CEO compensation must be added, as well as one that provides significant oversight of the Treasury Secretary.
Risch only U.S. Senate candidate to miss debate at Idaho college Tonight at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, four of the five candidates running for the state's open U.S. Senate seat will appear at a debate; Republican candidate Jim Risch's travel schedule will prevent him from participating.
At Wyoming conference, fire managers tout Yellowstone's lessons The 1988 wildfires in Yellowstone National Park provided fire managers good fuel for arguing that some fires should be allowed to burn, and subsequent fires continue to provide that lesson, but fire managers at a conference in Wyoming said Tuesday that allowing fires to burn still sparks public outrage in many instances.
U.S. Senate-passed bill extends timber payments, renewable-energy breaks On a 93-2 vote late Tuesday, the U.S. Senate sent a bill that reauthorizes for four years the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which provides federal funds to rural counties hit hard by a cutback in logging on federal forest lands, and extends tax credits for renewable energy projects set to expire at the end of this year; the bill now moves on to the U.S. House for action.
Idaho congressmen disagree on financial rescue plan Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson said he believes the $700-billion bailout plan for the nation's financial industry may be the best way to avoid an even bigger financial disaster, but his counterpart, Rep. Bill Sali, disagrees and has joined 30 other House Republicans in opposing the bailout.
Idaho Republicans lay out environmental records to appeal to voters Republican Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's decision not to seek re-election, lists his environmental achievements in an effort to appeal to voters; Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson both have wilderness bills pending in Congress; and Gov. Butch Otter has released a plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions; but Rep. Bill Sali is sticking with tradition and demonizing environmentalists.
Idaho governor tells agencies to revisit 2009 budgets Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter told the heads of all state agencies to take another look at their 2009 budgets and see where cuts can be made to address a projected 6 percent budget shortfall.
Wyoming governor surprised by federal change in wolf policy Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who learned that the federal government planned to retreat from its decision to remove wolves in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana from the endangered species list from a newspaper article on Tuesday, said he was frustrated with the government's decision and the lack of communication between the federal government and the states affected by the policy change.
Senate leaders reach deal on extending PILT, renewable energy funds An agreement struck by leaders in the U.S. Senate would extend payments to rural counties whose bottom lines had been hurt by logging cutbacks on federal lands to 2011, and would extend billions of dollars in federal tax credits for renewable energy projects; the tax bill now moves on to the full Senate for a vote, and if approved will then move to the U.S. House for action.
Former HP CEO says none on presidential tickets could run a company Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard chief executive officer who now serves as an economic adviser to Republican presidential candidate John McCain, said in an radio interview that GOP vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin didn't have the experience it would take to run a large corporation, and later on MSNBC, Fiorina said the same thing about John McCain and the Democratic presidential team: Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Forum for Idaho legislative candidates tonight in Boise Candidates in the races for Idaho Legislative Districts 17, 18, 19, and 21 are expected to appear at a forum from 7 to 9 p.m. at Boise State University.
Palin pick reignites Idaho Republicans' passion for presidential race Not only has Republican presidential nominee John McCain's vice-presidential choice put new life in the presidential race, it has also lit a fire in the race for Idaho's 1st Congressional District where Republican incumbent Bill Sali faces a tough run against Democrat Walt Minnick.
Third-party candidates resist GOP efforts to push them off Idaho ballot Two independent and one Libertarian candidate running for the open U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Larry Craig's decision not to run again are questioning just why the Republican Party is pushing so hard to get them off the ballot.
Fearing split vote, Idaho GOP asks candidates to bow out of Senate race Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali joined with the state Republican Party and asked independent Rex Rammell, Libertarian Party candidate Kent Marmon and a Constitution Party candidate who changed his name to Pro-Life to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race.
McCain speech fires up party faithful in Idaho Kootenai County Republicans said John McCain's nomination as the GOP's presidential candidate was just what the Idaho party needed to get back on track.
Idaho high court rules Rammell will stay on November ballot Independent Senate candidate Rex Rammell will remain on November's ballot after the Idaho Supreme Court tossed a challenge filed by 10 voters and the state Republican Party that claimed Rammell hadn't collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Nevada governor questions USFS's decision to let wildfire burn Gov. Jim Gibbons said the U.S. Forest Service's decision to let the wildfire that ignited in the Jarbidge Wilderness Area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the Idaho line burn for two weeks unchecked was a bad decision given the amount of fuels in the area and the hot, dry, windy weather conditions.
Idahoans excited about Palin's ties to their state Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain's decision to pick Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate created quite a buzz in Idaho, where Palin was born and where she received her journalism degree.
Nevada senator 'confounded' by Utah's ultra-loyal Republicans U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he once believed residents of Idaho, Nevada and Utah were very much alike a decade ago, but that he just doesn't understand why voters in Idaho and Utah continue to vote Republican.
Utah, Idaho congressmen team up on federal lands legislation At a meeting of government and education officials in Idaho Monday, Utah Congressman Rob Bishop and Idaho U.S. Rep. Bill Sali discussed legislation crafted to reflect the Council of State Governments-West's Action Plan for Public Lands and Education initiative, which would allow states to use up to 5 percent of federal lands contained within their borders to fund public education.
Wyoming senator says Endangered Species Act changes needed U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said he believes changes are needed to clarify delisting procedures for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, and said he supported the Bush administration's plan to make changes to the federal act.
Kempthorne tried changing ESA when he was Idaho senator The changes proposed by the Bush administration to the federal Endangered Species Act are similar to reforms championed by Dirk Kempthorne when he served as Idaho's U.S. senator more than a decade ago, and although that legislation had support from both sides of the aisle in Congress, the political environment today means an uphill battle for Interior Secretary Kempthorne.
Idaho governor questions survey on women in leadership roles A report by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society at the University at Albany said that only one in four governor-appointed posts in Idaho are held by women even though they make up half the state's population, but Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter questioned just what the survey looked at and said nearly half the governor's staff are women, and three of the governor's six policy advisers are women.
Washington county GOP criticizes governor over Areva failure The Benton County Republican Party is running ads criticizing Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is running for re-election, for her failure to help recruit a French company that was considering the state as a potential site for a uranium-enrichment plant; Areva ultimately decided to build the plant in Idaho.
Idaho congressman to discuss federal wildfire policy today in Cascade U.S. Rep. Bill Sali will be in Cascade to discuss federal wildfire policy on Tuesday at a public meeting set to begin at 9:30 a.m., and the Idaho lawmaker will hold another public meeting in Donnelly at 4 p.m.
Loss of federal timber payments will leave Idaho county $2.6M short Shoshone County commissioners have until Aug. 18 to come up with a plan to trim the Idaho county's budget by 21 percent, the amount of federal timber payments the county receives, which the county will have to do without if Congress does not approve an extension of the Secure Rural School and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000.
As more Idahoans opt for ethanol blends, state's gas tax revenue falls In the first four months of 2008, 44 million gallons of gasohol sold in Idaho, 11 million more gallons than sold in all of 2007, and if that trend continues, by Dec. 31, nearly a sixth of all gasoline sold this year will contain ethanol, which would cost the state $3.3 million in fuel tax revenue.
Homeland security chief, Interior secretary tour Idaho fire center Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff were in Idaho to tour the National Interagency Fire Center on Wednesday, where Kempthorne said the call to scale back wildfire suppression efforts just didn't make sense given the number of homes now built in the wildland-urban interface.
Idaho congressman plans to join GOP energy protest Friday U.S. Rep. Bill Sali is in Iraq this week, but the Idaho Republican said he intends to return to Washington D.C. on Friday to join other GOP congressmen who have refused to leave for August recess to protest inaction on legislation that would lift a ban on offshore drilling.
Idaho wildlife official given lesser position after criticizing wind project After Idaho House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke contacted Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to complain about Idaho Fish and Game Regional Supervisor David Parrish's criticism of a proposed wind-energy project, the Idaho department demoted Parrish.
Idaho governor in Twin Falls today to talk about road needs The public forum tonight in Twin Falls is the sixth Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has held in the state on transportation needs.
Kempthorne agrees to turn over Idaho gubernatorial documents Two years after he left the position of Idaho governor, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has agreed to turn over his gubernatorial papers to the state by September.
Project Vote Smart bus tours the West, beefing up political info Project Vote Smart, a Montana-based nonprofit that maintains a comprehensive database on federal and state officials, has had a bus on the road since October, and the bus is now touring the West, with stops in Colorado and Utah, and is now headed to Idaho to inform voters about elected officials' votes, donors and ratings from interest groups.
National group will pay for Idaho county's appeal of immigration case Washington, D.C.-based Judicial Watch said it will pay the appeal costs of Canyon County's unsuccessful attempt to use federal anti-organized crime laws to go after Idaho businesses that knowingly hired undocumented workers.
Idaho senator's day in Minnesota court is Sept. 10 A Minnesota appeals court will hear Sen. Larry Craig's case on withdrawing his guilty plea in an airport sex sting on Sept. 10.
Montana, N.D. senators thump IHS director for $16M mess Indian Health Services Director Robert McSwain appeared before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday to explain the $16 million worth of missing or damaged equipment turned up by a federal audit, which McSwain faulted for treating the missing or damaged equipment as new.
USFS pulls ad depicting Smokey the Bear admonishing ATV riders Idaho-based The BlueRibbon Coalition, which advocates for off-road vehicle access to public lands, applauded the U.S. Forest Service's decision to pull an ad that showed Smokey the Bear warning all-terrain vehicle riders that sparks from their ATVs could start a forest fire.
Hundreds of Idahoans respond to Crapo's fuel survey U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo asked Idaho residents to tell him how high fuel prices have affected their lives, and he received 1,200 responses that ranged from giving up vacations to families making decisions between food, medicine or fuel.
Polygamy focus of U.S. Senate panel hearing today At the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat and a Mormon convert, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing today to review efforts to crack down on crimes associated with polygamy.
Nearly all of Idaho's $224M budget surplus spoken for An Idaho financial official said the state controller's touting of a $224-million budget surplus was a little misleading in that all but $50 million had already been allocated.
Idaho wolf foe says decision will aid his wolf-removal initiative Ron Gillett, the head of the Anti Wolf Coalition in Idaho, said now that the wolf is back on the federal endangered species list, he'll try again to get an initiative calling for removal of wolves back on the ballot.
Idaho attorney general finds nothing illegal in tax commission's actions The veteran tax commissioner who complained that Idaho's four tax commissioners routinely settled tax protests with corporations, many from out of state, panned the opinion of the Idaho's attorney general office that said the compromises broke no laws.
Risch, Minnick hold cash advantage over rivals for Idaho seats Republican Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch has raised four times the cash Democrat Larry LaRocco has in the campaign for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement. But Democratic contender Walt Minnick has the financial edge over incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Sali in the race for Idaho's 1st Congressional District seat.
Idaho governor's road show opens to a packed house in Caldwell In the first of six public meetings Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has planned across the state to discuss transportation projects and how to pay for them, dozens of people packed the meeting room at The College of Idaho in Caldwell to share their ideas.
Nevada senator takes plea for FLDS investigation to Congress Nevada Sen. Harry Reid will appeal to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee next week to launch a federal criminal investigation of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Idaho reports $221M surplus at end of fiscal year 2008 Sales tax collections and revenue projections didn't meet expectations this fiscal year in Idaho, but state officials said the year closed with $221.8 million in surplus funds.
Idaho governor takes transportation dilemma on the road Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, members of his staff and Idaho Department of Transportation officials will hold the first meeting of the "Building Roads, Building Bridges, Building Consensus" tour designed to gather public input on how best to pay for upgrading and maintaining the state's roads.
Colorado Wild warns of unintended consequences of Udall bill U.S. Rep. Mark Udall's proposed amendment to the 1986 law governing ski-area permits on federal lands to provide other year-round outdoor recreational opportunities is too vague, said Colorado Wild Director Ryan Demmy Bidwell, and he said the amendment could open up such areas to such things as roller coasters and water parks.
Candidates for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat to discuss strategy today Democrat Larry LaRocco and Independent Rex Rammell will hold a joint press conference today in Boise to discuss holding a series of live debates across the state, and are challenging Republican Jim Risch to join them.
Bush administration opposes bill to compensate ranchers for wolf kills Legislation sponsored by Montana Sen. Jon Tester and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso would provide matching federal funds to state programs designed to compensate livestock producers for animals killed by wolves, but at a hearing Wednesday on the bill, Interior officials said the federal government should not be responsible for such payments.
U.S. House sends catastrophic wildfire funding bill to the Senate On Wednesday, the U.S. House passed the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act, which creates a special federal fund for fighting catastrophic wildfires; the bill now moves on to the Senate for action.
Idaho man to take the helm at American Petroleum Institute Former Mud Lake resident Jack Gerard will take the post of president of the American Petroleum Institute on Nov. 1; the Idaho native has also served as the head of the National Mining Association and president of the American Chemistry Council.
Idaho orders independent audit of state tax commission decisions After a 28-year Idaho State Tax Commission auditor charged that the state's tax commission members routinely settled corporations' tax protests contrary to state law, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced retired Boise accountant P. LaVern Gentry will conduct an independent audit of the state panel's decisions.
Idaho governor wants nonmotorized watercraft to be registered Idaho's 880 square miles of water, its teeming rivers and creeks, are a draw for watercraft, motorized and human-powered, and Idaho's consideration of a proposal to require all watercraft be registered has roiled the waters of public debate.
High court's ruling on gun ownership resonates in Idaho An Idaho man who co-authored a paper cited in Justice Antonin Scalia's majority opinion on gun rights was particularly pleased with Thursday's Supreme Court decision.
Idaho tax panel finds no wrongdoing in corporate tax compromises Members of the Idaho State Tax Commission said their review of the state's compromise agreements with corporations over taxes due found no wrongdoing, and that the settlements, which are not public, are proper and save the state money that would be spent litigating tax protests.
Cancer claims Idaho state senator Sen. Tom Gannon's wife was appointed to fill his place in the 2008 Idaho legislative session while he fought lung cancer, which claimed the lawmaker at age 62.
Idaho congressional candidates focus on energy U.S. Rep. Bill Sali, R-Idaho, said he believes ramping up domestic production of oil is the best way to address increasing energy costs, but his Democratic opponent Walt Minnick said a multipronged approach, which includes domestic drilling, alternative energy and conservation efforts, is a better way to go.
Humane Society, Idaho lawmakers at odds over horse-slaughter bill Idaho officials, including U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, said legislation supported by the Humane Society of the United States that would put an end to the shipping of horses from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, will lead to more horses being abandoned on public lands, a position with which Humane Society officials do not agree.
Obama's new chief of staff has Idaho ties, too Jim Messina, Montana Sen. Max Baucus' chief of staff who is leaving that position to take the post of chief of staff with Barack Obama's presidential campaign, moved with his family to Idaho when he was three. Messina graduated from Boise High School in 1988, and still has family in the Treasure Valley.
Idaho Republicans pick a new state leader Norm Semanko ousted two-term Idaho Republican Chairman Kirk Sullivan at the party's state convention on Saturday.
Push on for Congress to get wilderness bills passed In addition to the bill passed that designated 106,000 acres of land in Washington state as wilderness, the U.S. House has passed five other bills designating more than 500,000 acres of federal land across the nation as wilderness; the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has approved another four bills and could pass more. Has a graphic showing current legislation that includes areas in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
Alliance plans effort to unseat GOP leadership in Idaho this weekend At the Idaho Republican Party's convention this weekend in Sandpoint, an alliance of Ron Paul libertarians, social conservatives and those who want a closed GOP primary plan will work on deposing the party's two-term state chairman.
U.S. House passes Amtrak funding bill by veto-proof margin, too Both the U.S. House and Senate have approved a nearly $15-billion, five-year funding bill for Amtrak by veto-proof margins.
Leadership challenge arises on the eve of Idaho GOP convention Idaho Republicans will gather tomorrow in Sandpoint and choose their leaders for the next two years, but on Tuesday, Norm Semanko, an agribusiness lobbyist and 2006 congressional candidate, stepped up to challenge Chairman Kirk Sullivan, who has held the post for four years.
Mexico consulate to open in Idaho later this year Idaho Congressman Bill Sali had tried to delay the opening of a Mexican consulate in Boise until federal officials could provide assurance that the consulate wouldn't aid illegal immigrants by issuing identification cards that they could then use to open bank accounts and access other services.
Montana's congressman: Better bill exists to fund rural schools Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg said he voted against Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio's bill to extend federal payments to rural counties most affected by a loss of timber income because that bill tied the payments to oil revenues, but said he would support another bill sponsored by Oregon Rep. Greg Walden that would renew federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes funds and Secure Rural Schools for another four years.
Bill to extend timber payments to rural counties fails in the U.S. House Although a majority of representatives voted in favor a measure to extend payments to rural counties in Oregon and other states where timber revenues from federal lands are declining, special House rules that did not allow amendments led to the demise of the bill, sparking another round of angry words between Oregon's Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio and his Republican counterpart Rep. Greg Walden.
BLM officials say they need another 10 years on OHV plans At an oversight hearing before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, Bureau of Land Management officials said they'll need at least another decade to complete local travel plans, but Committee Chairman New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman said the agency must get the resources to get plans in place sooner than that.
Montana, Idaho senators team up on federal water bill Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus, along with Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, are co-sponsors of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, federal legislation that would create a funding program for cooperative efforts on water management projects.
Bill to end access fees on federal lands remains in Senate committee Montana Sen. Max Baucus' Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act, legislation designed to end federal lands agencies' authority to impose recreational access fees and increase the fees charged at national parks and supported by Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, remains stalled in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Idaho congressman dissects misleading ads about CIEDRA changes U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's staff said the removal of two Sawtooth National Recreation Area land transfers - an eight-acre transfer to the City of Stanley and an 86-acre transfer to Custer County - was done to make Simpson's Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act more palatable to Democrats and did not change the overall concept of the legislation, contrary to information contained in advertisements run by the Idaho Recreation Council.
Oregon congressmen at loggerheads on federal aid for rural schools The U.S. House debate on legislation renewing for four years federal aid to rural counties hit hard by declining timber harvests on national forests exploded into an angry fight between Oregon lawmakers, as Rep. Greg Walden and other Republicans took issue with Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio's decision to bring the legislation up for debate with a provision that the bill be funded by oil sources.
U.S. Senate panel hearing on OHV access set for Thursday The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday on the U.S. Forest Service's three-year effort to manage off-road vehicle access, and both environmental and OHV groups plan to appear and provide senators their perspective on that effort.
Interior Dept. considers rule change on guns in national parks Proponents of a proposed rule change that would apply weapons laws of bordering states to national parks and wildlife refuges, allowing visitors to carry guns into those areas, said the change will make parks safer, but opponents, including several former National Park Service chiefs, said the policy change is not needed; then there's the issue of Yellowstone Park, where Idaho, Montana and Wyoming laws could all apply.
With primary over, Idaho's political season pushes off The battle between Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and Democrat Larry LaRocco, a former Idaho congressman, for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement is the headliner in this year's political season in Idaho, and on Wednesday both candidates came out swinging.
Auditor says Idaho Tax Commission allows companies to skate on taxes Stan Howland, a 28-year employee of the Idaho Tax Commission, released a report that said members of the state's tax collection agency routinely allowed companies to pay just a percentage of what they truly owe to the state.
Risch, LaRocco will face each other in Idaho U.S. Senate race Long-time rivals Republican Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and former congressman Democrat Larry LaRocco both won their party's primary on Tuesday, pitting the longtime political rivals against each other again in November's general election for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's retirement.
Idaho congressman sails through primary challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson easily won in Idaho's primary on Tuesday and will face Democratic challenger Debbie Holmes in November's general election.
Congressman Sali wins 60 percent of the vote in Idaho primary U.S. Rep. Bill Sali won the Idaho primary against his Republican challenger, and will face Democrat Walt Minnick in November in what some analysts say will be a tough race.
Some Idaho GOP legislative races too close to call Idaho House Majority Mike Moyle appeared to handily win the Republican primary against two challengers, but other Republican legislators were locked in tight races too close to call.
Voter turnout for Idaho's primary election estimated at 15 percent According to early reports, voter turnout in Idaho's Ada and Kootenai counties was about 11 percent, while voter turnout in Butte County in central Idaho was 60 percent.
Ethanol is losing its luster Complaints that ethanol is putting the squeeze on food prices have spurred a call for Congress to roll back its biofuels mandate, although analysts say it's unlikely that any action will be taken before November's election since the 10 states that produce 80 percent of the nation's ethanol have among them nearly half the 270 electoral votes needed to win a presidential election.
U.S. Senate's war-funding bill contains funds for Northwest counties Oregon's congressional delegation launched a two-track method to maintain funding to rural counties in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California, Montana and other Western states that lost revenue when logging declined in federal forests, and Sen. Ron Wyden's measure to do that passed the Senate along with the $165-billion funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio's bill to extend the payments for four years will be voted on by the U.S. House next month.
BIA official tells senators: chaos and havoc on the way out On his last day as Interior assistant secretary for Indian affairs, Carl Artman testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and told senators and tribal leaders that the BIA is getting a handle on land-trust and probate issues, but tribal leaders and federal lawmakers had myriad examples that problems persist in the agency.
In one Idaho county, jail's location the hot issue Canyon County has an overcrowding problem in its jail system, and candidates for countywide positions offering different solutions for the Idaho county's incarceration facility.
Simpson tweaks Idaho wilderness bill to gain Democrats' support U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson said Monday proposed amendments to his Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act that would designate new wilderness areas in the Boulder Mountains and White Cloud Peaks are designed to boost Democrats' support of the measure, and hopefully get the measure out of committee.
Obama stumped by Hanford question at Oregon event At a political rally in Oregon this weekend, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was asked about the federal government's cleanup of the Hanford site in Washington state, the nation's most contaminated nuclear area; the Democratic presidential contender admitted he knew little about Hanford, but promised to learn about the project.
Idaho congressman has GOP challengers, a first since elected in 1998 Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson will face two Republican challengers in the May 27 primary: Gregory Nemitz and Jack Wayne Chappell.
Nuclear power, dairy odors on agenda at Idaho county debate The four candidates for the Jerome County Commission fielded questions on nuclear power, rules governing dairy operations and how they would respond to concerns presented by residents of the Idaho county at a debate Tuesday night.
Idaho Democratic superdelegate says he supports Obama Four of the five Democratic superdelegates in Idaho have now said they support Sen. Barack Obama as the party's presidential nominee; a fifth superdelegate will be selected during the state party's convention in mid-June.
Montana county asks USFS to halt road talks with Plum Creek The Missoula County Commission has asked the U.S. Forest Service to release documents that provide the underpinnings of discussions between the federal agency and Plum Creek Timber Co. on road easements across federal lands and to not hold any more talks with the timber company until the county has had a chance to review the paperwork, but Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey has already said the documents won't be released, and the county is preparing to head to court.
Idaho superdelegate says he'll decide in June Three of four of the superdelegates of the Idaho Democratic Party are backing Sen. Barack Obama to be the party's presidential nominee, but Keith Roark, the state party's chairman, said he'll make his decision in early June; a fifth superdelegate will be chosen at the party's state convention in June.
Former Idaho governor declines to cede control of his records Dirk Kempthorne left the Idaho governor's office two years ago to become secretary of the Interior, and records of his seven years in the gubernatorial office remain under lock and key.
Nation's attorneys general talk energy at Idaho summit Attorneys general do not set energy policy, but they do advise those who do, and at a summit this week in Idaho, attorneys general from across the United States will discuss trends, obstacles and solutions to the global energy situation.
Idaho fights USDA's exclusion of potatoes from WIC program Idaho potato growers concede that it's unlikely the state's congressional delegation will get the U.S. Department of Agriculture to change its policy of excluding potatoes from the list of fruits and vegetables that can be purchased using funds from the federal Women, Infants and Children program this year, but they're hoping to get the tuber on the list in the future.
Montana, Calif. congressmen team up to help sick veterans Montana U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and California Rep. Mike Thompson are again trying to get medical coverage for veterans who were unknowingly exposed during biological and chemical weapons tests between 1963 and 1973; similar legislation sponsored by the two was passed by the House last year but failed to make it through the U.S. Senate.
Interior moves forward with rule change on guns in national parks A proposed rule change published Wednesday in the Federal Register would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry loaded guns into national parks and wildlife refuges in states that allow firearms in parks; the rule change would allow loaded guns in Grand Teton and Yellowstone as Wyoming does not ban guns in parks.
Idaho ranchers, environmentalists testify on Owyhee Initiative At a Senate hearing Tuesday on Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Initiative, ranchers and conservationists praised the bill that would designate an 807-square-mile wilderness in southwest Idaho, while opening up other lands to recreation and grazing.
Other states monitor latest effort to designate wilderness in Idaho Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Initiative would designate 517,000 acres in Idaho's Owyhee County as federal wilderness, but it also removes some restrictions on other acres or sells them outright, which has drawn praise from some circles and criticism from others.
Wyoming senator sponsors bill to pay ranchers for cows killed by wolves U.S. Sen. John Barrasso's Gray Wolf Livestock Mitigation Act would create a federal grant program to match state programs in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to compensate farmers and ranchers for livestock killed by wolves and grizzly bears. The program would also help cover the costs of fencing, guard dogs and other protections to ward off the predators.
Hunters, anglers team up to lobby for responsible energy development A coalition of hunting, fishing and wildlife groups have formed the Sportsmen United for Responsible Energy Development. The coalition released its 10-point Sportsmen's Bill of Rights, which demands continued access to public lands. This will give hunters and anglers a say in energy development on public lands, and management of those lands to benefit multiple use.
Texas inmate jumps through the hoops, gets on Idaho ballot Idaho Democrats will have three presidential candidates to choose from when they vote in the state's May 27 primary: Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama, and Keith Russell Judd, who's doing time in a Texas prison.
Presidential hopefuls still on the fence on salmon Republican presidential contender has expressed his support for maintaining the four dams on the lower Snake River in Washington in the past. But neither Democratic presidential contender has waded into the issue, despite the deep divide in the Pacific Northwest over the issue of endangered salmon, dams and water.
Idaho senator tries again on Owyhee Canyonlands wilderness bill Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo submitted a new version of his legislation that would protect 517,000 acres of Owyhee Canyonlands in the state as wilderness and would designate 315 miles of river as Wild and Scenic Rivers; the bill would also release 200,000 acres of wilderness study lands back to multiple-use management.
Second Democratic contender bows out of Idaho congressional race Larry Grant, a former Micron Technology attorney, announced Thursday that he would not seek the Democratic Party's nomination in Idaho's 1st Congressional District, leaving Walt Minnick as the Democratic presumptive nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Bill Sali.
GOP presidential hopeful Ron Paul to hold rally in Idaho April 25 By nearly all accounts, Arizona Sen. John McCain is the Republican Party's presumptive nominee as the party's presidential candidate, but Ron Paul continues his presidential run which will include a stop in Twin Falls on April 25th.
Legislature treated Idaho's Magic Valley, water issues well The Idaho Legislature has come under some criticism for failing to come up with a solution for the state's $240 million gap in transportation funding, but in the south-central portion of the state, the Legislature's action on water issues appears to balance out the lack of an accord on roads.
Former NPS directors oppose lifting of gun restrictions in parks Seven former directors of the National Park Service have gone on record against an attempt to lift gun restrictions in national parks.
Gavel drops on Idaho legislative session Idaho lawmakers celebrated the end of the 2008 legislative session Wednesday evening, but many lawmakers were disappointed that they were unable to agree on how to raise money for roads and to give local governments the authority to raise sales taxes to pay for transportation projects. Contains a sidebar on legislation passed, including the grocery sales tax rebate and funding drug-treatment programs.
Anti-wolf initiative in Idaho could return federal oversight of the species The group that is working on a ballot initiative demanding that wolves be removed from Idaho said that they're nearing the requisite number of signatures needed to get the initiative on the ballot, but they're unsure if all the folks who signed the petitions are registered voters, and the initiative, if passed, could require Idaho to once again cede control of the species to the federal government.
Idaho lawmakers kill bills to clear way for session's end A last ditch effort to raise additional funding for roads died in the House, a Senate committee denied an effort to give cities and counties the authority to raise sales taxes, with voter approval, for transportation projects, and lawmakers were set to try again this morning on a business-equipment tax change as lawmakers try to clear their desks and head out of Boise.
Idaho senators say they'll resuscitate local option tax measure Just hours after the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee killed a measure that would give local governments authority to raise sales taxes for transportation projects, Senate leaders said they'd revive the measure, in part to give the Senate a bargaining chip in negotiations with the House on amendments to the business equipment tax.
Idaho governor signs grocery-tax relief bill into law Legislation that boosts the amount of grocery tax rebates to Idaho residents was signed into law on Monday by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter.
Idaho vehicle-emissions test bill now on Otter's desk The Idaho Legislature passed legislation that would establish vehicle-emissions testing across the state, and the measure is now on the governor's desk awaiting action.
French company set to announce uranium plant site soon A spokesman for Areva, Inc., a French company that plans to build a uranium-enrichment plant in the United States, said it will announce the plant's location either late this week or early next week; sites under consideration include New Mexico's Lea County, near Idaho Falls in Idaho, the Tri-City area of Washington state, as well as sites in Ohio and Texas.
Idaho legislative session drags on Despite an optimistic beginning, the Idaho Legislature is still in session, but with most of the major issues either resolved or dead, lawmakers predict the session will wind up mid-week.
Roads, business tax cut keep Idaho legislators in Boise Idaho lawmakers had hoped to be done with the legislative session last week, but an impasse on funds to build roads and a proposed business tax cut has extended the lawmakers' stint in Boise.
Idaho lawmakers put plan in place to replace federal timber funds Legislation is headed to Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk to replace federal timber payments to schools with state funds if the federal Craig-Wyden legislation isn't reauthorized.
Local-option tax measure squeaks through Idaho Senate panel vote Legislation that would give Idaho voters the authority to raise local sales taxes to pay for roads and transportation projects narrowly survived a vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee; since the measure amends Idaho's Constitution it must have the support of at least 23 of the state's 35 senators, but 10 have already said they'll vote against it.
Idaho lawmakers say no to $190M request for new prison Legislation that requested $190 million to build a new prison in Idaho was drafted but didn't get a hearing before the Legislature, and lawmakers told the head of Corrections that there is simply no time for them to even consider the request.
Idaho businessman announces congressional run Gregory Nemitz, a Republican from Twin Falls, announced Wednesday he would seek the Republican Party's nomination for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, a seat now held by Republican Mike Simpson.
Kid-related legislation fails to gain traction in Idaho Legislature Idaho lawmakers are expected to finish their work this week and have a handful of bills to deal with, but none of those bills address efforts to improve early education opportunities for children.
Idaho congressman wants to ease path for new nuclear power plants Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson said the process to get a license to build a nuclear power plant is too rigorous and takes too long, and he wants to eliminate some of the rules to ease the way for more nuclear power plants.
Idaho Senate panel approves new primary measure Under legislation approved Tuesday by the Senate State Affairs Committee, Idaho voters could participate in a new form of presidential primary in 2010, with Democrats and Republicans voting in their own party primaries, while still giving independent voters a chance to cast their votes.
Idaho Senate panel approves business-equipment tax bill City and county officials testified that phasing out the tax businesses pay on equipment would leave a huge hole in their budgets, but the Idaho Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee narrowly approved legislation to do just that; the bill now moves on to the full Senate for action.
Idaho Legislature sends vehicle-emissions testing bill to Otter A bill that allows Idaho regulators to establish mandatory vehicle emission tests in areas where pollution is approaching federal limits was sent to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for action, and if he signs the bill into law, it will likely mean such tests will be instituted in Ada and Canyon counties.
Tri-City groups urge Washington governor to support Areva plant County and city governments in the Tri-City area of Washington state are urging Gov. Chris Gregoire to support efforts to land Areva Inc.'s $2 billion uranium enrichment plant; the company is also considering sites in Idaho, New Mexico, Texas and Ohio.
GAO studies moving USFS to Dept. of Interior The U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee on interior, environment and related agencies has asked the Government Accountability Office to examine moving the U.S. Forest Service, which is now part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the Department of Interior, where it would reside with National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Lawsuit presses Bush administration on 681 species of plants, animals Bush administration officials concede that more than 280 species should be on the federal endangered species list but said that the onslaught of lawsuits has hindered efforts to proceed with the listing process; Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall told Congress last month that his agency will make listing decisions on 71 species by October, and another 21 species a year later.
California man says he'll run for Idaho's open U.S. Senate seat Hal Styles hasn't made the move from his home in Southern California to Idaho yet, but he's planning to do so "sometime soon" in order to run for the Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Larry Craig's decision not to run again.
Idaho Legislature long on work, short on time Idaho lawmakers would like to call it quits on this year's legislative session by the end of this week, but there's much to be done, including coming up with a compromise on improving the state's roads and hammering out a local option tax proposal.
Bush administration revises effort to wean businesses off illegal labor The Bush administration's "no-match" policy that would have warned businesses that employees on their payroll were using suspect Social Security numbers and required those businesses to resolve the matter or fire the employees was put on hold by a federal judge last September; on Friday a revised plan was rolled out and if the changes satisfy the courts, employers could begin receiving such notice as early as June.
Idaho Senate sends grocery tax credit bill to Otter Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has indicated that he will sign into law the legislation that increases income tax rebate for groceries.
Idaho governor uses line-item veto to nix $16.8M drug-treatment program Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter used his line item veto for the first time on Thursday when he excised $16.8 million from two drug treatment bills because he said the programs funded hadn't proved to be effective.
Idaho Senate puts REAL ID bill on hold On Wednesday, Idaho Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis put legislation that would have exempted the state from implementing federal guidelines for driver's licenses on hold until he had a chance to talk with Idaho National Laboratory officials on how the bill would affect that federal facility.
Idaho lawmakers, governor push for new, higher dams Idaho lawmakers are pushing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to study a long-proposed dam on the Weiser River, to update studies on the Teton Dam, which burst in 1976, and to consider raising the height of the Minidoka Dam on the Snake River to increase the capacity of that dam's reservoir.
Idaho Senate passes bill to roll back benefits for retired state workers Under a bill approved Thursday by the Idaho Senate, medical benefits for the 3,000 retired state workers will be capped at about $1,800 annually, and would eliminate future medical benefits for current workers when they retire.
Former Idaho elk rancher to run as an independent for U.S. Senate Rex Rammell, a former elk rancher in Idaho had previously announced that he would run for the Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Larry Craig, who is not seeking re-election; but with what Rammell said was the GOP's "anointment" of Lt. Gov. Jim Risch as the party's nominee, Rammel has decided to run for the seat as an independent candidate.
Idaho Senate panel approves grocery tax relief measure The Idaho House has already approved legislation that gradually increases the amount of a rebate given to low-income Idaho families and senior citizens to offset the sales tax on groceries, and on Tuesday, the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee approved the measure to send it along to the full Senate for a vote.
Idaho Senate panel kills bill that targeted companies using illegal labor On Monday, the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee killed legislation fashioned after an Arizona law that imposes sanctions on employers who knowingly hire illegal workers; similar legislation failed in an Idaho House committee last month.
Idaho Senate passes duo of tax breaks for uranium plant In an effort to lure a French company to build a uranium-enrichment plant in the state, the Idaho Senate passed legislation Monday that extends a sales tax exemption to cover production equipment that handles nuclear fuel and caps property tax valuations on the plant at $400 million if Areva Inc. invests $1 billion in the plant over the next seven years.
Idaho House panel OKs stiffer penalties for fisheries destruction In response to the destruction of kokanee salmon spawning beds by a builder last spring, the Idaho Senate passed legislation to increase the amount of fines imposed on developers who degrade water quality in lakes or damage fisheries with unlawful construction and the Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the legislation on Monday.
Latest sales tax report shows spending down in Idaho The Idaho State Tax Commission reported gross receipts were down 0.79 percent in February, the largest decline in tax revenue in about 20 years.
Idaho bill gives Ag Dept. authority to fight quagga mussels The House State Affairs Committee sent a bill directly to the floor of the Idaho House that would give the state Department of Agriculture authority to enact measures to curb quagga mussels, including setting up stations to examine boats for the invasive species.
Environmental groups assail plan for Idaho's roadless areas A new report issued by the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups examines how management of Idaho's 9.3 million acres of federal national forest lands would change if the Bush administration adopts Idaho's plan.
GOP amendment causes rift in Idaho effort to pass local option tax An effort to give local governments the authority to impose a tax to pay for transit and transportation projects in Idaho stalled after Republican lawmakers, including the governor, introduced a constitutional amendment that would require such local sales taxes be approved by a two-thirds majority of voters in the city or county seeking the tax.
Idaho House passes bill forbidding DOT from implementing REAL ID Legislation passed last week by the Idaho House specifically forbids the state's Department of Transportation from implementing the federal REAL ID Act, which mandates nationwide requirements for states' driver's licenses and requires states to link their license databases to a national database; the legislation must still pass the Idaho Senate and be signed into law by the governor to take effect. |