Budget issues to dominate session

SANDPOINT — The 2011 legislative session will likely be an uphill struggle, according to local legislators.

The budget is expected to be the primary challenge for all four area legislators, including Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint; Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover; Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake; all District 1; and Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, in District 2.

“This is a tough year that we’re going into,” Anderson said. “In fact, I think this is one of the most difficult years that I’ve seen.”

Due to a lack of revenue, Idaho legislators are facing a $340 million budgetary shortfall, and that means major decisions regarding programs to cut.

“Right now, we’re beginning to open up budget meetings,” Keough said. “It’s definitely going to be a difficult year. Unemployment is up to a record high and we’ve utilized all the funds in spending and reserve accounts.”

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter opened the legislative session with his state of the state address, emphasizing the need for careful fiscal planning and the importance maintaining current tax rates. District 1 legislators said that the message went over well with the mostly fiscally conservative members of the Idaho Legislature.

“His biggest message was that the citizens aren’t supporting any kind of tax increase,” Eskridge said. “That’s in line with what my constituents have been saying.”

Aside from the massive project that is the state budget, education is poised to also be a major issue. Eskridge said that Otter is advocating rewarding teachers for performance boosts, an extra year of math and science and increased preparations for higher education.

According to Anderson, Otter also wants to reduce lease rates on geothermal projects in Idaho to make the state more attractive to developers.

As the legislative session progresses, Keough encouraged residents to keep their representatives up-to-date on their thoughts and concerns.

“We always want to encourage the people at home to stay in touch with us,” she said. “With the Internet and all kinds of increased connectivity today, the 500 miles between Boise and home is shorter than ever.”

The legislators also reassured the public that despite the daunting tasks at hand, they were committed to improving Idaho’s standing in the current economy.

“Instead of bringing gripes to the table, we’re encouraged to bring solutions, and I can tell you that we representatives of District 1 are going to be putting our heads together on this,” Anderson said. “We are going to get through this.”