Legislators: Good things may be ahead for area, ID

SANDPOINT — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s vision for Idaho could bring good things to Bonner County, local legislators said Monday

While delivering his State of the State address, Otter presented goals that include fully funding education reforms, a focus on job creation and providing state employees with salary bonuses. Adopting a more positive view of Idaho’s economic outlook, Otter said he believes better times are ahead for the state.

“It is my pleasure to report that Idaho, having been tested by the Great Recession, now is emerging leaner, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to compete, prosper and prevail in the years to come,” he said.

Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, said Bonner County, an area with particularly high unemployment, could benefit from both the optimistic message and a policy emphasizing job creation.

“After a few years of pretty dismal news, it’s encouraging to hear that more positive things could be in store for the state,” he said.

Altogether, Otter recommended a $2.65 billion budget for the coming fiscal year. A more detailed version of his economic outlook and financial plan will be under legislative scrutiny starting Tuesday morning, according to Finance Committee vice-chair Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint.

“We’ll start taking a closer look at the numbers we heard from the governor,” Keough said. “We’ll be able to discuss whether or not the economy is doing as well as he suggested.”

Local taxpayers and government employees would also see benefits from Otter’s plan. Under his recommendation, state workers would get a total $41 million in bonuses, with $26 million going to public school staff. Otter also suggested that $45 million be set aside for tax relief. According to Eskridge, the rainy day fund — severely depleted in the past years — would be replenished by $60 million.

Education reform will be a returning discussion from last year’s legislative session. Eskridge said he voted against the measure last session because it was an unfunded mandate and was encouraged by Otter’s request for increased education funding. Keough echoed his comments, saying more money from the state could mean lower local taxes.

“If the governor’s proposal is to fully fund those changes, that could be a particularly positive thing for property taxpayers,” she said.

Residents interested in tuning into the political process can live-stream committee meetings and legislative sessions by visiting http://legislature.idaho.gov.