Bill eliminates legislators' special PERSI privilege
It has been a busy past few weeks and there is a lot to report. A few highlights include the following:
A very heated debate occurred last week on HB 100. It was a bill presented in the House to remove special PERSI retirement provisions for Idaho legislators. The bill was passed in the morning on the floor, taking away legislators’ special privileges.
This was a win for the people. Career politicians and legislators did not like the outcome of a win for the people so called the bill was called to the House floor (after lunch) a second time for a re-vote by using House Rule 40.
The debate was again heated and the vote was very close, but ultimately the vote passed for a second time! This is a victory for the people.
Hopefully the Senate does not kill the bill and turn this into a defeat.
The Education Committee has been working hard to re-work the Career Ladder for teachers’ pay. This was due to several concerns brought by many educators testifying at the committee hearings.
The education budget will be delayed until this is figured out.
Three transportation funding bills have been introduced. Legislators are working to find creative ways to fund the roads repairs and maintenance without raising gas and/or sales taxes or increasing registration fees.
Para-mutual horse racing testimony relating to SB1011 finished last week. There will be a vote early this week and if approved, would repeal instant gaming.
The State Affairs Committee will also be hearing a gun bill this week that would remove permit-less carry for elected officials and unfortunately moving Idaho further from a constitutional carry state.
The JFAC committee has trimmed 6.25 percent from the governor’s budget ear-marked for the Permanent Building Fund. They have also been sending many appropriation bills to the House for a vote.
SB 1044 has passed the Senate and will be voted on next week in the house. The bill restricts municipalities from using eminent domain to create trails, bike paths and greenbelts.
All bills can be viewed online at http://legislature.idaho.gov
On Thursday, my Judicial and Rule Committee spent the afternoon with the Idaho State Police Department. We learned about DUI traffic stop techniques and procedures, high speed chases and shooting training.
The session was due to end by March 27 but may continue into the first week or two of April due to ongoing debate over education and transportation issues.
All sessions can be watched at the following link: http://lso.legislature.idaho.gov/MediaArchive/ShowCommitteeOrMedia.do
I leave you with my favorite quote of the week by President Harry S. Truman.
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
• Rep. Heather Scott represents legislative district 1A.