Launch Bill Headed to Governor
The controversial bill provides high school graduates up to $8000 for college or vocational programs. The new program will cost $80 million per year.
On Wednesday, it passed the Senate floor, along with a related trailer bill, and now resides with the Governor to sign. The program is a signature element of Governor Little’s priorities for this year and is touted by supporters as providing a boost to the economy by more quickly placing young workers into jobs.
Opponents of the bill point to it being socialist in nature and shows that the current education system is not adequately preparing graduates to enter the workforce. Ron Nate from the Idaho Freedom Foundation also noted that the program is overseen by the Workforce Development Council which consists primarily of appointees of the Governor. Nate’s reference to ‘cronyism’ saw him ushered from the podium while testifying against the bill in Senate committee.
Property Tax Relief Awaits Governor’s Signature
The Idaho Voter has tracked property tax relief as it has been a primary concern of Idahoans. Late Monday, HB292 passed the Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature. The basic concept in the bill is a shift of up to $355 million from sales taxes to subsidize public school funds at the local level in order to ease their burden and thus lower property taxes. Supporters and opponents questioned the sustainability but the final vote was overwhelming for its expected immediate relief.
The bill also eliminates the March election which is typically used for school bonds and other local levies.
IDHW Sues Attorney General
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is suing the Attorney General over it’s investigation into IDHW’s handling of federal childcare grants. In court statements (here and here), IDHW referred to memos from the AG office that seemed to clear IDHW, however, the AG’s office stated that one memo was from before AG Labrador assumed office and that Labrador was not consulted on the other.
IDHW Director Dave Jeppeson also argues that the AG does not have the authority to pursue the investigation but the AG’s office shot back that ‘shifting accounts’ alone gives them the authority.
The AG investigation parallels one approved by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and childcare groups have meanwhile filed their own complaints over document requests by the AG. The fundamental issue appears to be whether funds were directed to groups serving age groups that were outside the boundaries of those stated for the grants.
Education Budget Passes With Raucous Debate
The education budget is the largest item overall in the state budget. On Tuesday, the budget passed the Senate 22-13 and on Thursday it passed the House 41-28. The bill included increases for each of the state colleges and that is where most of the debate was focused, particularly programs for ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI). The bill prohibits state funding for such programs but does not prohibit the funding of those programs from other sources.
AG Touts Win on WOTUS
There are two lawsuits against the federal government over the ‘Waters of the United States’ rule that would expand which rivers and lakes could be covered under the federal Clean Water Act. About half of the States in the US have sued. The AG’s office joined the suit with Texas and it received a ruling earlier this week by a federal judge that sided with Texas and preserved state control of those waters.
In remarks at a gathering on Thursday, AG Raul Labrador stated that the other case may win as well but they had opted to join the Texas case instead as it appeared to be closer to a decision.
Rasmussen: Biden Not Truthful About China Ties
The poll released Thursday shows 54% of likely voters don’t believe he is telling the whole truth about family business dealings with the Chinese Government. Biden Family business dealings are being investigated by Rep Comer’s House Oversight Committee and they recently released information showing payments to Biden family members totaling $1.3 million. President Biden stated last week that it was not true when asked by the press.
Not Good
The visual alone is concerning - arguably the two nations of utmost concern to the US showing a closer relationship. Not only does this affect the Ukraine conflict now but on Chinese intentions toward Taiwan down the road.
China has also been active in a realignment of factions in the Middle East as Iran and Saudi Arabia restore diplomatic ties. As part of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), China is also vested in moving financial markets away from the US Dollar.
Legislation Roundup
Blue indicates the bill was signed into law by the Governor. The Governor has signed dozens of bills into law at this point - the Idaho Voter only covers those garnering the most media attention.
This is supposed to be the last week of the legislature but there are still a number of bills, particularly appropriations bills, that need to be resolved before the legislature will go ‘sine die’ (adjournment).
Thank you for this report.
Disgusting overall results from the Idaho legislative body, especially on spending and education issues. So-called conservative Republicans are showing their true-blue not-conservative-at-all colors. I hope their opponents in the next primaries will publicize the voting records of these individuals with Rs after their names and that voters finally will pay attention to the facts. Primaries determine the outcome in Idaho, and primaries are of utmost importance.
Sadly, The Rocky Mountain Heist is alive and well in Idaho: https://www.freedomman.org/video/rocky-mountain-heist/