The New AG in Town and Election Results
News Roundup: Mar 14-16
Pushback on AG Labrador
Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador had his budget request sent back for revision by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) co-chair on Wednesday. The AG requested 11% raises for attorneys and staff in order to remain competitive as the office stated they are losing staff to Ada County and Boise County. Other departments have run into the same issue with JFAC.
On another front, the AG’s investigation into childcare facilities has met with a court complaint by 35 of those agencies. They are claiming that they have not been given enough time to provide the requested documents.
Labrador’s win over former AG Lawrence Wasden represents a significant change in priorities for the office. There will likely be many battles as issues that divide conservatives and moderates in the GOP filter through the AG’s office.
Election Results - Mix of Pass/Fail for Bond Measures
Several areas in Idaho held elections on Tuesday. This election is primarily for school bonds and regional project levies. This election has been the target of legislation to merge it with other elections due to the much lower turnout and cost.
The linked article provides a run down on all of the measures. Two of the more prominent school bonds in Nampa and Kuna both failed. With several of these elections, a 2/3rds votes is required so a measure can fail even with a majority voting for it.
New Study on Opioid Crises
This 600+ page report was just released by the Rand Corporation. Opioids continue to plague millions of Americans and the situation is not getting any better. The report is self described as ‘arguably the most comprehensive analysis’ of the matter to date. Click here for a summary of the report.
Top Polluters in Idaho
The data is based on total emissions though the article calls out carbon dioxide in most of the reporting. These top ten companies represent a little more than 10% of the total estimated emissions in the state. Of note in the article is that Idaho produces just 28% of the total energy it consumes. Idaho relies heavily on imported energy and petroleum accounts for about 33% of that energy.
Legislation Roundup
Sadly, Idaho is moving along the road to OR, WA, CA, and so many other blue states. A few victories for liberty, but many defeats.