POST LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER  - APRIL 17, 2011

Constituents:

The 2011 Idaho Legislative session is fading into history but will certain leave its mark as one of the most polarizing sessions in Idaho's history. I want to thank all of my constituents who sent me letters, e mails, and phone calls of support.  I will continue to serve District 6 constituents as a member of the Republican Party.  I'd like to leave a few thoughts about the session.

   1.  Education--Steps are moving forward to recall Tom Luna. Frankly the odds against this are tremendous.  The initiative aimed at overturning SPI Luna's three Pillars of Education stands a much better chance of getting on the ballot.  This effort is already underway.  A total of over 48,000 signatures will be required to get the initiative on the ballot. The major campaign issue for the 2012 election season will be education.

   2.  Closed Primary Election -- Gov. Otter signed the bill into law, and it will take some time to "educate" the public about the details of its operation. Taxpayers are picking up the more than $400,000 in legal and implementation fees for this piece of legislation. Gov. Otter notes that he feels that the bill may lower voter turnout. One of the most ironic consequences of the bill is that for the first time in Idaho history the names of voters who register will become public information. Several political parties have consistently advocated that protection of an individual's right to privacy and confidentiality of information is paramount in their platforms.  Secretary of State Ben Ysursa also is concerned that the legislation may actually promote lower voter turnout.  We will have a chance to see what the outcome will be next spring.

I will be reporting back to constituents in District 6 during the next month.  I'd be glad to get your comments, suggestions, etc.  My e-mail is ttrail@moscow.

Rep. Tom Trail

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