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LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER III -- JANUARY 14-19, 2007
Boise remains in the cold grip of our icebox deep freeze. We've had this situation for almost three weeks. Temperatures have dropped down to almost zero, and the temperatures are generally
10-15 degrees below normal.
The cultural highlights of the week to come are Al Gore on Climate Warming and Garrison Keillor of Prairie Home Companion. And, of course, the political climate will start warming up as details of the education budgets and those of other agencies are detailed out. There is also increasing friction between Governor Otter and the Legislature with the Governor stopping work on the two proposed underground office wings approved by the Legislature last session.
So on to some highlights of Week Two:
1. Education Budget --
Superintendent Tom Luna's Education Budget generally received high marks from both the Democrats and the Republicans. He is proposing a seven percent increase in the budget and a total of almost $1.2 billion. The most controversial proposal is the three percent increase in compensation for teachers. The increase must be built into the base. When one takes a look at the 3.8% increase in the inflation rate for the past year, it appears that some teachers may receive less than they did a year ago. However, all teacher contracts are negotiated on a district by district basis. Mr. Luna will present his budget details this coming week.
The Superintendent targeted over $18 million for more classroom supplies, books, and college level high school courses as part of his classroom enhancement package. He wants to pay for up to 12 credits of college level course work, taken during the junior and senior years of high school. These would be for high achievement students. New teachers would start at $31,000/year -- a $1,000 increase. Teachers would receive $350 for classroom supplies. The Superintendent will also form a study group to see how rural school districts can be assisted. I was pleased to see that he had added $500,000 in his request for the Gifted and Talented Program. I was also glad to see that Mr. Luna is putting in $6 million in remediation for students who fail the ISAT. There still needs to be more support for the technology line item.
2. Higher Education Budget
-- Governor Otter has proposed a 13 percent increase for Higher Education. The one issue I have is the 5 percent salary increase for state employees. He wants employees to pick up more of their health insurance. If this increase is combined with last year's inflation rate of 3.8% then university faculty and staff will not be much ahead of compensation for last year.
The Governor recommended $15 million for research. This would be available on a grant basis for all of the universities. The Governor also recommended $10.9 million to start the
University of Idaho Livestock and Environmental Center.
3. Medicaid Program Returns $12 million to the State -- One of the most surprising and pleasant news items was the fact
that the Medicaid Program is returning about $12 million to the state treasury. Usually the state has to come up with extra funds to keep the program afloat.
Officials credit a strong economy and the impact of savings from the new Medicare Part D prescription program.
4. Plans to Increase Idaho Math and Science Requirements
-- The Senate Ed Committee voted 8-1 and the House Ed Committee voted 16-2 to increase the requirements. This would require students starting in the class of 2013 to take at least three years of math and three years of science to graduate from high school. Students will still have flexibility to choice electives. Currently, there are four districts that require four years of math and science (three of the districts are rural).
5. Dog Fighting/Felony Legislation
-- I will be introducing a bill that would call for a felony penalty for anyone who is found guilty of participating, training, and organizing dog fights. Latah County Prosecutor, Bill Thompson, explained that with the felony law, law enforcement can pursue guilty parties across state lines. Idaho and Wyoming are the only two states not to have this penalty on the books. I've received over 10,000 letters supporting this legislation.
6. Legalizing the Growing of Industrial Hemp
-- I will be introducing a resolution to be sent to our Congressional Delegation encouraging congressional action to legalize the growing of industrial hemp. This appears to be a good time since DEA has worked out an agreement to allow N. Dakota farmers to grow the crop. We import all of our industrial hemp from Europe, China, and Canada. It is the most profitable crop in Canada.
7. Reauthorization of the 2007 Farm Bill --
As Chairman of the House Ag Affairs Committee, I will be attending a national meeting in Washington, D.C. January 26-29 meeting with USDA officials and Idaho's Congressional Delegation. All state house and senate ag chairs will be at the meeting.
That winds up the report for this week. I like to receive your comments and recommendations. My e mail is ttrail@house.idaho.gov and my desk phone is 208-332-1260.
Rep. Tom Trail
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