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LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER X--March 5-9, 2007
We should be closing up shop here at the Idaho Legislature within the next two weeks.
The predictions range all the way from this coming Friday to the 23rd. Economic projections indicate a downturn in the economy. Tax revenues are $30 million below projection for the last two months so with this dampening news much of the one time surplus funds may go into reserve funds or the budget stabilization fund. It is also of interest that the Idaho unemployment rate hit 2.8% which is close to the record all time low. There is also the pressure to wind up shop simply because reconstruction of the Capitol is supposed to begin on April 1st. Here are some of the highlights of the week.
1. HB245 -- Personal property tax on business --
This IACI based bill sailed through the House 49-20. Even though the bill has a $50,000 cap which will benefit many small businesses, it still means a tax shift of about $9.2 million this year. The total tax shift which will impact home owners and businesses will be about $92 over an 8 year period. The impact in Latah County will be a shift of $1.3 million which will be picked up by home owners and businesses.
2. English as Idaho's Official Language -- This bill passed the Senate and, no doubt, will pass the House. The bill is basically political and even the sponsors say it won't make any major
changes.
Many of us think it simply sends the wrong message. I'm puzzled because as I remember my American history the Continental Congress back about 1783 voted to approve English as the official language of the U.S. English beat out German by 3 votes. Supporters of the measure also say that states that have passed legislation to make English the official language can demonstrate this helps promote faster learning of English among those who are not fluent in its usage. The research indicates there is no evidence to back up the claim.
3. University of Idaho Livestock and Environmental Center -- JFAC approved a $10 million expenditure for the state's share of a proposed livestock research centers in the Magic.
This must still be approved by the House and Senate. The University of Idaho will have to come up with a $10 million match as part of its share and has two years to come up with the money.
4. HCR08 -- Human Rights --
this resolution passed the Senate on a 7-0 margin. There was excellent testimony from the Idaho Human Rights Commission, The Idaho Human Education Rights Center, and the Interfaith Alliance that violation of human rights in the U.S. and the State is on the increase. About a week ago swastikas were placed on the Boise Islamic Center and several businesses. It also appears that the Aryan Brotherhood (a gang out of L.A.) is trying to recruit students into gangs. The resolution goes on to the full Senate.
5. HB172 -- Identity protection of victims of domestic violence. This bill actually passed the House Jud and Rules Committee.
Rep. Ringo and I had to go back with several amendments to be approved by the committee. All of a sudden they started to debate the bill rather than the amendments, and it was defeated on a 9-7 vote. This was very unusual and also very disappointing, but we will bring back the legislation again next year.
6. Grocery Tax -- The House passed a bill which would raise the grocery tax credit to $50 from $20 for most Idahoans. The Governor has his proposed plan and there are two others.
All are up on the 14th amending order in the Senate.
No doubt, there will be some compromises, but it will be one on the last bills to clear the Legislature. The Senate Local Government and Tax Committee currently is holding all bills with tax exemptions that passed the Senate. I've been supporting the Committee to try and take a stand to develop an accountability system to examine all of the exemptions. This is long overdue.
We will voting on many appropriation bills coming out of JFAC this week.
The Ag Committee may actually get the Elk Ranching bill with amendments. I'd appreciate your comments. My e mail is ttrail@house.idaho.gov and my phone is 208-332-1260.
Rep. Tom Trail
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