Idaho – On Wednesday, Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation with legislation that will be considered during the Idaho legislature’s special session beginning on August 24, 2020. Out of 6 proposed topics by House and Senate Leadership, Governor Little has proposed three pieces of legislation that address the November 2020 election and civil liability during coronavirus. No other subjects will …
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On Friday, the U.S. District Court of Idaho ruled against legislation passed by the Idaho Legislature barring Idahoans from changing their gender marker on their birth certificate. House Bill 509 was in violation of 2018 federal court ruling that decided Idaho’s previous ban on changing gender markers defied the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Senator Maryanne Jordan/(D-Boise) expressed …
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Childcare is a non-negotiable part of parenthood. Every child will need some form of childcare whether they have a parent staying home, a relative willing to give full-time care, or a close-by daycare center. Idaho parents, unfortunately, face more barriers to accessing quality, affordable childcare than parents in most other states. The Gem State has been ranked last in the …
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Idaho – The Idaho Transportation office reported that they have officially about 1,300 Pet Friendly Licenses Plates through the end of June and continues to increase every day. In 2019, Representative Melissa Wintrow worked with former Representative Hy Kloc to pass Pet Friendly License Plate legislation. Kloc worked on the legislation for several years but fell short by a few …
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As an Idaho taxpayer and state representative, it is my priority to address the property tax problem that is crushing everyday Idahoans. Governor Little has proposed the use of pandemic relief funds for lowering property taxes related to emergency services. Let’s be clear, however: this is a temporary fix for a broken system. Property values are still rising, and we …
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Idaho renters affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program. The program, which is available only to renters, provides short-term rent and utility support for Idahoans experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic. To qualify, renters must have a current household income of 80% of Area Median Income or less, …
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Idaho teachers have had some of the toughest months of their entire career. In all corners of the state, our teachers are learning new skills and adapting their curriculum. Our teachers are committed to educating Idaho students, no matter the obstacles. As a reward, the Governor has promised nearly $100 million in cuts to the state’s education budget. Governor Little …
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Coronavirus has made many of Idaho’s problems significantly worse. Property taxes are no exception. Before coronavirus, Idaho legislators were hearing from hundreds of constituents that property taxes are out of control. Our citizens were being priced out of their houses and forced to leave the neighborhoods that they had planned to spend the rest of their lives in. Unfortunately, the …
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It came as a huge relief when Governor Little announced that the stay-at-home order would continue and that upcoming decisions to “re-open” business should be done based on the best scientific information available. Our current health care systems have not been overwhelmed yet thanks to most Idahoans following CDC guidelines to stay at home, social distance, wash hands, and wear …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, the COVID Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) met for the second time. The goal of the committee is to make recommendations to the Governor on how to distribute the $1.25 billion in federal funds to state and local governments during the Coronavirus pandemic. The committee expects that the funds will be available on or around …
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