Category Archives: Government Programs
Food stamp use rising
An increasing number of Idahoans are using food stamps as the state economic picture stays bleak, including a rise in people turning to the program for the first time. According to figures, 179,694 people are receiving food stamps in January, … Continue reading
Meth Project releases 3rd wave of ads, praises success of past year
Administrators from the Idaho Meth Project (IMP), accompanied by First Lady Lori Otter and a host of volunteers, announced Tuesday the campaign is releasing a third wave of advertisements in its effort to battle meth use in Idaho. Officials also … Continue reading
Idaho switching to new, secure driver’s license by end of the year
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is switching to a new driver’s license that officials say should reduce fake IDs, time spent at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and annual operating costs. The new licenses and new central issuance system … Continue reading
Federal involvement complicates Medicaid cuts
Idaho lawmakers looking to trim the state budget face challenges with cutting Medicaid due to federal money funding the system and federal rules on the program. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for health services for … Continue reading
Idaho Meth Project releasing third wave of ads
The Idaho Meth Project, the leading campaign to combat meth use in Idaho, will release its third wave of advertisements Tuesday afternoon. The announcement will come from Gov. Butch and First Lady Lori Otter in the auditorium in the Senate … Continue reading
Health services eyeing more cuts
More cuts could be coming to Idaho health and welfare offices as state budget cuts are reviewed on services for those hit hardest by the recession. Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) Director Richard Armstrong told lawmakers Tuesday that the … Continue reading
Idaho confronting feds over endangered species
Idaho is in the early stages of a lawsuit with federal agencies over the status of one potentially endangered species, and more could be coming, according to officials with the state Office of Species Conservation (OSC). Gov. Butch Otter sued … Continue reading
Officials say wolf population shows little drop due to hunt
The number of wolves in Idaho will show a slight drop or no change from last year’s count of 846, according Jim Unsworth, deputy director of Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He told lawmakers Monday that Idaho’s first wolf … Continue reading
Soil Conservation Commission one meeting closer to elimination
The Idaho Soil Conservation Commission is one step closer to elimination after legislators met last week to move forward with proposals which would abolish the commission and create a new Office of Soil and Water Conservation, which would report directly … Continue reading
Idaho Congressional delegation want USDA to help potato growers
Idaho’s two U.S. senators and two U.S. representatives are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy potatoes from Idaho growers in a move to help ease difficult economic times for some farmers. The potatoes could go to public schools … Continue reading