Category Archives: Headlines
House transportation chairman: Infrastructure funding a major priority
With the 2012 Legislature now disappearing in the rearview mirror, the big question for roads and bridges from the session remains: What does the state do about the seemingly overwhelming problem of road and bridge construction and maintenance in Idaho? … Continue reading
IACI: Legislature fell short on personal property tax repeal, health care reform
Founded in 1974 with a merger of the Idaho State Chambers and the Associated Industries of Idaho, the Idaho Association of the Commerce and Industry (IACI) is generally regarded as the most influential and involved business lobbying organization in the … Continue reading
Governor signs texting, Occupy Boise and ‘8 in 6’ bills
It’s been a busy time for Gov. Butch Otter since the 2012 legislative session concluded going through legislation deciding whether to sign it into law. Since the session ended, Otter has signed 62 bills into law. Jon Hanian, Otter’s press … Continue reading
2012 House candidates and where they rank in Freedom Index
The 2012 legislative session is now history. Next on the docket for many of the 70 House members are the 2012 elections. There will be a number of new faces in the House, since 26 members of the House are … Continue reading
2012 Senate candidates and where they rank in Freedom Index
With the 2012 legislative session now wrapped up, the focus turns to the 2012 elections. There will be a number of new faces in the Senate, but not necessarily unfamiliar ones. Ten House members will be attempting to make the … Continue reading
Legislature passes corporate, personal income tax cut, goes home
The Idaho Legislature adjourned an 81-day legislative session Thursday shortly after passing a bill to lower corporate and individual tax rates—a move that is anticipated to leave $35.7 million in the hands of taxpayers and out of government coffers. Both … Continue reading
Senate panel says yes to tax cut; hurdle cleared for adjournment
A hurdle has been cleared to provide Idahoans with tax relief and get the Legislature out of town. The Senate’s tax committee voted 6-3 Thursday in lukewarm support of a bill to cut taxes by $35 million. The measure would … Continue reading
House passes Boise County bailout legislation
A new attempt to help Boise County pay a legal judgment has passed the House after an exhaustive debate and learning session over the complexities of state tax law. A previous bill that would let the county raise taxes without … Continue reading
House passes fee increase to help judges’ retirement account
House conservatives on Tuesday were unable to turn back a bill that would increase civil filing fees in order to help pay to sustain the underfunded Judges’ Retirement Fund. House Bill 660 passed 46-22, capping years of debate and consternation … Continue reading
Senate panel kills bill to protect property owners from taking for rights of way
A Senate panel has rejected a House-passed bill that would have limited the ability of government to take private property for a right of way across private land. But lawmakers on the Senate Transportation Committee indicated they’d be willing to … Continue reading