Tag Archives: Joyce Broadsword

Bill allowing developers to count site improvements as inventory passes Senate

On Tuesday, the Senate passed House Bill 519 on a 28-7 vote, which would allow developers of a parcel of land to exempt taxes for site improvements. Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, carried the bill on the floor and said … Continue reading

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Senate committee agrees with House, votes to reverse $1.5 million in Medicaid cuts

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted Wednesday to align itself with the Idaho House in support of reversing some of last year’s Medicaid cuts. The panel unanimously supported the idea, which would reinstate $1.5 million in Medicaid services to … Continue reading

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Capitol crossover and key departures could change the Senate culture, make it more like House

All political observers know the election immediately following legislative redistricting leads to colossal turnover in the Capitol. This year, that turnover, combined with a newly closed primary election system and key retirements, could lead to an Idaho Senate that aligns … Continue reading

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Days before filing begins, several candidates declare their intentions

It’s still days before candidate filing opens, but it’s becoming clear that the Idaho House and the Idaho Senate will see many new members after the 2012 elections. Candidates and challengers can begin filing for public office on Monday. In … Continue reading

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Budget committee approves revenue target $33 million less than Otter’s projection

On Friday, members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) approved its revenue target for fiscal year 2013, which means lawmakers can now begin setting budgets for state agencies, public schools and Idaho’s colleges and universities. JFAC approved a $2.667 billion … Continue reading

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Budget committee approves money for election information and indigent care

Before setting next year’s budget, members of the Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee (JFAC) spent Wednesday taking care of this year’s outstanding bills. The committee approved more money for indigent health care, a voter information campaign and child welfare, among other things. … Continue reading

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Possible abortion loophole may close for teens on Medicaid

Idaho lawmakers will do away with a state rule that allows girls under the age of 18 and on Medicaid to receive taxpayer-funded abortions. Anti-abortion rights groups call the state policy a loophole, while officials with the Department of Health … Continue reading

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Budget committee approves Idaho public schools funding reduction

The largest share of Idaho state spending, the budget for public schools from kindergarten through high school, will see a overall funding reduction for the next year. “I think school districts will feel a $47 million reduction,” said Sen. Dean … Continue reading

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Reform to day-care rules faces changes

The Idaho Senate could make changes to a plan passed by the Idaho House that could raise the ratios of children to staff at licensed day-care facilities. The legislation is touted by supporters as an attempt to fix a 2009 … Continue reading

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Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves $34.6 million Medicaid reduction bill

One of the pieces of legislation critical to budget-setting and the end of the 2011 legislative session is one step closer toward clearing the Legislature. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved a bill Tuesday that would cut state Medicaid … Continue reading

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