Tag Archives: Les Bock
Texting while driving bill heads to governor for consideration
After weeks of hearing testimony, going through the amending order and listening to strong debate in both the Senate and House, Senate Bill 1274, which would make texting while driving illegal, passed the Senate on Friday on a 29-5 vote. … Continue reading
With Democratic shift in rhetoric, Pearce ethics hearing continues second day
On the second day of an ethics hearing to examine a possible failure to disclose a conflict of interest by Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, Senate Democrats offered a noticeable shift in rhetoric. Tuesday morning in the Idaho Capitol was … Continue reading
Rusche: Senate GOP’s McGee decision won’t aid our ethics reform push
Legislative Democrats are rolling out part of their ethics reform platform Thursday in the Capitol and one state senator they couldn’t have asked for a better gift from Senate Republicans Wednesday. However, one Democratic leader says he won’t use a decision made … Continue reading
Legislators split on charging news agencies rent for Capitol space
Last week, IdahoReporter.com reported that some of the heavies in the news business – the AP, Idaho Statesman, Twin Falls Times-News, Idaho Press-Tribune, and the Lewiston Morning Tribune, among others – are receiving free office space subsidized by Gem State taxpayers. … Continue reading
Dems’ 1,000 job loss claim based on math formula, not hard data
It’s the claim that just kept coming: House Bill 260 will cause the loss of at least 1,000 private sector jobs in Idaho if passed. The claim made its way into debate in House and Senate committee and floor debate, … Continue reading
Legislators making changes to farming policies
Idaho state government’s relationship to farmers could see changes under legislation working its way through the Legislature this session. Changes to regulations for dairy farms and large poultry operations, supported by the agricultural industry, were approved by the Idaho Senate … Continue reading
Senate passes $34.6 million Medicaid reduction measure
Lawmakers in the Idaho Capitol are one step closer to heading home after the Senate passed a bill that would reduce state Medicaid spending by $34.6 million in fiscal year 2012. The legislation passed the Senate 27-8. Sen. Joe Stegner, … Continue reading
Senate approves plan to freeze grocery tax credit
Idahoans likely won’t see a bigger tax break next year, as the Idaho Senate approved a plan to freeze the grocery tax credit that Idahoans can claim on their income tax returns. The effort delays an extra $10 credit on … Continue reading
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