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Press Release
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Democratic Leaders Respond to the End of the 60th Legislative Session Boise – For Democratic Legislators, the 2010 legislative session was difficult. Democrats came to Boise in January ready to face Idaho’s economic problems by introducing a package of bills filled with innovations for enhancing economic development. “We listened to what our constituents were telling us back in our districts and came to Boise ready to focus on jobs and the economy during the 2010 legislative session,” said House Minority Leader John Rusche of Lewiston. “That is why we brought our IJOBs proposal to the Legislature – to focus on job opportunities for Idahoans and help ensure that Idaho becomes an economic leader in the 21st Century.” Despite Democratic legislators’ attempts to work with majority leadership and the Governor’s office, none of the Democratic IJOBs proposals will become law. Instead Republican legislators drafted and passed over a dozen pieces of legislation telling the federal government to “Keep out” of Idaho’s business. “Instead of pursuing job creation, this session has been marked by bills, resolutions and memorials meant to take on the Federal government,” said Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly. “The 2010 legislative session was filled with political statements that at best do nothing and at worst will cost scarce resources to defend in court. Job creation for lawyers is not a goal we should be pursuing.” Legislative budget analysts suggest that the changes adopted this year may actually cost Idaho more than 5,000 jobs in the public and private sectors. As a result of this session, services needed by families hurt by the recession will be reduced. College and training opportunities for displaced workers will be reduced. The fundamental education available in our public schools will be reduced. “The impact of these choices will play out over the next 18 months and affect every Idahoan,” continued Sen. Kelly. “Cuts will mean less law enforcement officers on duty, more students in classrooms, less help for Idahoans in need of food or medical services, higher fees for students at our colleges and universities, and neglected maintenance work on our roads, our parks, and our schools.” In the interim months, Democratic legislators will work with their constituents to understand and deal with the results of the recent session. “As the economy recovers, which we all hope happens soon, we will be working with our colleagues in the Majority and with the Governor to rebuild schools, higher education, and the safety net for our citizens,” said Rep. Rusche. “We will be working to promote a vision of opportunity and prosperity for Idaho as we go forward.” |
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The governor's vetoes yesterday have erased two bills aimed at improving the lives of Idahoans. Why would the governor do this, it's supposed to force the legislature into voting his way. There are better ways to work with the legislature than vetoing bills with strong bipartisan support that are aimed at helping constituents.
Governor Otter vetoed 8 Senate bills, all budget bills, in an effort to increase transportation funding. Governor Otter says he does not have problems with these pieces of legislation, we have received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and we have $400,000,000 in rainy day funds. Why then does the governor consistently want to raise our taxes during a recession solely for transportation?
Today Governor Otter vetoed the Parents as Teachers Family Support Act, this is another attack on Idaho Education. How much more will education suffer? This bill has huge bipartisan support in both houses and would help the children of Idaho immensely. The governor should allow the business of the state of Idaho to continue. |
Midwifery in Idaho 2009 Midwifery- Monday Feb 20th-Tuesday March 3rd, House Bill 185 passed thru the House State Affairs committee with a “do Pass” recommendation and passes the House with a vote of 67:0. In the Senate, it was then approved for Title the next day and placed on the First Reading Calendar. Its title is read to the Senate. Having been assigned to the Health and Welfare Committee in the Senate it awaits a hearing. Statutory code and rules for the practice of midwifery will serve to provide assurance to the citizens of Idaho that those who represent themselves as midwives have a certain measurable level of training and experience. Midwifery groups worked together with doctors and health organizations for two years in order to get a set of code that would accomplish the goals of safety while putting the care for Idaho’s women and babies at the forefront. Other states have followed this same path with some states even reporting a decrease in health costs when midwives are permitted to practice. Traditional providers satisfied: This legislation cites what a midwife can do, as well as not do. In addition, it includes for when they have to advise their clients and when they have to transport, that they need to provide good medical charts when they do it, that they call the hospital and let them know when they are leaving. This bill provides immunity to doctor, hospital, ER and ambulance personnel from vicarious liability. Medicines cannot be approved for use without ok from the Boards of Medicine and Pharmacy first. These make it acceptable to the Boards and associations for nursing, pharmacy, hospitals and medicine (doctors). Midwifery advocates cite a victory: This is a long time coming to have , at the very least, printed in statute the statement that the Idaho Legislature “finds and declares the practice of midwifery has been a part of the culture and tradition of Idaho since before the pioneer days and some citizens choose to preserve the rights of families to deliver children in a setting of their choice…” while protecting the public and “provide a mechanism to assure quality…” Furthermore, it allows “access to medications necessary to safely provide these services” What would be best is if the Senate is able to provide scrutiny and approve that it does meet the needs of Idaho and does it safely. Crafting Good Legislation: Good legislation takes time and the voices of all that are affected, not just the 105 legislators of the Citizen Legislature and the Governor who represents the Executive Branch. Last year, much work took place on Midwifery legislation during hearings in the House Health and Welfare Committee. The committee room was filled with people, there to give emotional testimony. In the hallways of the legislature, boardrooms of the associations, offices of the midwives, and in the homes of advocates, people were talking, strategizing, negotiating, all to achieve their respective goals. The battle extended into the House Chamber and into the Senate where it ultimately failed. Many felt that more work was needed to fine tune this bill. Perhaps the best bills are ones that pass when they are thoroughly negotiated and not a moment sooner. Perhaps it is better to kill a bill that needs more time and let the discussions mature through the summer and fall as happened in this case. |
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What's Happening this Session? |
Visit with me and Team 17 at our Weekly Office Hours! When: Tuesdays beginning January 22nd (except forum nights - January 15, February 12, March 12, April 9 - and March 26th) from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Where: In the Career Counseling Center at Borah High School
We'll also hold several Public Forums, where we'll summarize important information about the session, take questions and provide snacks.
The four forums will be held at 7pm on: - Tuesday, January 15 at the Borah High School Library
- Tuesday, February 12 at the Horizon Elementary School Library
- Tuesday, March 12 at the South Junior High School Library
- Tuesday, April 9 at the Grace Jordan Elementary School Library
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Press Release
