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Within hours, Legislature approves bills limiting governor’s emergency powers
A slew of bills aimed at limiting an Idaho governor’s authority during a declared emergency passed the House and Senate during marathon floor sessions Wednesday afternoon. The four bills are part of an effort to separate what legislators called the “key components” of two previous bills that were vetoed by Gov. Brad Little on April […]
Property tax bill advances to Idaho Senate despite bipartisan criticism
Despite criticism over the speed of the process, a bill aimed at property tax relief passed the Idaho House of Representatives and made its way out of the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee on Tuesday. It was introduced in the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday. The bill increases the homeowner’s exemption from […]
Set of three emergency powers bills awaits Idaho Senate approval
With no debate, the Idaho House of Representatives passed three bills that separate what legislators called the “key components” of two previous bills that would have limited an Idaho governor’s authority during a declared emergency. Hours later, the Senate State Affairs Committee approved sending the three bills to the Senate floor to be considered on […]
‘We’re so thrilled’: Child care proponents celebrate House vote to approve grant funds
Just before the House of Representatives voted on $70 million in federal child care grant funding, Rep. Brooke Green, D-Boise, handed out paper cutouts of tiny hands and feet with names and ages of children and a message that read “Fund My Future” on the back to all 70 members. Her own cutout was from […]
‘Not going to cut it.’ Property tax relief bill increases homeowner’s exemption by $25K.
Within a matter of hours, members of the Idaho House of Representatives printed, heard and sent a property tax bill to the House floor that increases the homeowner’s exemption from $100,000 to $125,000. It includes several other provisions that would provide tax relief to commercial property owners. Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, introduced House Bill 389 […]
Following protests, Idaho Legislature’s finance committee will again consider child care funds
Federal relief funding for child care providers will be considered again at the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting on Tuesday, following pressure from providers across the state and Gov. Brad Little’s budget chief. The Idaho House of Representatives voted down the $200 million Division of Welfare’s budget by a vote of 27-42 in early April, with […]
Idaho trust for affordable housing raises $2.1 million
The LEAP Housing Trust, a Boise-based nonprofit that creates affordable housing, has raised $2.1 million for its first capital campaign. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health donated $300,000, according to a press release, and Saint Alphonsus Health System donated $240,000. The trust creates homes with sales prices that are affordable to low-income households, […]
‘Our economy won’t recover without child care.’ Boise-area child care providers to protest Legislature’s inaction
Child care centers across the Treasure Valley are scheduled to be closed Monday to call attention to $34 million in child care funding that the Idaho Legislature has not approved. Child care providers say the funds are the difference between staying open and closing their doors. The Idaho House of Representatives voted down the $200 […]
Idaho legislator resigns before House can expel him. ‘I maintain my innocence.’
Just hours after the Ethics and House Policy Committee in the Idaho House of Representatives voted for his censure and suspension for conduct unbecoming of a legislator, Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, resigned his seat. The resignation follows two days of proceedings in the ethics committee and the decision Thursday morning by members of the […]
Ethics committee said legislator accused of rape should face sanctions
UPDATE: Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, has resigned his seat. Von Ehlinger submitted his letter of resignation Thursday afternoon and it was read on the floor of the House of Representatives by House Chief Clerk Carrie Maulin. After most committee members condemned the behavior of Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, the Ethics and House […]
Legislative staffer testifies at ethics committee investigating Idaho lawmaker accused of rape
She told them she was terrified to testify. From behind three black curtains erected to attempt to protect her identity, she described what led up to the alleged sexual assault that put Wednesday’s Ethics and House Policy Committee hearing at the Capitol into motion. And when she was allowed to be dismissed from Lincoln Auditorium […]
Idaho governor signs anti-abortion bill into law
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law on Tuesday a piece of legislation commonly known as the “fetal heartbeat” bill. The law bans abortions after the detection of a baby’s heartbeat, which is typically five to six weeks after conception. House Bill 366 includes exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother, but the […]