Eye On Boise

‘Game of chicken’

Posted by Betsy

April 29, 2009 10:55 a.m. • 7 comments

In their open caucus, House Democrats expressed some disappointment about the House plan to unilaterally adjourn today, and the cost and uncertainty posed by the gambit. “How long do they intend to keep playing this game of chicken?” asked Rep. Anne Pasley-Stuart, D-Boise. Meanwhile, the start of the GOP caucus was delayed while GOP leaders huddled with their committee chairmen to go over all outstanding bills and make sure loose ends are tied up for their planned adjournment; Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, paid a visit to Senate leaders for the same purpose.

Speaker Lawerence Denney said the GOP’s closed-door caucus will be to discuss the meeting with the governor and see if the caucus is on board with plans to adjourn today, or if they have other ideas. Asked if they’ll consider the governor’s statements yesterday that he’s willing to offer a time-delayed, economically-triggered gas tax increase as a compromise, Denney said, “We’ll certainly give them the opportunity, but I don’t know, I don’t think so.” Said Denney, “We’re still at loggerheads on the gas tax. … The governor absolutely wants a gas tax. The fact is that even if we wanted to agree, we couldn’t get the votes.”

The Senate, for its part, is preparing to go into its 14th Order and take up amendments to HB 303, a measure dealing with education funding.

Seven comments on this post so far. Add yours!

annoyed_IDcitizen on April 29 at 11:15 a.m.
How much longer are they going to waste ID taxpayer dollars? Each day costs an employee its Job (whether a teacher of government worker).
I know times are tough but are legislators needing extra money this bad?
Digger on April 29 at 11:36 a.m.
“The fact is that even if we wanted to agree, we couldn’t get the votes.” - Speaker Denney

I call BULLSHOOT! If the leadership really wanted to pass this gas tax it could have been done weeks ago. So I don’t buy what Denney’s selling.
RathdrumBob on April 29 at 11:38 a.m.
In answer to Annoyed, no one I’ve talked to in North Idaho knows exactly who Bob Nonini works for (other than Duane Hagadone’s best interests), or if he works at all. He most definitely must need the money, so prolonging the session works to his best interests!
souper6 on April 29 at 1:55 p.m.
He calls himself a financial advisor and sells insurance. That business ought to be doing well. (Sarcasm) No wonder he wants to hang out in Boise. He gets free room and board and doesn’t have to work for living like the rest of us. He lives off the taxpayers.