The Idaho Senate voted 17-18 on Thursday on SB 1119, the measure proposed by Avista Corp. to allow utilities to establish programs to help struggling low-income customers and cover the cost in their rates, killing the bill. Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said, "Idaho utilities want…
The Associated Press is reporting that Gov. Butch Otter has told lawmakers if they don't back $125 million in GARVEE bonds for six ongoing Connecting Idaho projects in fiscal year 2010, he'll redirect millions from transportation-related federal stimulus dollars to Connecting Idaho, instead."That's after some…
When he addressed the Idaho Press Club this morning, Gov. Butch Otter was questioned by Idaho Statesman political columnist Dan Popkey about whether he agreed with radio host Rush Limbaugh recent controversial statement that he hopes President Obama fails. "No," Otter responded, adding that he…
This morning in the Senate, Senate Resources Committee Chairman Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, announced the federal decision to de-list wolves in the state. He got a rare round of applause. An hour later, Idaho Fish & Game Director Cal Groen, who attended a Resources Committee meeting…
Rep. Lenore Hardy Barrett, R-Challis, presented her non-binding memorial, HJM 1, to the Senate Resources Committee today urging delisting of the wolf in Idaho - though it already happened, just this morning. "This wolf dilemma is very personal to me," Barrett told the committee. "I…
For those of us who've been wondering why, when Gov. Butch Otter tapped three former governors for his stimulus committee, he didn't ask former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne - whose full-time gig as the nation's Interior Secretary recently ended - Times-News reporter Jared Hopkins supplies the…
If you've been wondering why Gov. Butch Otter appears to have a bright-green racquetball velcro-strapped onto the outside of his sling, here's why: It's actually a squishy exercise ball that aids in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Otter said he squeezes the ball with his…
Here's a news item from AP: "Idaho's chief economist predicted state tax revenue will decline in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the first time he says the figure has dropped two straight years. Mike Ferguson, who does economic forecasts for Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, expects…
"The Interior Department will announce the de-listing of wolves in Idaho and Montana within thre hour - Wyoming is not included," Gov. Butch Otter just told the Idaho Press Club. Asked by reporters for his reaction, Otter leaned his head back and howled like a…
The far-reaching election consolidation bill, HB 201, has passed the House on a 52-17 vote. "The greatest issue ... is the greater voter turnout we will get," Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, told the House. But opponents said the measure will cost school districts money…
Why was the request of a disabled woman from Shoshone for $34,000 to pay off credit card debt among the $4.7 billion in stimulus funding requests that Gov. Butch Otter received? Asked if she really expected to get anything, Melody Russell told the Assoicated Press,…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
