A non-binding memorial declaring Idaho's sovereignty from the federal government cleared the House State Affairs Committee this morning, at the urging of Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries. Harwood said the federal government shouldn't pressure states to do this or that or face losing federal funding. "What this bill is about is sovereignty, that we have a right to govern ourselves in them areas," Harwood told the committee. "All this bill really does is reinstates what the Constitution says about the 10th Amendment, and asks the federal government to cease and desist in this kind of action and to be good neighbors." Testifying in favor of the resolution was Rep. Lenore Hardy Barrett, R-Challis, who told the panel, "I know that everybody here believes in state sovereignty. We talk the talk, we don't always walk the walk." She said, "If you believe in this you need to support this, and if you don't support it, I'm going to assume you don't believe in it." Rep. JoAn Wood, R-Rigby, who like Barrett is a co-sponsor of the measure, said, "Almost every year we get a piece of legislation or some information that says if we don't get this, they're gonna withhold our money. And you know, we paid that money in."

Citizen Lori Shoemaker told the committee, "Centralized government is dangerous - that's against the American way." Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd, D-Prichard, said, "I have never in my life received so many emails as I have on this one. ... Not a single one was anti. Therefore I would move that HJM 4 be sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation." A handful of supporters in the audience burst into applause at the vote of approval.

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