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The Senate State Affairs Committee has voted unanimously in favor of SB 1156, the Sunshine Law amendment to require Idaho’s first-ever financial disclosure of income sources and assets for elected officials and candidates. Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, expressed some doubts. “I’m not convinced at this point that this is really gonna solve what we think it’s gonna solve,” he said. “This is the nose under the camel’s tent. … I hesitate to see us start fixing something that’s not broken.” He added, “I personally feel we have a hard enough time getting good, honest people to run for government, and then we start making it more onerous or more inquisitive.” Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly, D-Boise, noted that financial disclosure requirements long have been in effect for those from Idaho running for federal office. “Certainly with regard to congressional races, it doesn’t seem to have discouraged candidates,” she said.
When it came time for a vote, the committee was unanimous - not even Pearce objected. The bill now moves to the full Senate with a recommendation that it “do-pass.”
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stebbijo on March 30 at 3:03 p.m.
This is a wonderful a step in the right direction towards an open and transparent Idaho government. If the Senate rejects it, we will all know who might have something to hide. Hooray for Kelly!