Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick, in his speech to the Senate today, suggested that lawmakers set up a "bipartisan commission of experts, appointed by the governor and Legislature, who would be tasked with offering ideas for closing next year's budget deficit by taking a fresh look at both spending and our state's sales tax structure." He said, "Unlike the Congress, where we recoil at the idea of giving such groups real authority, you could specify that you will give the commission's recommendations a straight-up yes or no vote in the next legislature." Idaho could lead the nation and "try some of the ideas that Congress is only just talking about," Minnick said.

He also offered advice to both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature: "To the majority running this legislature, I say to you exactly the same thing I do to the Democratic leaders in Congress: Reach across the aisle and bring your colleagues to the table. Good ideas come from both Republicans and Democrats. The loyal opposition may have different views and occasionally a different approach, but their constituents have the same needs as yours." And to Democrats, he said, "Become part of the process, recognize that compromises have to be made in these tough times, and be constructive in your public comments. The Idaho Legislature can show the rest of the nation the way, not through partisan bickering or headline-grabbing bills, but through the kind of quiet, colleague-to-colleague hard work that can effect real change for a community, a legislature and a state."

Asked afterward if he thought the Idaho Legislature - which is 75 percent GOP - was receptive to his message of bipartisanship, Minnick said, "I hope so - that's the only way you get things done in the national legislature or this one. It leads to a better mix of ideas and more middle-of-the-road solutions, all of which are in the public interest."