Action in the Idaho House has come to a standstill, as House Democrats made good on their threat yesterday to use whatever means they have available to slow down the session in protest until majority Republicans allow hearings on two bills the Democrats want heard: A $1.25 per pack increase in the cigarette tax, and a measure calling for an advisory vote of the people on state schools Supt. Tom Luna's school reform package. House Assistant Minority Leader Elfreda Higgins, D-Garden City, said, "It is an outrage that the Legislature refuses to listen to the people. The people of Idaho have clearly voiced their support for a tobacco tax increase and their unrelenting opposition to the education bills. We are prepared to fight to get these bills heard."

Here, House Chief Clerk Bonnie Alexander reads the full text of HB 310, legislation from the state's counties regarding the catastrophic health care fund - a 25-page bill. Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, tried to interrupt and ask again to waive the reading, but Minority Leader John Rusche objected, and the reading continued. Meanwhile, the Senate is locked in debate on HB 162, legislation regarding hospital peer review that barely passed the House earlier on a 38-30 vote.