Rep. Max Black, R-Boise, moved to approve the budget for the state's official governor's residence - the former Simplot mansion - for next year of $177,400 as proposed. "I don't think there's any question in anybody's mind that this isn't something we can just let go on and on and on," Black said. "This was a very generous gift from the Simplot family. ... But we do need to move forward on it, and I think what we've talked about today is rational and is a good start." That includes scheduling a public meeting in September on the overall issue of the future of the home, to present all the related information and take public input. State Department of Administration Director Teresa Luna seconded the motion.

Sen. Les Bock, D-Boise, offered a substitute motion - to approve the budget, but only on the condition that the home be put on the market immediately. "I haven't found anybody, not one single person, who supports a governor's mansion," Bock said. Rep. Phyllis King, D-Boise, seconded Bock's motion. "To pay $177,000 just to maintain a house I think is outrageous," King said. "It's just way too much money."

Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Meridian, said there's money in the state's fund to maintain the house for now, "But it's something we need to deal with and need to air." He noted that the deed requires the Simplot family to be given first right of refusal before the home is sold. "Let's give the public a chance to have their input," Winder said. Bock then withdrew his substitute motion, and Black's motion passed on a 3-2 vote, with Bock and King dissenting.