The Senate is honoring Peter Morrill, the retiring longtime general manager of Idaho Public Television. An array of senators have offered praise to Morrill. Among them was Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, who said, “He’s made me a convert.” Mortimer said, “Many years ago when I came to the Legislature, there was always a little bit of hesitancy … to fund and support our public television.” Mortimer said he never received so many emails as when public TV’s funding was threatened. He said he’s also been impressed with the service over the years, including the way Idaho PTV has opened up legislative proceedings to statewide viewing through live streaming. “To me, that is worth every dollar that we pay,” he said.

Sen. Les Bock, D-Boise, said, “Idaho Public Television is one of the gems of the Gem State.” After the resolution, HP1, was unanimously approved, Morrill, who was in the gallery with his daughter Sadie, was honored by the Senate with a standing ovation.