As he closed his “State of the State” message, Gov. Butch Otter noted Idaho’s recent ranking of second in the nation for volunteering. That’s “in our DNA,” he said. “It’s who we are. It’s who you are, and I’m proud to join you in pressing ahead toward an ever brighter and more hopeful future for us all.”

He then departed again from his prepared remarks, urging lawmakers to start from where all agree, as they move forward to do what’s best for Idaho. House Speaker Scott Bedke responded, “Governor, on behalf of the joint session, we thank you for your remarks and we will try to put those into action.”