Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — House Speaker Scott Bedke is doing everything possible to adjourn the 2013 Legislature by Friday. Bedke told Republican committee chair persons and Democratic leadership Monday this target doesn't mean quitting if there are still important issues that remain unresolved. One thing's certain: Bedke won't hold any more hearings on expanding Medicaid this session. There's insufficient time to tackle the issue, he said. Among important matters still pending: the $1.3 billion public schools budget, now facing a Senate vote Wednesday. That's one of the "must-accomplish" issues still before the Legislature. Bedke also says he hopes Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's jobs-creation measure succeeds, if not in its present form with a $10.4 million price tag, then at least a version that helps promote hiring of military veterans. It's languishing in the Senate.