Legislators, staffers, state agency heads and more are among the crowd gathered in the third-floor rotunda of the state Capitol this afternoon for longtime state legislative services Director Jeff Youtz’ retirement reception, which runs from 3-5 p.m. today. Youtz is retiring Sept. 30 after 36 years of work for the Idaho Legislature, including serving as budget director starting in 1994, and in the top post since 2006. “There are actually some legislators that were born after I started working here,” Youtz said, “so that gives you an idea how long it’s been.”

As a member of the state Capitol Commission, Youtz played a key role in the renovation of the state Capitol building that restored and enlarged the grand, historic structure. He also led a nonpartisan legislative staff that’s received national recognition. The Legislature this year approved a resolution, HCR 63, honoring Youtz and his work.

“It’s just been a wonderful privilege to work for the Idaho Legislature,” Youtz said today. “It’s an institution I really love. I’ve been lucky. I’ve had one of those careers where you look forward to going to work every morning.” Eric Milstead, who's been on the Legislature's non-partisan staff for the past 17 years, will succeed Youtz when he retires.