Retired Sen. Roy Lacey, D-Pocatello, who is filling in this week for Rep. Elaine Smith, also a Pocatello Democrat, told the House today that he’ll be back again next week. “She had her procedure yesterday, and it did not go well,” Lacey said. “She’s been in intensive care, so we don’t know exactly how long she will be out. I talked to her last night about 10 o’clock. Keep her in your prayers. Unfortunately, you’ll have to see me again next week.”

House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said, “Rep. Lacey, would you let Rep. Smith know that members of this body will be praying for her. She’s not just in our thoughts, she’s definitely in our prayers.”

With that, the House adjourned its brief, early-morning floor session for the day. There were 19 members absent, but that was largely because Appropriations Committee members were excused to attend this morning’s JFAC meeting, at which they’re accepting the economic outlook committee report and voting on the first supplemental appropriations of the year; and top members of leadership were downstairs speaking on a panel to the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Lacey said after the House session that Smith was having a heart procedure, but she aspirated during the procedure and got fluid in her lungs, forcing a halt to the procedure.

“I fully expect that she will be back – I’m not sure if it’ll be a week or two weeks,” Lacey said. “She absolutely loves being a representative. She just thrives on this.”