Today was Dr. Michael Burke’s ninth, and last, time hosting lawmakers at an annual pizza lunch sponsored by the state’s two community colleges. Burke, president of North Idaho College, didn’t mention his upcoming departure – he’ll start a new job at a California college in…
Gov. Butch Otter’s budget director, Brad Foltman, is briefing the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee this morning on Otter’s proposed budget. Among the details he’s revealed: Otter’s plan to give merit-based raises averaging 5 percent to state employees but hold benefit costs neutral could mean state workers…
Gov. Butch Otter has issued a stop-work order on the the capitol renovation project, including the construction of underground "wings." His office confirmed this afternoon that the construction contract includes a five-day notice provision to stop work, and Otter issued that five-day notice today. “The…
Marv Hagedorn of Meridian, who lost to Rep. Mark Snodgrass, R-Meridian, in the GOP primary in District 20 last spring, has been appointed to the House by Gov. Butch Otter to replace Rep. Shirley McKague, who was appointed to the Senate. Hagedorn, who is vice…
“I’m prepared to bid for the first ticket to shoot a wolf myself,” Gov. Butch Otter declared to cheers at a snowy sportsmen’s rally on the state Capitol steps just now. Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife-Idaho organized the event to rally for immediate wolf delisting…
New Idaho Congressman Bill Sali stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and proposed a bill to reduce gravity by 10 percent to combat obesity – a bill he had all prepared, in his hand – saying that was no more…
Governor Butch Otter just issued this statement, in advance of President Bush’s nationally televised address tonight: “Idahoans serving with my old outfit, the Idaho Army National Guard's 116th Cavalry Brigade, spent 18 months deployed for their mission in Iraq. “DOD regulations state that units may…
Space for housing the severely mentally ill and rehabilitating drug offenders is lacking in Idaho prisons, legislators learned firsthand Tuesday on a tour of state lockups south of Boise. Two dozen lawmakers visited a crowded mental health ward, talked with inmates in a coveted treatment…
Boise State University has announced plans for a parade and a “Statehouse Salute” to the Bronco football team for its Tostitos Fiesta Bowl win and undefeated season, all on Jan. 20th, a Saturday. Details still are being settled, but the parade, which is being planned…
Minority Democrats from both the House and the Senate gathered today to give their response to Gov. Butch Otter’s State of the State message and budget proposals. Overall, they said they’re ready to work with the new GOP guv. “While we are Democrats and Republicans,…
An ebullient Gov. Butch Otter laid out his vision for Idaho on Monday, calling for $22 million in credits to mitigate the sales tax on groceries for low-income residents, eliminating a large state agency, and moving to a "pay as you go" approach for new…
At the conclusion of his first State of the State message, new Gov. Butch Otter told lawmakers, “I want each of you to know that my door is always open, and I am eager for your insight and perspectives.” He had taken pains throughout his…
There was a little pause after Gov. Otter, after talking about his plan for a new “sprung structure” to help house Idaho’s overflowing prison inmate population, said this: “In addition, I will ask Chairmen Darrington and Clark to join me in exploring other innovative ways…
Otter just told lawmakers he’ll recommend a public school budget of more than $1.36 billion in general funds. For colleges and universities, he’s calling for $275.6 million, including $12.9 million to help make salaries more competitive. “And speaking of universities, how about those Broncos?!” he…
Idaho’s state employees are underpaid, new Gov. Butch Otter told lawmakers. “For too long we’ve shorted them on pay and then padded their benefits. To begin changing that, it’s my recommendation that we fully fund a 5 percent merit-based increase in employee compensation.” He said…
Gov. Butch Otter was ebullient as he entered the House chamber, greeting legislators with hugs and handshakes. His first applause line was an enthusiastic, “It’s great to be back!” He also drew a laugh by telling freshman lawmakers, “I’ll do everything I can to make…
The state Legislature convenes its annual session today with a full plate of issues. It’ll all be kicked off at 1 p.m. today (noon Pacific time) with Gov. Butch Otter’s first State of the State message, in which he’ll also unveil his state budget. You…
Idaho didn’t give Al Gore much support when he ran for president – he tallied 27.6 percent in the state in 2000 to George W. Bush’s 67.2 percent – but Gore’s upcoming lecture at Boise State is such a hot ticket that BSU’s Frank Church…
Major General Larry LaFrenz, adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard, served as master of ceremonies for today’s inaugural. At the end of the program, after inviting the public to a reception in the governor’s office, LaFrenz had his own big applause line: “Thank you…
Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, after the loud blasts of the 19-gun salute that marked the inauguration of new Gov. Butch Otter, wondered to friends, “Is there any relationship between the 19 shots and the number of Democrats in the House?” There are now 19 Democrats…
For years, the governor’s State of the State speech was given around mid-day, not long after the Legislature’s official convening of its session at noon. But the last few years former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne moved the big speech to an evening time slot, smack in…
Gov. Butch Otter has named the replacement for Sen. Gerry Sweet, R-Meridian, who resigned to work for new Congressman Bill Sali: It’s longtime state Rep. Shirley McKague, R-Meridian. McKague, a conservative, has served quietly in the House for the past decade. She’s a Nampa High…
With such high interest in the Jan. 22 Al Gore global warming lecture at BSU, the university has just announced that it’ll make available free overflow seating for those who want to watch a live video feed of the lecture. That’ll be in the Special…
Possibly the coolest thing about Idaho’s traditional Inaugural Ball, which is coming up on Saturday at 7 p.m., is that it really is open to the public. Tickets are $20 for everyone – even for legislators and their spouses who will be participating in the…
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