Transportation bills all to 2nd reading
The three new transportation bills all were introduced in Ways & Means and sent to the 2nd Reading calendar in the House. Chairman Rich Wills, R-Glenns Ferry, expressed concern about setting up a situation where ISP and parks funding would have to rely on a draw from the general fund. Rep. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said, "I do have a concern with placing more of a burden on our general fund. ... I'm going to be very interested in the task force process to find dedicated funds for the parks and rec department and the state police." Said Wills, "I guess it's one of those times that you have to trust what the task force is going to do," adding that he is counting "without a shadow of a doubt" on dedicated funding being identified.