Here's a link to my full story on the Human Rights Commission's announcement that it may move to the state Department of Labor as its state funds are cut - Labor receives no state general funds - and here's a link to my full story…
Both the House and Senate Republicans held closed-door caucuses today to talk numbers. The House GOP caucus, which lasted about half an hour, focused on the new revenue recommendation from the Joint Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee, according to Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke,…
Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, says she thinks lawmakers should consider cutting their own health benefits just as the state has cut health coverage for other part-time state employees. "We ought to have that discussion - I don't think we should shy away from it," Keough…
Don Weilmunster, president of the Idaho Parks Foundation, sat off to the side as Gov. Butch Otter and Parks Director Nancy Merrill announced their new plan for state parks - which won't include eliminating the state parks department. Weilmunster said he's relieved. The foundation was…
"We will have the same parks and we will be open. Our service levels may drop a bit," state Parks Director Nancy Merrill said. The plan just announced by Merrill and Gov. Butch Otter calls for taking $2 million from RV registration funds, $1.4 million…
Gov. Butch Otter and state Parks Director Nancy Merrill have announced a plan to save $4.5 million at the state parks department next year - but not to eliminate it. "We will remain the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, by changing our management philosophy…
David Brasuell, head of the state Division of Veterans Services, has plenty of fans at his budget presentation to lawmakers today - the room is packed with veterans. "We recognize your daunting task of setting a budget in these difficult times," Brasuell told lawmakers. Veterans…
The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs was established in 1987 by the Legislature "as an independent entity of state government," Margie Gonzales, executive director, told JFAC at the commission's budget hearing this morning. The commission's core functions are to advise the governor, Legislature and state…
Former State Sen. Robbie Barrutia, interim director of the State Independent Living Council, is now presenting the budget for that council, which, like the Human Rights Commission, has been proposed by Gov. Butch Otter for a four-year phase-out of state funding. "Idaho is one of…
Chief Deputy Director of the Idaho Department of Labor John McAllister says the Department of Labor has been eyeing two funds, one that comes from penalty and interest payments from employment law violators and can be tapped by the state Board of Examiners, and another…
Pam Parks, director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission told legislative budget writers that when Idaho passed the Idaho Human Rights Act, which the commission enforces, "Idaho made a clear and strong declaration that we will not tolerate discrimination." She noted that the state's reputation…
There's a packed house at JFAC this morning, where budget hearings are scheduled for three agencies for which Gov. Butch Otter has proposed phasing out all state general funds over the next four years. Under questioning just now, Wayne Hammon, the governor's budget director, said,…