State Rep. Janet Trujillo, R-Idaho Falls, the newly appointed state tax commissioner, said she’ll likely start her new job around the first of the year. “I have to go back home and train my replacement,” she said, referring to her replacement at her day job as a commercial appraiser for Bonneville County. “I look forward to this opportunity. It’s kind of the natural progression for my legislative career and my professional career.” She added, "I look forward to being able to help the taxpayers of the state of Idaho."

Trujillo will replace Commissioner Rich Jackson, who retired in September; she will serve a six-year term. She said she hasn’t yet resigned her Idaho House seat; she still must undergo Senate confirmation for the Tax Commission post.

“Janet has proven herself to be an exceptionally talented and capable tax professional, both in her career and in her work as a legislator,” Gov. Butch Otter said in a statement. “More than that, she has a real passion for properly implementing tax policy and working with taxpayers to ensure they are treated fairly and with respect. That skill set will make her a valuable addition to the Tax Commission.”

The other members of Idaho’s state Tax Commission are former state Rep. Ken Roberts, the chairman; Tom Katsilometes, a former longtime county commissioner from Pocatello; and former state Sen. Elliot Werk of Boise. Idaho state tax commissioners are paid about $96,000 a year.

Trujillo is in her third House term, and serves as vice-chair of the House Revenue & Taxation Committee. She also serves on the Environment, Energy & Technology and Judiciary, Rules & Administration committees. Her replacement in the House will be appointed by Otter from among nominees from the district GOP committee.