House Democrats had objected to waiving the full reading of HB 95a, the amended urban renewal bill, and the bill text was being read when House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, interrupted. Rusche said the Democrats still want hearings on bills to raise the state's cigarette tax and to hold an advisory vote of the people on this year's school reform legislation. “We've asked the introduction of two pieces of legislation in order that these concerns be heard,” Rusche said. “When we needed to, we used legitimate procedural protests to try to draw that attention…. But perhaps the best thing we can do for Idaho's citizens is rapidly bring this session to a close,” so lawmakers can return to their districts and hear the concerns of the citizens there/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• House sidelines bill to eliminate drivers education funding
• House Dems to hold hearing on cigarette tax increase
• House Education Committee OKs bill to lift charter school cap

Question: What point, if any, did Dem legislators make with their delaying tactics?