The Senate has voted 24-7 in favor of HB 109, the bill that makes a technical change to prevent Idaho from becoming ineligible for extended unemployment benefits this summer and booting 17,000 unemployed Idahoans off of their current unemployment benefits. The bill earlier passed the House on a 41-28 vote after extensive debate, in which opponents argued that federal spending is out of control, unemployment payments shouldn't be extended and out-of-work Idahoans should just get jobs/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• 7 clueless senators voted against this: Sens. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian; Shirley McKague, R-Meridian; Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls; Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood; Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth; Melinda Smyser, R-Parma; and Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens (pictured).

Question: Can anyone explain why all 6 state Republican representatives in Kootenai County and now Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, voted against a bill helping the unemployed when. It. Doesn't. Cost. Idaho. A dime?!