Funding for a $1.7 million mental health crisis center for North Idaho passed the full House, with three Kootenai County legislators voting against it. The funding is part of the Department of Health and Welfare's $36.7 million budget. Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d'Alene, said she has been voting against all appropriations bills that include pay increases and money to cover the increased cost of state employee health insurance. "Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for their health insurance increases," Sims said, explaining that all other Idahoans have to pay for their own health insurance increases. Sims joined Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens; and Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Post Falls, in voting against the bill, which passed 58-9 with three absent/Jeff Selle, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.