On The Record

Sat., Jan. 14, 1995

They said it

“Let’s get this show on the road. The people are tired of government wasting time and money.” Gov. Phil Batt

VOTES

No substantive votes were taken this week, as new Gov. Phil Batt took center stage. Major developments included:

Going to Batt: Batt delivered his first State of the State Address before a joint session of the Legislature Monday. In the speech, Batt outlined his agenda, which includes cutting property taxes, possibly increasing the gas tax, getting tough on juvenile crime, cutting regulations, and looking for savings in the public school system.

Budget cuts? In his budget address on Wednesday, Batt called for numerous cuts in department requests to eliminate waste, particularly in the Department of Health and Welfare. Batt also recommended establishing an educational task force to search for additional savings, increasing state employees by only 16, and announced that next year’s budget would be zero-based, meaning every program would be evaluated from the ground up. Batt called for $58.5 million in property tax cuts, and specifically mentioned improving Highway 95 north of Coeur d’Alene.

Gone fishin’: The governor asked all six members of the Board of Fish and Game Commissioners turn in their resignations. Batt said the department is out of touch with ordinary Idahoans and the board has become too autonomous.

To reach your legislator, call (800) 626-0471. xxxx

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On The Record

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