Policy Wonks Can Surf Boise
Web surfers hundreds of miles away from Boise can now eavesdrop live on daily Legislative proceedings.
“People from Sandpoint to Burley can have access to the same information that a lobbyist has,” said Carl Bianchi, director of Legislative Services. The possibility is there, said Bianchi, for a person to find their legislator, contact them, and influence a vote.
The sights and sounds of the Idaho Legislature are being delivered to Idahoans via the Internet, courtesy of Idaho Public Television.
“The Web is one way to provide daily information to those who want it,” said Joan Cartan-Hansen, managing editor at Idaho Public Television.
In collaboration with the Legislative Council, Cartan-Hansen and Peter Morrill, Idaho Public Television general manager, are transmitting legislative proceedings, speeches and educational media on their Web site.
“This is a pilot project,” Morrill said. “We’re seeing if Idaho can find value in it.”
On Idaho Public Television’s page, Web enthusiasts can access audio/video of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s inaugural speech and the State of the State and budget addresses to the Legislature. Surfers can listen in on daily House and Senate proceedings. Links to government, media and political sources are available.
“Saved by the Bill,” another audio/video feature on the site, is aimed at high school government students.
Legislative agendas, rules, bill texts, committee minutes, bill histories, votes, Idaho Code and even staff information can be accessed on the Idaho Legislature page.
Idaho Public Television provides a direct link to this site. There, legislative veterans and novices alike can peruse and track bills, or learn how a bill becomes law.
“We’re really excited about this,” Morrill said. “It’s free access to information for any Idahoan.”
To utilize the audio/visual portion of Idaho Public Television’s site, you need to download free software, which is available directly from the site. A 28.8 modem is required, but the faster the modem, the better the reception.
This sidebar appeared with the story: GO ONLINE Here are the Internet addresses for the Idaho Legislature: Idaho Public Television: http://idahoptv.org/idreports/index.html Legislative Services: http://www2.state.id.us/legislat/legislat.html.