On The Record

Highlights from the past week in the Idaho Legislature.

They Said It

“I don’t know if it’s good or bad, it’s just a knee-jerk reaction.”

- Rep. Don Pischner, R-Coeur d’Alene, said about the passage of two bills through the House aimed at solving Idaho’s school building crisis.

Votes

Here are some of North Idaho lawmaker’s votes in the past week:

Tax Break: Members of the House passed a large income tax cut 41-29 The measure would give all taxpayers a yearly 3 percent tax break beginning with tax year 2000. It also would do away with the marriage penalty, give a tax break on investments, and give the self-employed a credit for health insurance. Voting in favor of the bill were Reps. Wayne Meyer, R-Rathdrum, Jeff Alltus, R-Hayden; Don Pischner, R-Coeur d’Alene; John Campbell, R-Sandpoint; and Hilde Kellogg, R-Post Falls. Voting against the bill were Reps. Jim Clark, R-Hayden; Mary Lou Shepherd, D-Prichard; June Judd, D-St. Maries; Chuck Cuddy, D-Orofino; and Jerry Stoicheff, D-Sandpoint.

Taking a Gamble: The House approved the Shoshone-Bannock compact 48-21. North Idaho tribes fear this measure will endanger their tribal gaming rights because the compact involves letting a federal court determine the constitutionality of some gaming.

The tribes were hoping to postpone the compact until they could complete negotiations with the governor. All the representatives from North Idaho voted against the measure including, Reps. Campbell, Judd, Stoicheff, Alltus, Clark, Cuddy, Kellogg, Meyer, Pischner and Shepherd.

Keep in Touch

To reach your legislator, call (800) 626-0471, or e-mail infocntr@iso.state.id.us. To see legislation or agendas on the internet, go to www.state,id,us/legslat/legslat.html.