Clerks push for vote-by-mail option

County clerks introduced legislation to allow counties to opt for all-vote-by-mail elections. “It’s for the voter,” Fremont County Clerk Abbie Mace told the House State Affairs Committee. “It’s been proven. Its track record is that it increases voter turnout.” Idaho already permits counties to declare vote-by-mail for precincts with fewer than 125 voters. So far, those precincts have shown 15 percent to 20 percent higher turnout than other precincts in the same counties in the same elections, Mace said. The committee voted to introduce the bill and allow a full hearing on it.

Grocery tax bills introduced

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee introduced four grocery tax bills: Gov. Butch Otter’s plan to create a targeted grocery tax credit, giving a much higher credit to low-income Idahoans; Rep. Cliff Bayer’s idea to raise the existing grocery tax credit from $20 to $50 for everyone, and from $35 to $70 for those older than 65; one from House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, to eliminate half the current 6 percent sales tax on groceries; and one from Reps. Phil Hart, R-Athol, and Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, to phase out the sales tax on groceries over four years by taking 1 1/2 percent off each year.

Capitol wings deal approved

The Capitol Commission unanimously approved the basics of the deal between Otter and lawmakers for smaller Capitol “wings.” The deal calls for reducing the Capitol’s underground additions to a single story rather than two stories, and devoting the first floor of the Capitol to the Legislature, rather than executive branch offices.

Urban renewal bills killed

Two bills seeking to sharply limit urban renewal districts across the state – sponsored by Hayden Lake lawmakers Jim Clark and Mike Jorgenson – were killed after a long committee hearing. Mayors and urban renewal advocates from around the state decried the bills, which sought to change the districts to countywide elected boards and limit the scope of their operations.

Faster truck traffic?

Cars should go slower on Idaho freeways, and trucks should go faster, according to a bill introduced by Sen. Tim Corder, R-Mountain Home, who owns a trucking company. The bill would lower Idaho’s top freeway speed for cars from 75 mph to 70, and raise the top speed for trucks from 65 mph to 70. Corder said it’s safer for everyone if cars and trucks go the same speed.