Controversial bill requires patience

This week’s mantra: Committee controversy requires communication and patience.

Urban Renewal HB 79 – the first controversial bill I have had to carry – has been on the calendar since last week. After much preparation and a few delays, I was ready to present and debate the bill. At the last minute, a few senators expressed concerns. Those issues again delayed the presentation and necessitated a meeting with the Tax Commission to explore potential implications. Although I was tempted to move ahead, I held the bill for two days and visited with the tax experts to allay concerns with facts.

The Transportation Committee heard Sen. Tim Corder’s bill to equalize speed limits for trucks and cars on interstate highways in rural Idaho. Sen. Corder provided substantial research to show how his bill would enhance safety, yet I received an overwhelming amount of constituent mail in opposition. Eventually, and following divisive Transportation Committee discussion, the bill was held. While some safety and traffic management issues were brought to light, patience dictated that additional research and discussion is required – and that is likely to carry over to next year’s legislative session.

This is the beginning of the second phase of Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee: Members begin making motions to approve budgets. The power of membership on this committee is glaringly apparent. More than 50 budgets will be set over the next two weeks, and groups as small as one meet with budget analysts to assemble motions defining each budget. One to three voices setting agency budgets is quite powerful. The constant challenge is balancing need with available funds.

In all honesty, it’s tough to always remember the benefits of communication and patience when my day begins at 5 a.m. and regularly ends at 9 p.m. Fortunately, the success of our process involves a team and teamwork. Though we may not always agree, I find my colleagues to be dedicated and sincere in their efforts.