Capitol diary: Freshman faces full schedule

We’ve finished our third week in session, and each new day I feel more comfortable with my surroundings and expectations.

Serving on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is a privilege, but it consumes a lot of time. My schedule is: JFAC from 8 to 11:30 a.m. every day; Transportation Committee, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and Health and Welfare, 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Between meetings, I read all the information sent by constituents, read proposed bills and rules and answer e-mail. It keeps me busy, and I am enjoying my service as a senator.

This week was higher education week in JFAC. Committee members heard from the president of the Idaho Board of Education and the presidents of state college and universities. The percent of state funds that go to these institutions has diminished, yet their mission to educate and enhance our state’s economic development continues to grow in importance.

When we begin making appropriations decisions, it will be a challenge to meet all requests – both in terms of funds for operations as well as for capital facilities.

My wife, Dr. Cyndie Hammond, region director of Lewis-Clark State College, is here with me for higher education week. Wouldn’t you know, she experienced food poisoning at the very first function we attended together and spent 36 hours trying to recover. Not a great first impression!

I was assigned my first bill to carry on the floor – an appropriation for the state Department of Lands. There is a very specific process and wording to be used by the floor sponsor. I read and reread the bill, practicing the proper verbiage, and was in full anticipation with sweaty palms and dry mouth. Then we went to the next order of business; my first opportunity to do something of substance on the floor was forestalled. Tomorrow will come soon enough. I’m looking forward to sharing more exciting issues in the weeks ahead.