In brief: English-only bill clears House panel

A House committee Tuesday approved a contentious bill that would make English the official language of Idaho.

The House State Affairs Committee voted 13-5 for Senate Bill 1172, which makes English the language of government activities and forms with some exceptions, such as for law enforcement and public schools.

Critics called the bill divisive and unnecessary.

“This bill does little to bring people in,” said Rosio Gonzalez, executive director of Catholic Charities of Idaho, whose first language is Spanish. “The English-only rhetoric is founded on stereotypes and assumptions, not reality.”

Rep. Dell Raybould, R-Rexburg, who co-sponsored the bill, said polls show Idahoans support the change.

The Senate passed the measure 20-15 last week. It now goes before the full House for a vote.

Senators quash renewal-district bill

A Senate committee on Tuesday rejected legislation preventing Idaho urban renewal districts from expanding.

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, House Bill 251 would have prohibited urban renewal districts, such as those in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, from changing their boundaries.

Clark said most districts have strayed from the original intent of urban renewal law – to reinvigorate blighted areas – and don’t close after completing their plans. Cities should open new districts to rejuvenate small areas, he said.

“Some people are just hop-scotching around,” he said, adding that a “complete rewrite” of urban renewal law is necessary.

Sen. Diane Bilyeu, D-Pocatello, however, said expansion can be necessary to clear the way for new businesses. She said she is fine with cities using urban renewal as an economic development tool. Clark’s other bill this session to restrict urban renewal districts died in a House committee.

Romney touts moral values

Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said during a campaign stop that his moral values resonate with Americans.

In town Tuesday for a fundraiser attended by Gov. Butch Otter, Romney, a Mormon, said from the Capitol steps that he is courting evangelical leaders who share his social outlook. He seemed unfazed when a sign-wielding protester shouted questions about his beliefs.

“Fundamentally, Americans want to support a person who is a person of faith, who believes that America has a great future and whose values are American values,” Romney said.

Otter said later that he hasn’t chosen a candidate to endorse.