Yes, it’s a state holiday, but the Idaho Legislature is in session…

The Idaho Legislature is in session today, even though it’s a state holiday that actually was created by the Legislature – Martin Luther King Jr./Idaho Human Rights Day. This has always been the Legislature’s practice; it doesn’t take holidays while it’s in session, including President’s Day.

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, said, “The reason we have continued that practice, whether it be Martin Luther King Day or President’s Day, is just because of the sheer cost of running the Legislature and wanting to wrap up our efforts as quickly as possible. … Right now I think we’re just committed to be done as prudently and reasonably as possible.”

Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, agreed. “We’ve actually talked about it,” he said. “Part of it is cost.” As long as they’re in session, lawmakers are paid per diem and other required expense payments for each day of the session. “They get paid for holidays, weekends,” Hill said. “Do I really want to pay for a non-working day for vacation in public funds?” He said he prefers to “get us here, get the work done and get home. Even though we have to pay time and a half for the staff, I still figured it was much cheaper than to pay per diem for 105 legislators.”

The state’s formal Martin Luther King Jr./Idaho Human Rights Day ceremony takes place in the Capitol rotunda at noon; many lawmakers will be participating.