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Idaho Reports Show (5-8-09)Roundtable: After 117 days in session, the Idaho Legislature has finally adjourned sine die. This week's wrap-up show features an all-star panel of pundits and politicians dissecting the final days of the political stand-off between Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and the House over transportation funding. Thanh Tan moderates the discussion among political analyst Jim Weatherby, Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review, Dan Popkey and Kevin Richert of the Idaho Statesman, Keith Allred of The Common Interest, Lt. Gov. Brad Little, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, House Asst. Majority Leader Scott Bedke, Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly and House Minority Leader John Rusche. View Idaho Reports Show (5-8-09): After the Show (5-8-09)
View Idaho Reports After the Show (5-8-09): Idaho Reports Web Extra (UNCUT): Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's Post-Adjournment Press Conference (5-8-2009)On Friday afternoon, Gov. Otter held a press conference in the Borah Building to announce his support of several key education and state employee pay appropriations bills. He also announced April’s tax revenues were better than expected and outlined a path to a resolution in the current stand-off with the House of Representatives. Watch the press conference. Idaho Reports Show (5-1-09)Roundtable: The House of Representatives left the Senate hanging this week after voting Wednesday night to adjourn sine die. The lawmakers refused to give in to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s demands for a fuel tax increase and $75 million in additional road funds. So far, representatives have only agreed to fund about $30 million of that request by repealing the ethanol exemption, passing a bill to increase administrative fees for the Department of Motor Vehicles, and approving a resolution to form an interim road study committee. By Friday, Gov. Otter announced he would be willing to compromise only if lawmakers also agree to a ‘3 and 3’ tax increase. The Senate continues to stand by the governor’s side—and plans to force the House to return by Monday. This week’s show features insight and commentary from: Sen. Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner, House Minority Caucus Leader Bill Killen, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, political analyst Dr. Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell of the Spokesman-Review. View Idaho Reports Show (5-1-09): After the Show (5-1-09)
View Idaho Reports After the Show (5-1-09): Idaho Reports Web Extra: Gov. Otter signs key bills, addresses road compromise plan (5-1-2009)On Friday afternoon, Gov. Otter held a press conference in the Borah Building to announce his support of several key education and state employee pay appropriations bills. He also announced April’s tax revenues were better than expected and outlined a path to a resolution in the current stand-off with the House of Representatives. Watch the press conference. Idaho Reports Web Extra: House sine die (4-30-09)The Idaho House of Representatives voted Thursday night to adjourn sine die without passing a major fuel tax bill. Lawmakers immediately began packing their boxes. Several Democrats objected to the vote, including Minority Leader John Rusche who argued it's unconstitutional to end the session without the consensus of the Senate. They are expected back Monday, as it is unlikely that the Senate will agree with the House's vote. Watch the vote to adjourn. Watch previous shows and web-exclusive video from the 2009 legislative session on our Past Video page. |
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"No other session in the history of the state was confronted with the problems and the surprises that the first session of the 60th Legislature was confronted with this year. " -- Gov. Butch Otter -- at a post-adjournment press conference. [May 8, 2009]
Idaho stays in basement over public disclosure Headed in the wrong direction Idaho's street is far ahead of its Capitol We're in trouble if JFAC process falls apart Middle ground on grazing debate turns ranchers into rangers Western Caucus should boost bipartisan membership
Report faults western states' spending of stimulus funds for roads Idaho governor will name interim water director next week Senate panel approves federal fund for wolf-kill payments A laundry list of new laws take effect in Idaho Wednesday U.S. turns its attention to saving the unlovely species as well Tribes monitor national heath-care debate carefully
Looking for more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009? Want to find out who is requesting money? Curious where the dollars are going? So are we! Here are some links to help you navigate the stimulus package.
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The show resumes with the panel talking about how the governor may have permanently lost support from lawmakers after last week’s veto spree. They also respond to Sen. Shawn Keough’s criticism that 40 House legislators have voted for a fuel tax increase at one point or another—and that leadership could help to broker a compromise—and the “selfishness” of Treasure Valley lawmakers who’ve supported GARVEE projects but refused to support the gas tax. The discussion also includes spirited debate between Rep. Bedke and his “blood cousin” in the Senate, Sen. Stegner, as they hear the intensely critical editorials about the House’s early adjournment.
