Legislative Updates

JFAC was created in 1967 when the Legislature merged the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees. It is unique in state governments; to the best of my knowledge, it is the only one of its kind in the 50 states. The two committees, each consisting of nine members and a chairman, meet every morning at…

This week, Legislators met with members of the Idaho Suicide Prevention Coalition. This coalition provides a statewide resource for public and private supporters of suicide prevention, training, and education. The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline is an invaluable tool in the prevention of suicides in our state. The hotline, available to all Idahoans, provides crisis intervention,…

In 2018 both the Federal and Idaho Income Tax Codes were amended to make major changes to the standard deduction and certain exemptions. While the changes impacted the entire year, the Idaho withholding tables were not implemented until mid-year. This resulted in a twofold problem. First, personal exemptions were eliminated; instead the amounts were built…

In both the House and Senate this week, Idaho Legislators commemorated the life of Abraham Lincoln. As our 16th President of the United States of America, each year the Legislature honors him for his critical role in preserving our nation as well as creating the Idaho Territory. In the Senate Chambers, orchestra students from Nampa…

On Tuesday, the Idaho Women in Leadership (I-WIL) held their annual “Day at the Capitol”. The women learned more about the political process, met with their respective Legislators, and discussed current legislative issues and topics important to them. The “Day at the Capitol” included the opportunity to visit House and Senate committee hearings, attend the…

The Idaho Farm Bureau met with Legislators this week about the economic progress and well-being of the agricultural industry in Idaho. Established in 1935, the Farm Bureau is an independent farm organization with influence at the local, county, state, national, and international levels. The Farm Bureau is a grassroots policy development organization dedicated to strengthening…

Members of the Idaho Legislature’s joint budget committee pose for photos with the original Idaho Constitution. The document, which needs restoration work, was displayed to lawmakers at the close of the budget hearing for the Idaho State Historical Society on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. BETSY Z. RUSSELL/Idaho Press The original Idaho Constitution was on display…

Each year, cancer advocates from across the state gather at the Idaho Capitol striving to make a difference in the lives of countless Idahoans. On Monday, members of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) came to the Capitol to visit with lawmakers and educate the public on the role of the ACS…