Boise, ID – According to the statement, a draft resolution was presented by Senate Majority leader Kelly Anthon, R-Delco, and Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens during a Senate State Affairs committee hearing. The officials have reported that this bill would get rid of criminal penalties relating to social distancing mandates. The legislation would also remove business restrictions and allow parents at school extracurricular activities. Senate Majority leader ,Kelly Anthon, said: “It’s important to note, the resolution does not limit local control. Local governments still retain their ..read more

BOISE, Idaho — The FBI is warning of possible armed protests by extremist groups at all 50 state capitols and in Washington, D.C. leading up to and on Inauguration Day. Idaho Governor Brad Little says there’s been no shortage of communications about it among state government leaders and law enforcement. During the taping of this week’s Viewpoint, Doug Petcash asked Governor Little how concerned he is about the possibility of armed protests and what the state is doing to prepare. The governor also answered questions about efforts to remove President Trump from office and last week’s attack ..read more

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers in the first week of the legislative session wasted no time initiating a power struggle with Republican Gov. Brad Little that could affect residents for generations. Lawmakers, spurred by what they consider overly burdensome coronavirus restrictions put in place by Little to reduce infections and deaths, introduced eight pieces of legislation to increase the part-time Legislature’s authority while limiting the governor’s power. They say the current system is a relic of the Cold War-era that concentrates too much power with one person. Specifically, lawmakers said ..read more

BOISE, Idaho – In dueling shadows of a pandemic and rising political tensions, keeping Idaho’s capital city safe has taken on a special urgency. “We know that there are steps that have to be taken,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. While the city’s public health order remains in effect, there are some members of the Idaho Legislature who choose not to abide by safety protocols while the pandemic continues to rage. Couple that with the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and the pending inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, and “safety” is the watchword. McLean visite ..read more

BOISE, Idaho — Two Democratic lawmakers in Idaho filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Legislature and the Republican speaker of the House contending the Statehouse is unsafe for them and others with chronic health conditions because coronavirus precautions are being ignored. Reps. Sue Chew of Boise and Muffy Davis of Ketchum filed the lawsuit Thursday saying lawmakers aren’t required to wear masks. They want a judge to order House Speaker Scott Bedke to allow lawmakers to participate remotely and provide other work accommodations. Bedke says he’s working to make a safe and productive e ..read more

BOISE, Idaho — Two Democratic lawmakers in Idaho filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Legislature and the Republican speaker of the House contending the Statehouse is unsafe for them and others with chronic health conditions because coronavirus precautions are being ignored. Reps. Sue Chew of Boise and Muffy Davis of Ketchum filed the lawsuit Thursday saying lawmakers aren’t required to wear masks. They want a judge to order House Speaker Scott Bedke to allow lawmakers to participate remotely and provide other work accommodations. Bedke says he’s working to make a safe and productive e ..read more

BOISE, Idaho – Two Idaho Democratic lawmakers are suing House Speaker Scott Bedke (R-Oakley), saying he’s breaking the law by forging ahead with the legislative session without giving them the ability to participate remotely in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Reps. Sue Chew (D-Boise) and Muffy Davis (D-Sun Valley) both said their respective health conditions jeopardize their lives if they contract COVID-19 and that they haven’t been given reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This is the last thing I wanted to do. I’m not a fan of lawsuits,” Davi ..read more

BOISE, Idaho – Gov. Brad Little appointed three commissioners to Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, in October. The new commissioners are Hillary Blackstone, Mat Erpelding and Katie Mathias, all of Boise. The three join the existing organization of 15 governor-appointed commissioners whose mission is: “To inspire and recognize volunteers and empower communities through service and AmeriCorps to solve Idaho’s unmet needs.” Blackstone works for the Idaho State Department of Education as a program specialist for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. She pr ..read more

BOISE, Idaho – Boise politics watchers, hold on to your hats. It’s going to be an interesting year in the City of Trees. 2019 was a year people won’t soon forget in Boise with the raucous mayoral election and ballot initiatives over the main library and sports park, but more shakeups are coming. Next year, Boise City Council has three seats up for grabs, which will be elected by district instead of at-large for the first time. Council members will also be contending with the financial and social fall out of COVID-19 to put together a complex budget for fiscal year 2022. And, of cours ..read more

BOISE, Idaho – A Boise State University study shows Idaho has a $241.8 million a year transportation funding gap — that it needs that much more in funding each year just to maintain its current transportation system as is. With the state on track to rolling up an unprecedented $600 million-plus budget surplus this year, transportation advocates are hoping this is the year that the “stars align” and the state makes significant investments into improving its transportation infrastructure. “From the most conservative members of the legislature to the most liberal members of the legislature, I’ve ..read more