Broadband Opportunities Across the State
In 1936, the Rural Electrification Act (REA) was passed to bring electricity to farms. Ninety percent of farms in the United States did not have access to electricity because it was too cost prohibitive to take electrical lines out to these rural areas. By the 1950’s eighty percent of farms had electricity and those numbers …
What to Watch: Week of March 15
Property Taxes This week we expect to see Senate Bill 1108 receive further amendments on the Senate floor. These will likely affect the new construction percentages to make the bill more palatable to Senators. In addition, House Concurrent Resolution No. 15 was introduced on Thursday, March 11th. It will likely receive a hearing in the …
What to Watch: Week of March 8
Property Tax Relief Proposals Gaining Traction This morning the House Revenue and Taxation Committee agreed to hold a full hearing on House Bill 309 which would increase access to the state property tax deferral program. This program, first started in 2006, allows a homeowner to defer paying their property tax assuming their home has equity. …
What to Watch: Week of March 1
One Time Transportation Funding Keep an eye on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee this week. They will likely hear a transportation supplemental of $126 million. This would be split with 60 percent going to the state and the other 40 percent ($47 million in one-time transportation funding). The funds wouldbe allocated through the highway …
What to Watch: Week of February 8
If you haven’t already, be sure to reach out to your state representatives to ask for their support for House Bill 53. This bill, if enacted, would allow counties and other governmental entities to publish legal notices on their respective websites instead of in their newspaper of record. IAC estimates that Idaho’s counties would save …
What to Watch: Week of January 18
Property tax budget caps and newly proposed PDC Rules are at the top of our list for what to keep an eye on this week. We anticipate property tax budget cap legislation to be introduced as early as this week in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee. The committee meets every Tuesday, Wednesday, and …
Governor’s State of the State Address: Highlighting County Issues
Yesterday, Governor Brad Little delivered the State of the State address in a new format—virtually. The speech was short in comparison to years past without the usual breaks for legislative applause. It clocked-in around 30 minutes long. With a theme of “Building Idaho’s Future,” he touched on several topics that will be of interest to …
Continue reading “Governor’s State of the State Address: Highlighting County Issues”
Sign-Up for IAC Steering Committees Today
Are you new to IAC? Are you a veteran member who has served in office for a while? Either way, we need you. Each of you brings something unique to the table through your various life experiences. Please sign up for two of our five steering committees to get involved and stay in-the-know about policy …
Continue reading “Sign-Up for IAC Steering Committees Today”
Leadership Changes in the Legislature
The Idaho Legislature held re-organization meetings in preparation for the 2021 legislative session. In the Senate, there were two contested races. Abby Lee and Lori Den Hartog ran for Assistant Majority Leader. Lee came out on top. Chuck Winder and Dan Johnson ran for Senate Pro Tempore, the top leadership office. Winder was the victor …
Update on Property Tax Study Committee
Last week, the IAC Legislative Committee met virtually to receive a property tax update. The Property Taxes and Revenue Expenditures Study Committee met the week prior. The Study Committee discussed several pieces of draft legislation. These drafts focused on a variety of options from transparency and uniformity, removing the ability of cities and counties to …