2022 IAC Legislative Priorities
Property tax continues to be a hot button issue across the state. The IAC Legislative Committee recognizes there are only two ways to provide property tax relief to homeowners: First, expand property tax exemptions for homeowners which results in a property tax shift to businesses and farms. Second, provide other non-property tax revenue sources in …
Want Flexibility on ARPA Spending? Contact Your Congressman
In late October, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act (S. 3011/H.R. 5735). It was introduced to the House on November 1 but has not seen further movement since. Many counties have struggled when determining how to use these funds based on the …
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Potential Federal Funding Sources for Idaho Counties
In light of new legislation being enacted such as the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) along with more seasoned programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Idaho counties have several opportunities to obtain federal funding. Read on for more details on these potential funding sources and additional resources for counties. American Rescue …
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Help Steer IAC Policies in the Right Direction: Join a Committee
It’s that time when county elected officials can choose to participate in IAC steering committees for the coming year. IAC members should have received an email with an invitation to sign up for up to two of the groups. Those currently serving on committees who would like to remain on theirs or select new ones …
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Idaho Redistricting Commissioners Hit the Road
The Idaho Redistricting Commission just finished its second week of redistricting meetings. During the first meeting, Bart Davis, former U.S. Attorney and former Senate Majority leader, and Dan Schmidt, former Latah County Coroner and Senator, were selected as the co-chairs of the committee. The redistricting commissioners received in-depth training regarding how to use the mapping …
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NACo Provides One-Stop Shop for ARPA Fund Grant Opportunities
Did you know that in addition to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars directly distributed to counties, there are other funding pots that counties are eligible to apply for? You may be wondering what funding sources are available to citizens in your county and what direct assistance is securable for businesses, families and individuals. …
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Redistricting Commission Appointments Complete
Every 10 years, Idaho legislative districts are required to readjust based on the latest census by a redistricting commission made up of three Republicans and three Democrats. The committee members are chosen by the Senate Pro Tem, Speaker of the House, Idaho Republican Party Chair, Senate Minority Leader, House Minority Leader and the Idaho Democrat …
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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. …