Idaho County Officials Travel to DC for 2023 NACo Legislative Conference
By Kathy Ackerman, Idaho County Clerk The National Association of Counties (NACo) held their 2023 Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton in DC from February 11-14. As your NACo Board Representative, here are a few key takeaways from this year’s conference: Idaho was well-represented at the conference by Seth Grigg, IAC Executive Director; Commissioners Tom …
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2023 IAC Executive Board Members Sworn in at Midwinter Legislative Conference
IAC recently held its installation ceremony for the organization’s board of directors at the 2023 IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. Chris Goetz, Clearwater County Sheriff, held his position as Immediate Past President, while Vic Pearson, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney, accepted his new role of IAC President. Blaine County Treasurer John …
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From the Executive Director: Week of February 13, 2023
Bill Introduction Deadline in Rearview Mirror As we enter week six of the 2023 Legislative Session, the legislature is slowly picking up the pace of bill introductions. Friday marked the last day of bill introductions for non-privileged committees. With the passing of the bill introduction deadline, I researched bill introductions through the first five weeks …
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From the Executive Director: Week of February 6, 2023
I’d like to start by thanking all of Idaho’s county elected officials and county staff who attended last week’s IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference. Turnout from the membership was strong making for a successful event. I hope each of you had an opportunity to tour the Capitol, sit in on committee meetings, and meet with your …
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From the Executive Director: Week of January 23, 2023
Property Taxes, Property Taxes, Property Taxes Everyone in the Capitol is talking about property taxes, leading to a sense of urgency to finally address rising property taxes. While in previous years budget caps have been the primary means of attempting to control rising property taxes, legislators this year appear to be focusing on more targeted …
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Boise State Releases 2023 Annual Public Policy Survey
Last week, Boise State University released the 2023 Idaho Public Policy Survey. This statewide annual survey focuses on various issues of particular importance to counties, including Taxes and Budget, Growth Housing & Economics, and Crime. The survey includes a dashboard that allows for a deeper dive into the data, including regionally capturing the data. Some …
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From the Executive Director: Week of January 16, 2023
Legislative Session Off to Slow Start The 2023 Legislative Session is off to a slow start. This shouldn’t be a surprise given the massive turnover, changes in committee chairs, and changes in leadership. To date, only six legislative bills have been introduced. The Legislature has also been slow to take up rules while committees like …
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Idaho Broadband Fund Grants
On January 11, 2023, the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board made a motion to organize project submissions based on the 4 elements identified below. Applicants now have the opportunity to clarify this information within their proposal if it is not already clearly stated. Information is being requested based on the Board’s motion to better understand and …
Gov. Little Proposes $120M in Property Tax Relief During State of the State
Governor Brad Little gave his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Idaho Legislature. During the speech, the Governor rolled out the “Idaho First” plan. The plan includes support for schools, property tax relief, and a new strategy to fight fentanyl. Property tax relief and continued investments in transportation infrastructure …
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From the Executive Director: Week of January 9, 2023
Legislature Convenes with a Focus on Property Taxes As the 67th Idaho Legislature convenes in Boise, property tax relief will quickly come into focus. Some legislators, like Representative Bruce Skaug (Dist. 10, Canyon and Ada Counties) and Senator Scott Grow (Dist. 14, Ada and Gem Counties) have been working with county officials on solutions to …
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