From the Executive Director – Week of January 08, 2024

As the 2024 Legislative Session kicks off in Boise under a blanket of much needed snow, there is plenty to monitor. To help the members stay on top of everything in Boise, IAC is rolling out a new bill tracker and legislative alert tool (member notification) powered by FastDemocracy as well as an updated IAC Legislative Guide which will be made available at our upcoming Midwinter Legislative Conference. Additionally, IAC plans on continuing our weekly Monday Legislative Bulletin eNewsletter and Friday legislative updates. The first update is scheduled for Friday, January 19th from 11 A.M. to Noon MST / 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. PST join here. Through these resources, we hope to provide the membership with updated resources to keep you informed of all the legislative proceedings during what we anticipate being a busy and hopefully short session.

In addition to IAC priority legislation, IAC anticipates being involved in a number of other important legislative initiatives, including:

– Clarifying the role of counties and and the state in providing legislative representation during child protection proceedings

– Fixes to House Bill 292 to improve the administrative process, including adjusting statutory deadlines to provide more time to the tax commission and county treasurers to process tax notices

– Planning and zoning authorities related to domestic water 

– Urban renewal reforms

– Additional funding for county bridges

IAC is committed to doing our part to keep you informed. All we ask is that you take the time to reach out to your legislators and visit with them about the legislative issues that are important to IAC, you, and your county. In order to effectively work with your legislators, please continue developing good relationships with them. Here are a few simple things you can do to be a resource to your legislator:

– Get your legislator’s cell phone number. Your legislators will be inundated with emails. While your legislators value emails from you, your emails may be lost in the hundreds of other emails your legislators receive on a daily basis. Texting is the most efficient way to connect with your legislators.

– Be honest and factual in all you communicate. Never lie or mislead your legislator. 

– Promptly provide any information to them about your county and how your county will be impacted by proposed legislative changes. Your legislator wants to understand how legislation impacts their counties and you are best positioned to do so.

– When you are in Boise, take the time to meet up with your legislators. They do want to hear from you and meet with you when you are in town. Familiar faces are a welcome change from the many lobbyists your legislators meet with on a daily basis.

– Meet up with your legislators when they are home over the weekends, including attending and participating in events your legislators will be attending.

– Attend the IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference. While at the conference you’ll be able to hear directly from Governor Little, legislative leadership, and committee chairs about their priorities and their views on legislation impacting counties. You’ll also be able to attend IAC’s annual legislative reception, bringing together legislators and county elected officials for a casual meet up to discuss everything happening in Boise.

On behalf of the IAC team, I want to thank all of you for your service to the State of Idaho and your diligence in partnering with your legislators to advocate for what matters most to your county and the state. IAC succeeds because of the collective efforts of the membership. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns during the session.

We look forward to seeing you at the Midwinter Legislative Conference in Boise this January. If you haven’t registered yet it’s not too late! Register here