A reflective Gov. Butch Otter says depending on news from sources that one agrees with can complicate problem solving, citing a dysfunctional Congress, the state-run health exchange under Obamacare and the “Common Core” debate as examples. “My primary portal for…
Blog Archives
Otter on the price of relying solely on Fox News
Tagged with: common core, Fox News, Gov. Butch Otter, idaho legislature, obamacare
Posted in Idaho Politics
Posted in Idaho Politics
Otter to Ferguson: Keep your mitts off Idaho’s surplus!
Gov. Butch Otter is rejecting the notion that a projected $162 million in unexpected revenue means the 2014 Legislature should aim to boost spending. Otter said he’s “bound and determined that the government is not going to grow back at…
Tagged with: economist mike ferguson, Gov. Butch Otter, Idaho budget, idaho legislature
Posted in Idaho Politics
Posted in Idaho Politics
Ferguson: Extra $162 million has ‘profound implications’ for Idaho budget-writers
Former chief state economist Mike Ferguson’s analysis of the big jump in revenues for the year’s most important month means the 2014 Legislature will have $162 million more than contemplated when lawmakers adjourned early last month. That figure represents about…
Conservative blogger Michelle Malkin to headline Idaho Freedom Foundation July fundraiser
Michelle Malkin, rated No. 41 on Technorati’s list of Top 100 blogs, will keynote the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s annual Freedom Celebration July 26 in Star. Malkin also writes a syndicated column and appears on Fox News. Also speaking is Dr.…
Tagged with: Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer III, Fox News, idaho freedom foundation, idaho legislature, Michelle Malkin, wayne hoffman
Posted in Idaho Politics
Posted in Idaho Politics
‘Statists’ dominate Legislature 64-41, says Idaho Freedom Foundation
The Idaho Freedom Foundation’s report on the 2013 Legislature says 64 of 105 Idaho lawmakers, including House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, “favored expansion of government or statism” based on an analysis of 149 votes.…
Tagged with: brent hill, idaho freedom foundation, idaho legislature, scott bedke, statism
Posted in Idaho Politics
Posted in Idaho Politics
On Ruby Stone: ‘Her bark would never allow a guy to call her a RINO’
Last week’s story about the death of former Idaho Republican Rep. Ruby Stone has prompted a flurry of calls and emails from folks who knew and admired the former House Local Government Committee chairwoman. Former Rep. Sher Sellman, a Republican from…
Irish eyes are weeping: Idaho lawmaker Ruby Stone dead at 89
Former Republican Rep. Ruby Stone of Boise died Wednesday, rekindling memories of one of the Legislature’s most colorful characters. Stone was appointed to the House in 1986, after her husband, Harry, died in office. She was elected later that year…
Tagged with: idaho legislature, Pendleton wool, ruby stone, St. Patrick's Day, women's golf
Posted in Idaho Politics
Posted in Idaho Politics
Former Idaho GOP Sen. Herb Carlson dead at 94
Sen. Herb Carlson, a Republican with a heroic life story he largely kept to himself, died April 18 at his home in Eagle. Carlson was elected in 1982 and reelected five times, bringing a moderate voice to the Joint Finance-Appropriations…
Scouting the Legislature’s K-12 study committee
Which lawmakers will spend the summer on a broad homework assignment: “to undertake and complete a study of how to improve and strengthen Idaho’s K-12 educational system and all matters relating thereto”? We won’t know for sure for more than…
Idaho is running a surplus, but is that really good news?
Unlike many states, Idaho is expected to finish the 2012-13 budget year in the black — to the tune of $60 million. That’s good news. Or is it? It depends on your point of view. For the glass half-full perspective, Idaho Statesman…
