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Plan to prevent ATV road closures clears ID Senate The Associated Press BOISE, Idaho — State senators have approved a bill aimed at preventing the U.S. Forest Service from closing some roads to all-terrain vehicles amid safety concerns over underage drivers. The bill cleared the Idaho Senate on a 26-9 vote Tuesday. It requires underage drivers who use these forest roads to complete a state-approved safety course. Forest Service officials are considering altering or closing some roads in Idaho for safety reasons, following a 2009 decision by state lawmakers that opened the roads to drivers younger than 16 who operate off-highway vehicles without a state-issued driver’s license. Republican Sen. John McGee, of Caldwell, says his bill would require underage drivers to take safety training as part of a compromise to fend off road closures and maintain public access. The legislation now goes to the House. Simpson fights for Lake Lowell access Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today sought assurances from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that existing recreational activities on Lake Lowell would be protected in a new Comprehensive Management Plan for Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. Simpson, who is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, expressed his concern about this issue to the Service’s Deputy Director Dan Ashe and Acting Director Rowan Gould during a Subcommittee hearing on the Obama Administration’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2012. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is in the process of creating a new Comprehensive Management Plan for Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is co-located with Lake Lowell, a man-made irrigation reservoir that has been used over the course of the last century for a wide array of recreational uses. As part of its consideration of a new management plan, the USFWS has refused to rule out the potential elimination or curtailment of existing recreational activities on the Lake. “Quite frankly, it is very frustrating to me that the Fish and Wildlife Service continues to cause great concern among my constituents and the people of Idaho by leaving open the possibility of ending recreational uses on Lake Lowell,” said Simpson following the hearing. “That is why it was important to put this issue on the table with the Deputy Director and Acting Director and let him know what I am hearing from the people of Idaho on this matter. Idahoans are upset, and rightly so, that an inflexible federal government would even consider banning recreational uses on any lake, much less one that is man made.” Simpson brought this situation to the attention of the Deputy Director in response to a letter he received from Idaho State Senators Patti Anne Lodge, Curt McKenzie, John McGee and Melinda Smyser seeking his help. “We asked Congressman Simpson to get involved in this issue because he has a direct line of communication with the agency through his role in writing its budget and because our constituents are extremely concerned with the continued uncertainty surrounding future activities on the Lake,” said Senator John McGee. “I am grateful that the Congressman is pursuing our concerns with the agency and look forward to working with him to ensure recreational activities on the Lake Lowell are protected well into the future.” In response to Simpson’s questions, Gould said that the Service had no intention of going through a process without recognizing the value of recreational uses and committed to working with the Chairman to make sure that the final plan addresses the concerns of the community. Following the hearing, Simpson pledged to continue working with the four Senators, the recreational community, and the rest of the Idaho Congressional Delegation to protect recreational uses on Lake Lowell. “The Fish and Wildlife Service understood the concerns I expressed today, and I am hopeful that they will act accordingly to ensure recreational uses on Lake Lowell continue,” said Simpson. “But if they did not understand my message, I am committed to doing whatever is necessary to make sure traditional uses on Lake Lowell are protected.” Protecting the Public’s Safety and their wallets This week the Joint-Finance and Appropriations Committee set the budget for the Department of Corrections at just over $173 million, an increase of 4.1% over last year. With some reservations, I support their recommendation. I am unwilling to sacrifice the public safety of our communities and believe the expenditures proposed are necessary. My reservations center around increasing any budget this year. It is frustrating to have to make cuts to our schools and basic services while simultaneously raising budgets elsewhere. As a fiscal hawk, I recognize that an ever-growing Corrections budget is unacceptable. So as I vote for this budget I will simultaneously be exploring and supporting long-term reforms to reduce recidivism. This will not only save taxpayers’ money, but reduce crime, create productive citizens and rebuild families. One needed step is to streamline parole and pardon procedures. I believe this is an area where efficiencies can be found without reducing public safety. A second focus must be on keeping kids out of the criminal justice system and in school. I applaud efforts by local educators – particularly the United Way of Treasure Valley and Caldwell School District Superintendent Roger Quarles for emerging new efforts and hope they are able to produce a model for other districts. I also praise Nampa Mayor Tom Dale for his focus on reducing dropout rates. Canyon County has been a leader in specialty courts, including mental health court, drug court, and truancy court. By having courts focused on a specific topic, judges are more familiar with the offenders and able to better craft common-sense judgments that serve the long-term interest of the community. For example, mental health courts are able to simultaneously address the mental health needs of offenders and the public safety concerns of the community. Research shows that such courts significantly reduce recidivism. It is my belief that with thoughtful reforms, including those described above, that we can over time reduce the cost to taxpayers of corrections and foster communities filled with more contributing citizens and strong families. John McGee New Senator Announced Today. NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jon Hanian February 3, 2011 (208) 334-2100 11:008 JOHN TIPPETS OF BENNINGTON NAMED TO FILL DISTRICT 31 SENATE VACANCY (BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today announced the appointment of John Tippets of Bennington to fill the Idaho Senate vacancy for District 31 left by the resignation of Senator Bob Geddes, who was appointed chairman of the State Tax Commission last month. Tippets, 59, will fill Geddes’ unexpired term, which runs through 2012. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1989 through 2000, rising to the offices of Majority Caucus chairman and chairman of the House State Affairs Committee. “I would like to thank the central committee of Legislative District 31 and Governor Otter for the confidence they have shown in me by nominating and appointing me to the State Senate. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of District 31,” Tippets said. “I will work hard to represent their interests and the interests of the entire state. I recognize we are facing some serious challenges as a state, but I am confident we will be able to find viable solutions.” “John has never stopped being involved in developing good public policy and standing up for his neighbors and all of Idaho. He’s a very able legislator who will bring another responsible voice to the Idaho Senate,” Governor Otter said. “The Republican Party has a deep bench in District 31, and John Tippets will admirably fill the void left by Bob Geddes’ move to the Tax Commission.” Tippets is human resources manager for Agrium Inc. in southeastern Idaho. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in human resources management from Utah State University. He and his wife, Nancy, have nine children and 22 grandchildren.
Public Education Hearing Tomorrow, January 21, the legislature will be holding a public hearing regarding Superintendent Tom Luna’s education reform plan. I encourage anyone who is interested in the education of Idaho’s young people to attend. Testimony starts at 8:00 am in the Senate auditorium on the garden level of the Capitol. Bob Geddes Named Chairman of Idaho State Tax Commission This afternoon, Governor Butch Otter named my friend and colleague, Bob Geddes, as the new Chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission. I believe that this was a great choice made by the Governor, and Bob Geddes will make and excellent Commissioner. http://gov.idaho.gov/mediacenter/press/pr2011/prjan11/pr_004.html State of the State Address At noon today, Governor Butch Otter was publically sworn in to his second four-year term as Idaho’s Governor on the steps of the State Capitol. Other inaugural events include the Gala Inaugural Concert featuring Jo Dee Messina at the Knitting Factory Concert Friday evening and the Inaugural Ball and Processional at the State Capitol on Saturday.
Legislature unlikely to add money for roads The Idaho Legislature probably won’t increase funding for the state’s highway system this year, said Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee and a statewide task force that recently issued recommendations… Original Story By: Brad Carlson Brent Hill is the new pro-tem Senate Republican leadership elections are done, and the new Senate President Pro-Tem is Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, who defeated Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian. Sen. Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, held his seat as majority leader over a challenge from Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton. But there was one upset: Assistant Majority Original Story By: Betsy Russell Idaho looks to reform EMS mess BOISE – Idaho’s emergency medical services are a disjointed patchwork of cities, counties, ambulance districts, fire departments, private firms and others that’s led to duplication, gaps in service and possible risks to patients, according to a new state report issued Tuesday afternoon. Original Story By: Betsy Russell Fourth of July Celebrations Hanna, Madalyn, and I spent the 4th of July weekend participating in parades in Caldwell,Greenleaf, and Wilder. It was humbling to see so much support. Thank you to all who came out and enjoyed the festivities.
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