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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The serious countdown has begun as legislators have just over a week to wrap up this 105-day session. Budget writers in the House and Senate released a new package of tax increases this week, representing somewhat of a compromise on the legislative side. Governor Ferguson then released another statement blaming a lot of things on President Trump and then in a veiled way telling the Legislature, “Better, but we’re not there yet,” as he recognizes cuts will have to be made. Cuts Democrats in the House and Senate don’t want to make.
Gas prices to increase?
On the transportation side, another round of taxes and fees has been proposed as lawmakers are trying to determine if a gas tax or a road usage charge (RUC, formerly Vehicle Miles Travelled Tax) should be part of transportation funding. The state’s “cap and trade (tax)” and the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) fees are expected to increase as well. See the graphic below for the potential impact on the price of fuel if several new taxes and fees are implemented as planned. I oppose any gas tax increase! I know many of you are feeling the pinch of higher prices for groceries, fuel, and property taxes. Adding more to this burden is irresponsible.
Controversial House rule shuts down debate on Parents’ Rights bill
Earlier in session, House Democrats changed the threshold from a two-thirds vote to a majority vote of representatives present in order to shut down debate and immediately vote on a bill. This “call for the previous question,” as it is known in parliamentary lingo, has had a high threshold for enactment for over a century – since 1893!
The purpose for the rule is to protect the minority party and the people they represent. Debate, discussion, and informed deliberation are key to our form of government. We need to make sure all opinions, facts, and impacts of the legislation have been aired on the House floor before voting. By changing the rules, the majority party can end debate on any bill at any time!
What’s even more troubling was when they used this new rule. We were once again debating legislation that changes the Parents’ Bill of Rights Initiative 2081 (the Senate version – the House version already passed). They used it first to shut down debate on an amendment that would remove the emergency clause on the bill so. An emergency clause prevents a referendum on the bill.
The second time they used this controversial rule was to end debate on final passage of the bill. This shouldn’t happen. The minority party still represents over 3 million voters across the state. Their voices matter!
The Idaho Economic Development Act
In one of our very late night floor sessions this week, the majority party passed Senate Bill 5824, known as the “mandatory recycling bill.” This bill contains mandatory recycling requirements for certain producers of covered paper and packaging products to join and fund a producer responsibility organization. They will be expected to fund more of the burden of recycling. These costs will be passed on to consumers.
For us in the 9th Legislative District, we have many communities close enough to the border that it’s worth the drive for cheaper gas, groceries, restaurants, and other shopping. Our state has the 4th highest costs for groceries while Idaho is ranked 28th. Idaho has cheaper gas and liquor. On the House floor, I called this bill “The Idaho Economic Development Act” and outlined my reasons for voting no. You can click on the picture below to view my short floor speech.
We’re almost at the end of session. However, to quote Gideon John Tucker from 1886: “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” Hang on to your wallets, folks. It’s about to get dicey.
As always, thank you for reading my email update. I hope you find it useful and informative.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
