Author Archives: ddxdx

Yesterday morning in the Agricultural Affairs Committee we heard from two commissions. These are trade organizations established under authority of the legislature, given the right to tax their members for the purpose of promoting their industry and the state of … Continue reading →

In the last few sessions of the Idaho legislature more than 800 bills have been introduced each year. Over 600 get enacted into law. And we consider ourselves a conservative state? Maybe we should be doing less. I will now … Continue reading →

  We have scheduled breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I get emails, letters, packages and phone calls. I try to return the contacts whenever possible.  I got a real angry message on my phone this morning about “nullification”. He was upset … Continue reading →

Today we take testimony from the public regarding Health and Welfare cuts. Our governor, the voters and the majority of the legislature have clearly indicated that raising revenue, taxes, is not an option. So we must reduce what we spend. … Continue reading →

Any new job there’s alot of figuring out just how to do things. When to show up. Where the bathrooms are, what to wear. The answer to the last question is jacket and tie ALWAYS. Often a suit. I had … Continue reading →

  We hear more about the Superintendant’s and the Governor’s plan for reforming education in Idaho. The details fill in for where the money comes from and goes, what teachers will face in contracts and in the classroom, what students … Continue reading →

We go to the Senate floor every day usually about 11:30. We work through the order of business in about a half an hour with no real debate or conflict at this point in the session. Most of the work … Continue reading →

Monday, the first day of the regular session, I found myself in the front row of the House Chambers scrunched up against the teleprompter listening to our governor deliver the State of the State. There are a lot of ways … Continue reading →

My wife, Martha, came to Boise with me for the inaugural. I sat in the crisp sunshine and heard all the state-wide elected officials sworn in. I was impressed with Idaho’s “stay the course” choices. All Incumbents, some now serving … Continue reading →

Right after Thanksgiving I made my first trip as a Senator-elect to Boise. There were three days of Orientation, then a swearing in and a day of Organization. We selected leadership and made committee assignments. All during orientation I was … Continue reading →