While he second week of Session has continued to be busy with many informational meetings to go along with increased activity in our regular Committee meetings. One of the larger topics being discussed was the budgeting process, and how many of the items on the Governor’s agenda were going to be funded. Many of these new funding proposals were being brought as supplemental appropriations. Traditionally, supplemental appropriations are only to backfill dollars that had to be expended beyond what was budgeted, and that could not wait for the normal budgeting cycle. To expend new dollars as a supplemental is a new approach that somewhat sidesteps the legislature and many in our body are skeptical of approving this approach.
Right to Life Idaho hosted their 48th Annual Boise March for Life on January 23rd. The yearly march, hosted by the oldest pro-life organization in the state, was scheduled to coincide closely with the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision on January 22nd. Intended as a celebration of life, hundreds joined together to walk from Julia Davis Park to the Capitol building and then listen to speakers share their personal stories of why they became pro-life and how it has affected them. While I was unable to attend, there were many legislators who did attend.
As always, all votes are yes, and all Bills passed unless otherwise noted.
The Bills we voted on were:
HJR1 Allows the Legislature to call itself back into Session
Revenue and Taxation:
We held three meetings in which we heard (8) RS’s.
The topics were:
Tax Appeals and Hearings
Short Term Rentals and Taxes
Income Tax and Partnerships
Municipalities and Bankruptcy
Property Tax Administration
Idaho Sales Tax and Corporations
Property Tax and Medical Deductions
Sales tax and Youth-run Business Exemption
All RS’s were introduced to print
Transportation & Defense:
This week we held one meeting and heard two (2) RS’s.
The topics were:
Hands-free Devices
Commissioning of the USS Idaho
Both RS’s were introduced to print
Business:
This week we held one meeting and heard four (4) rules.
The rules pertained to:Idaho Grape Growers and Wine ProducersUniform Securities ActFire Sprinkler Contractors FeesInternational Fire Code
I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent District 1 in The Idaho House of Representatives.
Lord Bless,
Sage G. Dixon