Legislators Prioritize Issues As Session Nears End

The Idaho Legislature could adjourn as early as Wednesday, but a few big issues are holding them up.

Some said three priorities may leave controversial items, like the abortion ultrasound bill, unresolved.

It all comes down to setting the budget, in particular, allocating funds for tax cuts, teacher salaries, and state savings. A difference of opinion between the House and Senate means it will likely come down to compromise.

Idaho lawmakers have spent 78 days inside the Statehouse.

“We have worked hard, accomplished the people’s business and it’s time to go home,” said Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Idaho Falls, by phone on Monday.

But the session won’t be adjourned until a trio of priorities is resolved: tax cuts, teacher salaries and savings.

The House has pushed hard to cut state income taxes by $35 million.

“I’m hearing the Senate is not in favor of that, in favor of other issues, but the governor laid that out as a top priority in the State of the State,” said Thompson.

Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously backed a bill that would eliminate annual cuts to teacher pay under the Students Come First reform. That bill has stalled in the House Education Committee. Two new versions are scheduled to be introduced on Tuesday.

“No one will be completely happy, but everyone will be a little happy,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill, R-Rexburg. “It comes down to having balance.”

Thompson, who sits on the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee, said there’s enough money for tax cuts and restoring salaries, plus what everyone wants – a little extra padding in the rainy day savings account.

“It’s a matter of the House and Senate coming to agreement with that,” said Thompson.

Negotiating may push other issues aside, like the controversial abortion ultrasound bill, currently in the House State Affairs Committee.

“Whether we get back in time to finish up doing something on that remains to be seen,” said Hill.

Still, it’s not over until it’s over.

“Anything can happen at any given moment, moving legislation through the process,” said Thompson.

Both Eastern Idaho legislators cautiously predicted a Wednesday or Thursday finish, which would be a week earlier than last year.

The $35 million in tax relief would amount to a $71 cut each year for families of four that earn $100,000.