Tonight’s “Idaho Reports” reports on the fifth week of this year’s legislative session, from local control issues to water to words from the governor. Co-host Melissa Davlin interviews Sen. Todd Lakey on public defense reform and what’s next; and Davlin and producer Seth Ogilvie report…
A literacy proposal rooted in Gov. Butch Otter’s task force recommendations and backed by a wide range of education groups was sidetracked by the House Education Committee Friday amid concerns from Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur d’Alene, Idaho EdNews reports. HB 450 is designed as a…
The House has voted 46-19 in favor of a resolution recognizing the value of community water fluoridation in oral health. Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, spoke against the resolution, citing Wikipedia references to “contrary studies.” Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, a retired pediatrician, told the House, “In…
An Idaho House panel has introduced a bill that would allow terminally-ill patients to access drugs that are still being researched. Democratic Rep. Melissa Wintrow of Boise says the legislation permits patients to use pharmaceuticals that have already passed safety tests by the Federal Drug Administration. The House Health and Welfare Committee...
Senate Health & Welfare Chairman Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, said at 10 a.m. that this morning’s public hearing is “really out of time.” More than 30 people spoke at today’s hearing; at least 75 had signed up in hopes of testifying. “It’s clear that our…
More of this morning’s testimony from the public hearing on health and welfare issues: Dena Duncan told the lawmakers, “Close the gap, expand Medicaid coverage.” She said, “If we can help those 78,000 … it could improve their ability to support their families.” Speakers called…
More of the testimony from today’s public hearing on health and welfare issues: Liza Long spoke in favor of SB 1205, the Healthy Idaho Plan for Medicaid expansion. “I’m a mom for a really great kid who has bipolar disorder. … He got treatment and...
Among those testifying thus far at this morning’s public hearing on health and welfare issues have been numerous advocates of expanding Medicaid in Idaho; counselors and survivors of suicide attempts pleading for better mental health care funding in Idaho; foster parents pressing for reforms; and...
In more testimony from this morning’s public hearing: Ken Olson of Idaho Falls, retired CFO of the state Medicaid program in Texas, spoke on behalf of “a good friend of mine,” Clella Steinke, mother-in-law of the late Jenny Steinke. “Jenny Steinke is one of the...
Among those testifying this morning at the public hearing on health and welfare issues: Randy Nielsen, who sat in his wheelchair and asked a friend to read part of his testimony, said, “I want to start with the things that the Idaho Department of Health...
More than 100 people already are gathered in the Capitol this morning for the public hearing on health and welfare issues, some wearing stickers saying, “Close the Health Care Coverage Gap” and “78,000 Can’t Wait.” The House and Senate Health & Welfare committees are holding…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
