Debate on the first appropriation bill in the House, the one for the legislative council, got bogged down this morning when several representatives raised concerns about the inclusion of a 3 percent across-the-board pay cut for state employees. House Commerce Chairman Bob Schaefer, R-Nampa, said he'll have to oppose every appropriation bill because they'll all include the clause. Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, spoke out for leaving such cuts up to agency directors. Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, said he was among the JFAC members who most opposed the move, but concluded after hearing from the Idaho Attorney General's office that legal complications require it. "I don't know about you, but on May 1st, I would rather celebrate it at home rather than being here in this chamber," Eskridge said.

Debate then was suddenly halted, the leadership summoned JFAC Co-Chair Maxine Bell and leadership members from both parties to the speaker's desk, and then Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star asked to hold the appropriation bill on the 3rd Reading Calendar for one day. "Our intention is to get a little more information on this," Moyle told the House, adding that both parties will hold caucuses on it and brief their members.

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