Idaho’s agricultural exports have more than doubled in seven years, state Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee this morning. “That’s astounding,” she said. “Agriculture generates more sales in Idaho than any other single industry. It touches every single person in…
Four bills that the Idaho Department of Lands says will bring Idaho’s rules for oil and gas leasing up to national standards cleared the House Resources Committee today, the AP reports. The measures, HB 47, 48, 49 and 50 now head to the full House…
School district in Idaho’s timber country are bracing for a big hit, if Congress doesn’t act to keep payments from what’s left of the old Craig-Wyden timber replacement money, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determinaion Act, flowing, reports Kevin Richert of Idaho EdNews. The…
Freshman Rep. Eric Redman, R-Athol, gave the opening prayer in the House this morning, as the regular chaplain was away. Redman said his message was for all representatives, Republican and Democrat alike. “I believe you all are here to sincerely serve the constituents in your…
Idaho’s Wolf Depredation Control Board had its first budget hearing this morning, and reported that it didn’t spend the full $400,000 it was allocated for its first year, but it did contract with USDA Wildlife Services to kill 31 wolves, all of which were attacking...
Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's $2.4 billion dairy industry is no longer at risk of losing its operating permits if caught illegally dumping waste into streams and waterways. The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved new rules Tuesday...
Idaho is one of just six states that charges sales tax on prescription glasses, lobbyist Kris Ellis told the House Revenue & Taxation Committee this morning, and Idaho’s optometric physicians think it’s time to exempt glasses and contact lenses from the sales tax. All other...
Five of Idaho’s universities and community colleges have spent more than $1.5 million to beef up campus security because of the concealed-weapons-on-campus law approved last year, the Idaho Statesman reports, and the schools expect total costs to top $3.7 million for the year. They sought…
Idaho will receive $21.5 million in a legal settlement with Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced today, over allegations the credit rating company engaged in false, deceptive and misleading practices from 2001 to 2011, including actions leading up to the…
Orofino could become the first school district in the state with its own specialty license plate, writes reporter Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune, after Rep. Paul Shepherd, R-Riggins, introduced legislation Monday to create a special plate to benefit the “Friends of the Orofino Maniacs.”…
Idaho Fish & Game Director Virgil Moore had some good news from his department for lawmakers today: “It was a really good fall for hunting,” with mild winters leading to high winter survivals for fawns, leading to hunters seeing more game. Also, he said, “Another…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
