The House and Senate minority caucuses held a press conference this morning to give their response to the governor's State of the State message and budget. “In the face of enormous challenges and widespread economic hardship, the governor and many legislators have no plans to do anything significant,” declared Senate Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello. “In fact, rather than being proactive, they've simply strengthened their resolve to dismantle the very public structures that help create prosperity”/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• Budget would mean no new Opportunity Scholarships for 3rd year
• Governor concerned about lagging state salaries, can't afford to address
• House Ethics Committee to hold closed door session for Spencer, Griffiths complaints

Question: Is Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai's criticism on Gov. Butch Otter's budget correct -- that Otter's simply trying to 'dismantle public structures that help create prosperity'?