Get involved
Even from 400 miles away, North Idaho residents can follow legislation, listen to legislative debates, and have their say on new laws that could affect everything from the taxes they pay to the education their children receive. Here are some ways to stay in touch:
“ The Idaho Legislature’s Web site includes the full text of all legislation, votes, committee agendas, and the status of each bill or resolution. It can be accessed at www.legislature.idaho.gov. From this site, you can also send an e-mail to any legislator. Click on “Citizen Legislators,” choose House or Senate and then “Membership,” and then click on the legislator’s name to send him or her an e-mail.
“ For a running Web log of news from Boise along with links to key Internet sites, go to reporter Betsy Z. Russell’s “Eye on Boise” page at www.spokesmanreview.com/boise.
“ To call toll-free and leave a message for a legislator, dial (800) 626-0471. The line is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
“ To send a fax to a legislator, dial (208) 334-5397.
“ If a bill you’re interested in is up for a committee hearing, you can look on the Legislature’s Web site to find the name of the committee’s chairman and members and send messages to those legislators. Committees also take testimony during public hearings on legislation; if you’re not able to attend, contact the committee secretary or chairman well in advance to see if you can submit written testimony.
“ Idaho Public Television will broadcast over the Internet live audio of debates in the House and Senate chambers, plus a fixed-camera video, and live audio of budget debates and hearings in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. On the Internet, go to www.idahoptv.org and click on “Legislature Live”
“ Idaho Public Television will air “Idaho Reports” at 8 p.m. Fridays. The program will be broadcast across the state and include a review of the week’s legislative events, news, and commentary from Idaho Spokesman-Review reporter Betsy Z. Russell and other reporters and commentators. After the program airs, it also can be viewed on the Idaho PTV Web site.