idaho-state-capitol It has been a very busy week in the Idaho State Legislature. As you know, we are in tough times as a nation. Idaho is not immune to these economic hardships, as your Senator I will be working this session to find solutions for economic success and a responsible state budget. With the legislature back in town, the Governor took the opportunity of give his annual State of the State address in which he drew a fiscally responsible and prudent roadmap that the legislature can use as a guide for the this legislative session.

I have had many discussions with Governor Otter about the budget. As the Chairman of the
Senate Transportation Committee, I will closely monitor how the adjusted budget will affect decisions being made in working to solve Idaho’s transportation issues. It is important to continue to stay fiscally responsible with the current state of the economy. There is a growing understanding that there are transportation issues across the state that need to be resolved, and I will be posting weekly updates on transportation and many other issues.

In addition, healthcare is a very controversial issue this year. The Congress is currently considering major overhauls to our healthcare system. I am very concerned about the federal bill and, as a result, I voted in favor of a resolution that will (if passed by both bodies of the Idaho State Legislature) make Idaho’s opinion of the federal healthcare reform known to Congress. I do not believe that the federal legislation is the appropriate solution to today’s healthcare issues.