Everyone seemed all ready to wrap up before Easter Weekend, and then things went awry. The University of Phoenix purchase by the University of Idaho stumbled on the Senate Floor, and a lingering dispute over the $51 million sale of the Idaho Transportation Department’s 44-acre campus on State Street in Boise resulted in the rejection of the ITD budget as well. Instead of trying to hammer out agreements between the House and Senate, they went home and canceled floor sessions in both chambers for Easter Monday.
So, they’ll return on Tuesday, and your guess is as good as mine. Will they block the already-agreed-to deals (Speaker Mike Moyle’s goal), or will they sail through (Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder’s goal)? Tune in to find out as they approach the finish line.
Another unfortunately familiar topic on the agenda last week was racism in Idaho. The University of Utah Women’s basketball team was staying in Coeur d’Alene awaiting their games in neighboring Spokane. According to reports, instead of celebrating their season’s achievements, they were harassed by bigoted, Confederate flag-waving racists who targeted them as they walked to and from their pre-game dinner on Sherman Street in downtown CDA. It makes me sad and it makes me angry. The team responded by leaving Idaho, instead staying at a hotel in Washington, where they would feel safe.
The Senate responded last week with a resolution that was introduced and approved the same day. “Idaho’s leaders must do more than issue public statements denouncing racist acts after they occur,” it reads.
ICL agrees and we look forward to hearing from our state’s leaders on how they will address this critical issue, and what more they are willing to do to stand up for ALL Idahoans and visitors in opposition to hateful and closed-minded attitudes that persist in this place we call home. The resolution passed the Senate 33-1, with Sen. Phil Hart (R-Kellogg) voting no. We hope it will be considered in the House next week. In the meantime the FBI is investigating.
On conservation related topics, we testified on one final bill that deals with restoration on state land leases, and a new resolution was introduced encouraging more public lands. That’s welcome news! See info below.
Otherwise, it was relatively quiet on the conservation front. Pesticide Manufacturers were hoping an Easter Miracle would raise their immunity bill from the dead, but it seems increasingly unlikely as most committees have shut down for the year. That doesn’t mean it won’t be back next year. So, if you haven’t done so yet, you can still Take Action!
Aside from that, the Governor is busy signing bills. No vetoes yet this year, but if he does, it means that the session could continue for yet another week.
Without further ado, here’s the rest of your update.
State land camping lease raises questions
Last week Sen. Van Burtenshaw (R-Terreton) and Rep. Jerald Raymond (R-Menan) presented Senate Bill 1443, a revamped version of an earlier bill. The new bill requires restoration and remediation at the conclusion of all leases (the old one also included permits and other contracts).
You see, there’s a commercial camping lease, sometimes referred to as “glamping” (I’m not sure how glamorous this one is). It’s on state lands near Yellowstone in Eastern Idaho. Last year, the Idaho Department of Lands received $52,285 for the 45 acres near Island Park, while the private company pocketed nearly $650,000.
Sen. Burtenshaw argued local businesses and residents aren’t big fans, and that the site was left in poor condition with trampled vegetation, newly-pioneered roads, and exposed soil left to erode. He’s not wrong, and that’s why ICL testified in support of the bill, which sailed through the Senate. Now the only question is whether the House is willing to take it up at this late hour? It also reminds us of the need to ensure that our public lands are being well managed, protecting the long-term interests of Idahoans and the lands we steward for future generations.
Pesticide bill could still arise
I know you’re sick of hearing about it, but as long as pesticide manufacturers are pushing their bad ideas, I’m going to keep talking about them. We defeated the first bill seeking to grant immunity to pesticide manufacturers, and ICL and partners stood up against the next two bills as well. Last week, pesticide manufacturers were pitching a new proposal based on the Cheeseburger Bill. But there’s a big difference between eating too many cheeseburgers, and being exposed to pesticides. Luckily, the legislature wasn’t buying what they were selling and no new hearings appear likely to be scheduled. It is likely to return next year though.
We did discover one thing that we agree with the bill’s proponents on. “States should ensure that they do not erect barriers to prevent legitimate cases from being brought before the courts in situations where judicial recourse is an essential part of accessing remedy.” It’s right there on Bayer/Monsanto and Syngenta/ChemChina’s websites. Isn’t that exactly what they’re proposing…“erecting barriers?”
As long as they’re in session, this bill could still arise. So let your legislators know that justice for Idahoans should mean more than pesticide manufacturer profits by taking action below.
Growing the endowment?
The Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa) introduced House Concurrent Resolution 46 in his own committee last week. It was referred to the House Resources Committee for a hearing, but with time running short, we fear that probably won’t happen. The resolution encourages the acquisition of state lands for the benefit of recreation, timber, grazing, and other purposes.
The proposal may be linked to a land sale from the Wilks brothers, but it would not obligate the Idaho Department of Lands or the Land Board to make any purchase. Plus, any land acquisition would have to be fully appraised, and there aren’t sufficient funds in the Land Bank to meet the Wilks’ asking price. Still, the resolution from Rep. Brent Crane shows that there is broad and growing support for the acquisition and retention of public lands, something ICL wholeheartedly supports.
Tie of the week! 
The spirited tradition of ugly ties at the end of the session is embodied well by this week’s tie, what with the complicated and less-than-complimentary scheme. Idaho isn’t the only statehouse with end-of-session traditions, as FloridaPolitics.com reports, so why not a walrus? Plus, walruses’ teeth never stop growing, and neither does ICL with your support! If you’ve enjoyed my emails (and my ties!)… become a member today! Plus, you’ll receive my special commemorative 2024 Legislative Update in your very own mailbox. Could there be a better way to cap off an eventful session?
Finally, as the Beatles famously sang, “I am the eggman, They are the eggmen, I am the walrus, goo goo g’joob.” Indeed.
Until next week, could it really truly be the last?…Esto Perpetua,
Jonathan