April revenue numbers down
Post Published: 04 May 2010The Idaho Division of Financial Management issued preliminary April tax revenue numbers that reveal the state received $55.5 million less than projected in the past month.
The numbers will be finalized on May 15. Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter issued the following statement:
“Sales tax receipts were up in April. So were receipts from individual income tax withholding. That means more people are earning money and feeling better about their prospects. That’s good news, but it doesn’t make up for other tax receipts remaining well below projections. I have no doubt that our economy is headed in the right direction. However, April’s tax filings largely still reflect what was happening with the economy last year – not over these past few months of marginally improving conditions. There is a lag between private economic activity and its public benefit. We must keep working to create career-path job opportunities for more Idahoans. If we do that, the revenue will come. But for now it’s clearer than ever that we are doing the right thing by remaining prudent and cautious in our approach to using taxpayers’ money. I’m grateful that legislators recognized that and gave me the tools to balance the budget in Fiscal 2010. The Legislature deserves a lot of credit for working with me to ensure Idaho’s State government lives within the people’s means.”
Jones to Bradbury: Bring it on
Post Published: 29 April 2010Second District Judge John Bradbury told Capitol Confidential this week that he was willing to debate Idaho Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones, who publicly took exception to some Bradbury’s campaign statements.
When we reported Bradbury’s statement about wanting a debate, Jones sent him a letter agreeing to it.
Bradbury’s running for an Idaho Supreme Court seat in the election against Justice Roger Burdick; Jones is running for reelection unopposed.
Bradbury welcomed the news, saying he’s running for election to have these kinds of discussions.
Here’s the text of the letter:
Dear Judge Bradbury:
In reading an article which appears in today’s electronic version of the Times News, I note that you have issued a challenge to debate. According to the newspaper, you said, “If Jones thinks I’ve got my facts wrong, I’ll meet him anytime, anywhere for a debate.” I gladly accept because I believe that you have made unfounded allegations regarding the Idaho judiciary that demand correction. A candidate for judicial office certainly has the ability to put forth whatever proposals he may wish for improvement of the judicial system, but he has no right to make unfounded claims that tarnish the court system.
Taking up your “any time, anywhere” debate challenge, I would like for the debate to be held in Boise on any of the following dates: May 4, May 13, or May 18. Please advise as to which date works best for you. I will arrange a location and invite the media. I would suggest a format where each person responds to questions posed by the other with a two minute response limitation.
I appreciate your willingness to allow the people to be fully informed about the issues in controversy.
Sincerely,
Jim Jones
Supreme Court campaign heats up
Post Published: 27 April 2010Second District Judge John Bradbury is drawing fire on multiple fronts: Justice Jim Jones sent out a statement disputing Bradbury’s campaign talking points. And Justice Roger Burdick, who is being challenged by Bradbury, told the Jerome Rotary Club today to avoid listening to what’s “spun.”
Bradbury welcomes the scrutiny and says he’s glad to be getting all the attention. He says there’s a need for fewer early retirements of judges so there are elections, not appointments, in the system, among other issues.
In the video below, Burdick talks with the rotary group about the court system.
Allegiant Air announces Las Vegas air service
Post Published: 26 April 2010Watch a video from today’s press conference at Magic Valley Regional Airport, where officials announced the start of a new airline with flights between Las Vegas and Twin Falls.
Allegiant Air to make Twin Falls announcement today
Post Published: 26 April 2010Allegiant Air will make an announcement at 1:30 p.m. today about a new air service it is starting at Magic Valley Regional Airport, Joslin Field. The announcement, which will include details about its flight schedules, destination and prices, comes after Twin Falls County commissioners and city council members sign off on a three-year lease agreement between the airline and the airport.
Allegiant Air has a reputation as a low-cost flight service that also packages hotel and car rental deals with tickets to destinations like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Florida cities. Earlier this month, the airline unveiled a plan for new bi-weekly flights from Idaho Falls to L.A.
The airline’s arrival to the airport will make it the second airline to offer services from Twin Falls. SkyWest Airlines currently has four daily flights to its Delta hub in Salt Lake City.
Sen. Coiner faces challenger
Post Published: 26 April 2010Twin Falls City Councilman Lee Heider is making a run for the Republican nomination for the District 24 seat in the Idaho Senate that is held by Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls.
Heider takes exception to Coiner’s voting record and contends it’s not in line with the Republican Party’s values. To read the full story and see video interviews with both candidates, visit here.
Rep. Leon Smith faces challengers
Post Published: 26 April 2010Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, is facing two challengers seeking the Republican nomination for his District 24 seat in the Idaho House. Rusty Satterwhite and Mark Goodman are both making a run for the incumbent’s seat and while they are both running for the same party’s nomination, each brings a different approach to the issues.
To read the full story and see video interviews with all candidates, visit here.
Letter takes some by surprise
Post Published: 14 April 2010The House leadership of the Legislature sent a letter on April 5 to school districts advising them to prepare for a potential holdback next year of up 5.5 percent when negotiating teacher contracts.
It’s not welcomed by the Idaho Education Association, which views the letter as an affront to the bargaining negotiations that are for local teacher associations and school districts to do, not legislators. And Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert and co-chairman of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, disagrees with the letter, saying it makes assumptions about a potential holdback without taking into account other alternative solutions.
The letter was signed by House Speaker Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, and Majority Caucus Chair Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly.
To read my story about the letter, go here. Capitol Confidential obtained a copy of the letter.
School districts taking advantage of statewide declaration
Post Published: 14 April 2010School districts throughout the Magic Valley are taking steps to at least consider opting into the Legislature’s declaration of a statewide financial emergency. The Legislature put the tool in place this session as part of the public schools budget, which was slashed 7.5 percent because of declinining state revenues.
It allows school districts to reopen and renegotiate teacher contracts. In the 2009 session, legislators passed allow allowing school districts to make a declaration, but only if their reserves dropped below 5.5 percent of their annual operating budget. That caveat isn’t in place this time around, but many officials say preparation is needed for the upcoming year, which has much deeper cuts.
Twin Falls was the first to make the declaration, you can read the full details is this story.
Otter visits Twin Falls for campaign
Post Published: 08 April 2010Gov. Butch Otter made a campaign stop on Thursday at the College of Southern Idaho.
Among his key points in a stump speech:
1) The revenue figures for March were $16 million better than projected.
2) Idaho will be a leader that shows other states how to fend off the federal government’s intrusion into individual rights, including the upcoming courtroom battle over Obamacare.
3) The state needs to continue seeking economic development opportunities, which is an ongoing effort through Project 60.
The full story and video from the governor’s stop will be posted at magicvalley.com.