The 2010 Legislative Session
by Senator Brent Hill
Idaho Budget
Political gridlock may be the tune in Washington, but not in Boise. Much of the legislative activity this year revolved around the unprecedented fiscal crisis. Throughout this economic recession, Idaho has been able to protect public education from significant budget cuts, but with the state's rainy-day funds depleted and no additional stimulus funds coming from the federal government, even public education was not spared budget reductions. With education consuming 65% of the state's general fund budget and Health and Welfare programs (particularly Medicaid) eating up another 20%, that doesn't leave much to run the prisons, state police, parks, and all other state agencies. With state funds tumbling over 20% over the past two years and still on the decline, reductions to public education were unavoidable. Still Idaho's schools have fared much better than in most states. I believe the legislature as a whole is committed to our public schools and will help restore these cutbacks as soon as possible. In the meantime, we should all be grateful for dedicated teachers and administrators who provide our children with quality education, even when faced with economic hardships.
No Tax Increases
Many concerned citizens have expressed a willingness to have their taxes raised in order to avoid the budget cuts we face. Certainly, every penny helps, but just to bring Idaho's revenues back to where they were two years ago, our state sales tax would have to be raised from 6% to over 9%! Although this option was talked about, the legislature, encouraged by the governor, determined that in a time when many of Idaho's citizens are unemployed or underemployed, losing their homes or businesses, tax increases could be devastating to them and could stall economic recovery.
Education Tax Credit Expanded
I did, however, work with Governor Otter and the legislature to provide a powerful alternative for those who are willing to "increase their own taxes" in order to help out our public schools and universities, public television, and other organizations that have depended on state dollars for their existence. The legislature greatly increased the income tax credit available to people and businesses that contribute to these organizations. Beginning in 2011, Idaho taxpayers can reduce their tax liability by up to 50% of the amount of cash contributions made to Idaho schools and selected agencies. The maximum amount of the tax credit for couples filing joint returns has been increased from $200 to $1,000, and for corporations from $1,000 to $5,000.
Here's How It Works:
- You and your spouse file a joint income tax return.
- You itemize your deductions.
- Your taxable income (after deductions) is between $17,000 and $68,000.
- You contribute $1,000 to your local school.
Result: Your federal and state taxes would be reduced by $216*
AND your state income tax credit would save you another $500.
Your school gets an extra $1,000 to help educate our children
and it only cost you $284 out of pocket!
*If you are in a higher income tax bracket the savings will be even greater.
Every citizen and business in Idaho who has the ability to help should be participating in this extraordinary program.
Rape Statute Refined
I have long struggled with Idaho law that makes no distinction between a willing sexual relationship of two teens who think they're in love and the terrible crime of violent, forcible rape. Current law defines both as felonies and both can carry the same penalties. A new law passed this year redefines statutory rape as sexual acts between a boy who is 18 or older and a willing girl under age 16. A boy three or more years older than a 16 or 17 year old girl would also be guilty of statutory rape. As a result, sexual relationships between consenting young people can now be charged as misdemeanors instead of felony rape.
The law does not protect any boy who uses force, coercion, threats, alcohol or drugs. That is still rape regardless of age. It only protects kids—18 and 19-year-old kids—from having their lives destroyed by a sexual felony conviction.
Internet Protection for School Children
All public schools in Idaho will now be required to install Internet filters on school computers to block pornography and other materials that are harmful to children. This prevents students from being subjected, either intentionally or unintentionally, to inappropriate materials while using computers in the classroom.
Neighborhood Meetings
Let's get together and visit more often. I would love to join any of you who want to get together as a group of neighbors and friends to discuss the many issues facing Idaho citizens. Email me and we'll arrange a neighborhood meeting.