The 2004 session of the Idaho State Legislature was one of the shortest in the state’s history at 69 days. In that short time we set a budget that left the state in sound financial shape without raising any taxes in spite of the difficult economic conditions of the last few years. We stood by our commitment to improve education in the state every year, passed new incentives for Idaho businesses to create higher paying jobs that include benefits, and voted to institute new tools that will help lower the cost of health care.

Against All Odds
They said it couldn’t be done, but, with your help, we passed a comprehensive Clean Indoor Air Act for Idaho. It was a tough fight every step of the way and took the whole legislative session and phone calls from thousands of Idahoans to their state representatives to push Senate Bill 1283 through both houses. The new law will require the following indoor public places to be smokefree in Idaho:

• Restaurants • Retail Stores and Shopping Malls • Hospitals and Nursing Homes • Child Care Centers

• Airport Passenger Terminals • Private and Public Schools • Sports Arenas and Concert Halls • Government and Public Buildings

Smoking will also be prohibited within twenty feet of public entrances to hospitals, indoor sports arenas, schools, shopping malls and airport terminals.

Public Education Budget FY’05
Idaho’s public education system has always been and continues to be one of my top priorities. This one part of the budget consistently makes up nearly 50% of the state’s total budget for any given year and it was increased again this year.

I worked closely with both the Idaho State Department and State Board of Education to prepare the education budget for the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. I am happy to report that we passed a budget that will increase the Idaho general education fund by $21.7 million dollars to a total of $964.7 million. The public education budget includes $4 million in new federal money and fully funds the requested $8.4 million for classroom technology, allowing Idaho educators to teach 21st century skills that will help Idaho’s youth succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

All in all, this year’s education budget is a good piece of legislation that balances Idaho’s need to implement fiscally responsible policies during difficult economic times with our commitment to improve upon the Idaho public education system every year.

Teacher Salaries in Idaho
This year, the Legislature recognized that while overall teacher salaries have been improving steadily, beginning teacher salaries in Idaho continued to lag. Nationally, Idaho ranks 9th in terms of average teacher salaries compared to per capita income. Even more encouraging, Idaho is ranked #1 in the nation for average teacher salary increases during the last ten years. However, Idaho’s salary for beginning teachers ranks 44th in the nation. In an effort to remedy this disparity and to recruit the most talented young teachers, we fully funded a $2,500, or 10% salary increase for beginning teachers – a total allocation of $5.9 million.

The State Budget
Setting Idaho’s budget for next year was a prominent issue throughout the 2004 legislative session. My intent for the state budget was to maintain fiscal restraint while continuing to fund essential services; in short, providing Idaho’s citizens with good government at the lowest cost possible.

I worked diligently to ensure that last year’s 1% sales tax increase sunsets in June of 2005 as scheduled. To do so, the state must remain within tight spending limits. The tax increase of 2003 was passed in light of very difficult economic conditions that are getting better, but still persist. I have worked hard to prioritize demands and ensure that we meet the critical needs of the state while keeping the budget within projected revenue limits. I believe that we are on the right course and, as long as the economy remains steady, Idaho will be challenged, but in reasonable financial shape going into next year.

Commerce and Labor Department
The Legislature passed the Governor’s initiative to combine the Idaho Commerce and Labor Departments in order to improve efficiency and increase effectiveness in this area. The combination of these departments will decrease repetitiveness and provide guidance and leadership in strengthening Idaho’s economy.

Tax Deduction for Long-Term Care Insurance
In an effort to control future health care costs to the state and to individual Idahoans, we passed Governor Kempthorne’s proposal to create a 100% tax deduction for the premiums of long-term care insurance. This tax deduction makes long-term care insurance more affordable to middle and low income Idahoans and protects families from the often exorbitant costs of long-term care.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the State Senate. We are greatly blessed to live in Idaho where we enjoy the beauties of this state and the benefits of a free society.

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