Over the course of two-and-a-half hours, the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee set $5.1 billion worth of “maintenance of current operations” budgets to simply keep the lights on and doors open at nearly all state agencies next year. Taken together, the fiscal year 2025 maintenance of operations budgets reduce state general fund spending by $46.6 million. No democrats voted in favor.
There is some good news for motorists in the Gem State. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.04, which is 33 cents less than a year ago. In Magic Valley the average is $2.97. In Pocatello that price is $2.57. The national average is $3.07.
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has voted in favor of H.R. 1147 – Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023. This bill gives schools flexibility to craft nutritious lunches for students participating in school meal programs by allowing whole and 2% milk options.
Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan will deliver his annual State of the Judiciary address to both chambers of the Idaho Legislature today. The yearly speech discusses significant Judicial Branch projects important to maintaining the state’s impartial court system.
Repairs are set for today to replace the damaged Traffic signal at the intersection of Kimberly and Hankens Road in Twin Falls today. Yesterday morning a traffic accident damaged the signals. Motorists should expect delays while traveling through the intersection today.
Earlier this week, the Hagerman school district held a meeting to discuss current superintendent James Brown. Last October, Brown allegedly showered in front of the boys football teams. He was never formally charged or arrested.
The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday introduced a bill that would prohibit new Medicaid waivers from being implemented without legislative approval. The bill would require legislative approval before the state’s Department of Health and Welfare can add additional groups of people covered by waivers to the state Medicaid plan.