Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is discussing his 2013 agenda at the AP Legislative Preview in Boise on Friday. Otter will deliver his annual State of the State address on Monday. Legislative leaders will also speak at the event.
Here are some highlights from Idaho Statesman editorial writer Kevin Richert, who is live tweeting the governor's speech from his Twitter account (@KevinRichert):
Otter: 2013-14 budget proposal "does not anticipate" any increase in taxes and revenues, but will be "structurally sound."
Otter on health exchange: Nothing conservative, or liberal, about preserving all of Idaho's options.
Otter on education reform: There are some areas of "consensus" and "agreement" where Idaho can go forward.
Otter, re. personal property tax repeal: "I'll have a lot to say" about it in Monday's State of the State address.
Otter on education reform: Process was not open, transparent and "robust" enough. Cast shadow over reform "ingredients."
Otter on Props 1, 2 and 3: The problem we had on Nov. 6 had more to do "with process than product."
Otter on personal property tax repeal: "I think there's a path forward" without harming local governments.
Otter on personal property tax: Four- or five-year phaseout would help businesses predict their tax bill.
Otter on next week's ethics training: "I see great advantage" in leadership teaching members the rules.
Otter on ethics: Sometimes problems are a matter of "optics" or "perceptions."
Otter on Props 1, 2 and 3 and process: Some of the components, such as merit pay, came up in 2008, not 2011.
Otter on school security: Idaho may need to revisit state's safe schools policies adopted in 2007.
Otter on NRA proposal to arm teachers: Idaho would probably get better school security solutions by acting at state level
Otter noncommittal on gubernatorial mansion. If state commission wants my recommendation, I will provide it.
Otter: The most important thing on personal property tax repeal is to do no harm to local governments.
Otter on INL: "We're not going to become the dumping ground for nuclear waste." Sees no reason to change 1995 agreement.


Idaho Politics by William L. Spence: Lobbyists play on fears, emotions to sell their agendas

