Highlights from 03-12-2013

MEDICAID

GOP lawmaker proposes expansion

Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said he'll introduce on Thursday two bills: One dissolving Idaho's existing program to pay for indigent people's medical costs, and a second to expand Medicaid to include people who are up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line.

Loertscher said on Tuesday he was driven by pragmatism, contending Idaho will save state taxpayer money by expanding the health care program for the poor, elderly and disabled.

Last year, a study concluded Idaho will save $6.5 million through 2024 if it expands Medicaid eligibility - and suffer costs of $284 million by rejecting it.

"It's essential we do it this year," Loertscher said.

Under President Barack Obama's overhaul, the federal government will initially pay for 100 percent of newly eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.

The Associated Press

COOKIE TAX

Senate leader: Girl Scouts won't get a break

The group, looking for a tax break on their annual cookie sales, could face an uphill battle in the Senate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill says a measure seeking a sales tax exemption on cookie sales may not even get a hearing.

The bill received unanimous support in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee Monday.

But Hill told the Idaho Press Club Tuesday that Idaho already has more than 100 sales tax exemptions. He predicted lawmakers will stiffen their backbones when it comes to enacting more - even for worthy causes.

The Associated Press

FOR-PROFIT SCHOOLS

House introduces disclosure bill

For-profit higher education institutions in Idaho that provide courses but do not offer degrees may be required to disclose more information about job placement rates.

The House Education Committee agreed Tuesday to introduce legislation requiring those institutions to be more transparent about cost, job placement rates and transfer credits.

Boise Democrat Rep. John Gannon said the measure could help alleviate high loan and default rates among students who enroll in the programs.

The Associated Press

INDIAN RESERVATIONS

Senate OKs tribal land tax exemption

The bill forbids counties from taxing tribal government land on the state's reservations.

The 33-2 decision came after brief debate Tuesday.

The bill now heads to Gov. Butch Otter.

Caldwell Republican Sen. Jim Rice said the bill adds a property tax exemption for tribal government land within the boundaries of tribal reservations and was warranted long ago.

Rice said the measure seeks to treat tribal governments' land just like other government buildings across the state.

Republican Sen. John Tippets of Montpelier said passing the legislation is a historic move and sends a message that lawmakers are interested in cooperating with the state's tribal leaders.

The proposal would save $303,000 in assessments annually for all five tribes with reservations in Idaho.

The Associated Press

SEX OFFENDERS

Senate committee OKs registry bill

A measure passed by the Idaho House that doubles registration fees for sex offenders and creates a statewide electronic offender registry has cleared a Senate committee.

The legislation unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee Monday would boost sex offenders' annual registry cost from $40 to $80 - raising about $150,000 annually.

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for debate.

The Associated Press