Capitol Letters | The Idaho Legislature Report
By Hayat Norimine, Accountability Editor; and Ryan Suppe, State Politics Reporter
Resolution criticizes ‘1619 Project’ as ‘divisive content’
A Senate committee approved a resolution that calls out critical race theory and The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” and encourages Idaho schools to teach history “clearly and wholly.”
The New York Times has said “The 1619 Project” aims to reframe U.S. history through a focus on Black Americans’ contributions and slavery’s consequences. It’s faced backlash since former President Donald Trump attacked the project and said it “rewrites American history to teach our children that we were founded on the principle of oppression, not freedom.”
Read Idaho Statesman Education Reporter Becca Savransky’s full story here.
Idaho GOP leadership calls Bundy a ‘RINO’
The Idaho Republican Party on Friday sent a statement about Ammon Bundy dropping out of the GOP primary.
Bundy last week announced he’ll run as an independent candidate for governor instead — which means he’ll run in the November general election. He had registered to vote as a Republican in September and faces a second jury trial in connection with his arrest last year for trespassing at the Idaho Capitol.
“If you wonder what a RINO is, look no further than Ammon Bundy,” GOP Chairman Tom Luna said.
Republican state Sen. Steve Bair stepping down
Blackfoot Sen. Steve Bair, who co-chaired the powerful budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, is retiring.
“Legislators and their families are not immune from illness, and it is that very issue that precludes me from further service in the Idaho Senate,” Bair said in a news release Friday.
He’s endorsed Julie VanOrden, a former Idaho House member who co-chaired the education committee, to take over his seat — and said she’s the “clear choice to represent District 30 in the Senate.” She’s been serving as his replacement during Bair’s leave of absence this session.
“With Sen. Bair supporting me, I believe I will bring a voice backed up with knowledge and experience to this seat in the Idaho state Senate,” VanOrden said in Friday’s release.
What else happened?
The Senate on Friday passed a House resolution sponsored by two Democrats — Boise’s Rep. Brooke Green and Moscow’s Sen. David Nelson — that encourages state agencies to use evidence-based interventions to address childhood traumas.
Idaho could see hundreds more electric vehicle charging stations in the coming years with federal infrastructure dollars. Read Statesman Investigative Reporter Kevin Fixler’s full story here.
Keep track of high-profile bills as they go through the legislative process. You can find Friday’s updates here.
Committees to watch today
8 a.m. Senate State Affairs. The committee will consider draft legislation on campaign finance reporting. Here’s where to watch remotely.
9 a.m. Joint Finance-Appropriations. The agenda today includes discussions on budget setting, the governor’s office and State Board of Education. Here’s where to watch remotely.
9 a.m. House State Affairs. The public can testify today. The agenda includes legislation to bar Idaho from granting “personhood” to animals for environmental protection. Here’s where to watch remotely.
1:30 p.m. Senate Judiciary and Rules. There’s a full agenda today, with legislation involving public records, rape and sex crimes. Here’s where to watch remotely.
3 p.m. House Commerce and Human Resources. Lawmakers will discuss a bill to establish a statewide plan for workforce housing. Here’s where to watch remotely.
3 p.m. House Judiciary, Rules and Administration. A bill that would require landlords to provide 60 days’ notice before a rent increase is on the agenda. Here’s where to watch remotely.
Both the House and the Senate are expected on the floor at 10 a.m.
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This story was originally published February 21, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Capitol Letters | The Idaho Legislature Report."
