Good news from the legislature
Michelle Stennett
February 22, 2020
"Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth."
--Shirley Chisholm
We want to share some good news in the legislature this week.
Hidden Heroes Month
Acknowledging the 5.5 million caregivers for military veterans in our nation, Senator Abby Lee brought SCR33 to the Senate, and it passed this week. This resolution expresses our support for the parents, spouses, siblings, and friends who care for the wounded, ill, or injured American heroes who have served our nation. We proclaimed May as Hidden Heroes Month in conjunction with Military Appreciation Month.
Improving Behavioral Health Care
All three branches of Idaho State government have come together to improve care for Idahoans with mental health and substance use disorders. The Governor, the Idaho Supreme Court, and the Idaho Legislature have created a 13 member council to work collaboratively with local government, educators, and community partners to develop a statewide strategic plan to improve access to care.
Addressing Teacher Pay
The Governor has proposed a multi-year plan to raise teacher salaries across the board. I am hopeful that the legislature will take positive action to make Idaho teacher salaries competitive.
Increasing Funding for Higher Education
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee slightly increased the higher education budget . This would mean $1.6 million in funding above the Governor's request, and includes full funding for occupancy costs. This additional funding is so crucial for our higher education institutions; the President of Lewis and Clark College was actually considering furloughing herself as the only way she could cut the budget enough to meet the Governor's reductions.
Next the full House and Senate will vote on the higher education budget. Contact the legislature to express your support of our universities and career technical programs. Our workforce needs and our economy depend on them.
Hemp
S1345, to enact the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act, was introduced in the Senate State Affairs Committee. This bill would legalize industrial hemp in Idaho consistent with federal law, the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture would coordinate planning efforts with stakeholders such as growers, processors, the Idaho State Police, and others, and contract with experts to develop a US Department of Agriculture-compliant Industrial Hemp State Plan with the goal of having the State Plan approved by the USDA for the fall 2020 growing season. This plan would allow for the production, processing, and research of industrial hemp in Idaho.
The bill also allows for the lawful detention, by a peace officer, of an industrial hemp transporter only as long as is reasonably necessary to effectuate inspection, sampling, and weighing of hemp.
Sen. Michelle Stennett is the Senate Minority Leader. She represents Blaine, Camas, Gooding, and Lincoln counties in the Idaho State Legislature.
Respectfully,
Michelle