Peace, patience, not panic. Faith not fear. Be kind.
Michelle Stennett
March 21, 2020
"In a crisis, don't hide behind anything or anybody. They're going to find you anyway." --Bear Bryant
Beyond balancing the state budget, the Legislature succeeded in passing legislation that protects our youth from unregulated vaping, supports hands-free driving for safer roads, protects renters from last-minute rent spikes, and funds ambulance districts (Representative Sally Toone's bill), which is timely given the current coronavirus pandemic. High traffic congestion areas of the state and local highway district bridges will receive some desperately needed resources.
An incremental wage increase will come to our veteran teachers and our K-3 literacy programs, but our community colleges and universities were fiscally abandoned. This will hinder all levels of certification needed for a skilled workforce and smack our economy. There were over 25 property tax relief bills introduced, but none passed, impacting most severely our seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Unfortunately, the Legislature failed to focus on services that impact every Idahoan, every day. Idahoans demanded that the Legislature provide some property tax relief, improve education funding, provide adequate access to healthcare, and repair roads and bridges. As Idaho's growth continues to escalate at a rapid rate, the State should have a long-term plan for infrastructure and emergency services.
Cornavirus COVID19 Information:
The Governor provided an update on COVID-19 in Idaho on March 18, 2020. Statewide, Idaho is adopting the CDC's guidelines.
Please stay home if you feel sick and contact your health care provider if you think you should be tested.
The elderly and immune-compromised should stay home and away from other people for the next few weeks.
Shop for your needs and no more.
Don't visit nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Avoid discretionary travel.
Avoid social gatherings of more than ten people.
Work from home whenever possible.
Blaine County is under a mandatory shelter in place order, which means self-isolating. People are still permitted to find essential services and be outside as long as they observe social distancing.
Idaho's Novel Coronavirus website is regularly updated with information about the numbers of cases and testing.
St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center has drive-thru testing at 100 Hospital Dr. in Ketchum. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm until further notice. No appointment necessary, but if you are unsure whether you should seek testing, call 208-381-9500 to speak to a nurse. Criteria for testing include shortness of breath, coughing, body aches, a fever of 100 degrees or higher, or potential exposure to the virus. Testing is not available if you do not meet the criteria.
Idaho wants to hear from small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Some small businesses may be eligible for low-interest loans through the federal Small Business Administration.
The Idaho Statesman is providing COVID-19 coverage without a paywall and is translating important articles into Spanish.
Free meals for children are available at approved sites throughout the state. Children ages 1-18 may pick up meals at any site, regardless of enrollment. To locate a feeding site near you, visit the Idaho State School Feeding Site Locator.
Many local food banks remain open to the public, including the Idaho Food Bank.
Anyone who believes they may be in a violent relationship is encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Idaho Department of Labor is closing its offices to public access starting March 19 through at least April 3. The public can still access the agency's services online, including filing for unemployment, and through the phone at (208) 332-8942, though wait times are currently long.
We are honored to serve you,
Senator Michelle Stennett
Representative Sally Toone
Representative Muffy Davis