Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week in Boise, Governor Butch Otter signed into law Senate Bill 1111, the long-awaited public safety officers disability legislation that I have worked on for the past five years. I cannot express my joy in finally seeing this important issue resolved in a fitting and just way. I am also delighted to inform you that there will be a special ceremony next week in Boise with the Governor and it is my sincere hope that we will be able to have John Kralicek and his family attend this as well.
As you will all know I am a passionate supporter of law enforcement and all of those who have risked their lives for our safety and so I was gratified today to learn the Idaho House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1145. This bill, which I sponsored, will close a terrible loophole in Idaho law. Members of law enforcement, upon retirement, are granted the right to carry concealed weapons. However, unlike other Idahoans who have gained this right, retired law enforcement personnel where not granted the same rights to privacy as regular citizens. I am sure we will all agree that retired law enforcement officers should be entitled to keep their personal details, including social security numbers, out of the public domain.
Next week I will be presenting a new bill in Senate State Affairs that I am particularly pleased about. Senate Bill 1204 will amend Idaho liquor laws so as to do away with the legal requirement to place a stamp on each bottle of alcohol sold through the liquor dispensary. We can do this as it is now possible to program the state's Point of Sale (POS) scanners at liquor store check out counters to recognize bottles that are legitimate. This use of technology achieves exactly the same result as putting a stamp on the bottle and will save the taxpayers of Idaho $500,000 a year at the very least. It is not often a legislator can actually save the state money, but in these times of economic difficulty we must all look for ways to save.
My support of the enforcement of our immigration laws continues. This past Sunday the Idaho Statesman printed two side by side editorials regarding the use of the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program, one that I wrote in favor of its mandatory use and the other written by my esteemed colleague, Senator Curt McKenzie on his opposition. I believe it to be fascinating reading and believe it encourages public debate. Please take a moment to click on the link below to read both editorials.
By now you will have received a brief survey from me asking your opinion on the state of the roads in northern Idaho. I hope you will take a few moments to reply to it. A special thank you to all my neighbors who have emailed me in the past week with suggestions on what to do about transportation and various other suggestions for how it may be possible to save Idahoans money at this time. I am delighted to receive the feedback!
As always, please continue to contact me with your thoughts and comments.
Sincerely yours,
Mike Jorgenson
mnjorgen@senate.idaho.gov
Please visit my website for further information:
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