| Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This was a mixed week in Boise. For good reason the Senate can't seem to agree with the House on the need to provide consistent predictable amounts of additional funding for the maintenance of Idaho's roads and bridges. Governor Otter has spent a great deal of time traveling our state and explaining the needs we have. It is never a good time to raise fees or levies, but he is the highest elected official in Idaho and I feel it is important we support his efforts. We in northern Idaho particularly know how much our roads can deteriorate after a severe winter. I certainly hope we can reach a compromise as soon as possible.
The Governor is responsible for the health and welfare of the citizens of this great state and I support him for providing his leadership. To be utterly frank, I hope members in the House who are opposed will reflect on the Governor's request, which to the average Idahoan driver will mean a monthly gasoline cost increase of no more than $3.
In other news my bill to modernize how the liquor dispensary controls the legal distribution of bottles of alcohol went before the Idaho House of Representatives. The bill, which if enacted would save the state of Idaho over $500,000, was carried by Rep. Carlos Bilbao of the Treasure Valley. Thank you, Carlos.
I am pleased to say that despite the divisions which are now so obvious between parties and houses, this bill passed the House unanimously. If it were not for the true benefits of this bill, it would difficult to believe it could have gathered the bipartisan support that it did. I very much hope Governor Otter will sign this bill into law as quickly as possible.
This morning I was able to attend a ceremonial signing of the Michael Kralicek bill today with Governor Otter. Thanks to Betsy Russell with the Spokesman Review for attending and capturing the photograph. Please see the link below.
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
Sincerely yours,
Mike
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