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After 87 days the 2008 Legislative session came to a close, in what many people feel was a very difficult and disappointing session and with many unresolved issues. After several years of budget surpluses, expectations were high to do more “good things.” But when January and February revenues came in much lower than projected and with an eye on the bleak National economy, the Legislature took a cautious approach to budget requests. On many issues there was little agreement between the House, the Senate and the Governor. This was especially true on how to raise money needed for road repair and the option for cities and counties to raise sales taxes for their local needs. The Governor and the Legislature disagreed over State employee salaries and benefits. And they compromised on a Bill to reduce grocery taxes. Perhaps Corrections was the big winner, getting approval for 604 more prison beds. This includes bonding for a $70 million secure mental health prison that will also include a unit for those not convicted of a crime but are civilly committed. And then there was the Governor’s veto of most of the money for substance abuse treatment. It didn’t take the Governor long to realize he did not have the votes to sustain the veto nor the support of Idahoans. When the choice is between sending more people to prison or providing treatment, the Idaho taxpayer supports funding treatment. At the last minute the Governor agreed to a compromise and 90% of the drug treatment money was put back in the budget. Kathie Garrett, IAFP Legislative Advisor
2008 Legislative Reports:
Archived Reports:
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