Legislative Update--Senator Mark Harris

Dear friends and neighbors —

The Idaho Mining Association was in Boise this week and it was good to see them and hear about the mining operations going on across the State. The State of Idaho has a strong history with mining and a miner is prominently featured on Idaho’s State flag. Mining is still a major economic force in Idaho from the Silver mines in North Idaho to the Molybdenum and Phosphate mines in Eastern Idaho, and the many Gold mines throughout our fair State.  

Our national security is highly dependent on Idaho mines. When we fail to protect and develop what we have here, we must rely on foreign sources to supply what our industries and companies need to advance technology, feed our citizens, and equip our military. Idaho plays an important role by supplying the materials our nation needs. Our mines also provide thousands of jobs across the State with people that build and support our communities. Idaho mines add nearly $1.58 billion to our Gross State Product and $43 million in local property taxes.

Idaho’s State Senate has seen some weighty issues this week that were debated on the Senate floor. One of these issues was school choice. House Bill 93 (H93) passed out of the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee early this week and will be heard on the Senate floor at the beginning of next week. It establishes tax credits for parents and/or guardians who incur expenses in the education of
their children. 

Another piece of legislation is Senate Bill 1025 (S1025) which will be up for consideration at the end of the week. S1025 was amended earlier in the week and some substantial changes were made by the sponsor of the bill. The bill includes funds from the existing Empowering Parents Grant Program for early childhood/preschool education programs at accredited preschools. Requirements for participation schools are outlined in the bill including the requirements of no religious, disability, or race discrimination.  Schools must also have achievement standards among other things. A lot of work has gone into this bill by Senator Dave Lent (LD 33), Chair of the Senate Education Committee. It will be interesting to hear the debate on the Senate floor. As of the writing of this update, it is not certain it has enough votes to pass.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) legislation we have been working on has received an introduction hearing in the House Transportation and Defense Committee where it became House Bill 206 (H206). It will be up for a full Committee hearing soon. I am hopeful it will get enough votes in Committee to advance to the House floor. This legislation is important to the EMS districts around the State and, if passed, it will be the beginning of a process to get adequate funding and support for Idaho’s EMS volunteers. Some EMS districts are in desperate need for help in order to keep providing the critical services they do for all Idaho citizens. I am excited and hopeful the EMS legislation can make it to the Senate and eventually to the Governor’s desk.  

It continues to be a privilege and an honor to serve the good people of Legislative District 35. I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns. You can email me at [email protected] or call me at 208-332-1308.