Let us accept our own responsibility for the future
Michelle Stennett
March 7, 2020
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."--John F. Kennedy
Coronavirus
Idaho now has a website on the covid-19 coronavirus. Current risk in Idaho is low. Idahoans are encouraged to contact their local public health district with questions.
The Center for Disease Control has the following recommendations for your household:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Important Dates
This year, Idaho is having a Presidential Preference Primary on Tuesday, March 10th. This is where Idaho voters will choose their presidential candidate. On Saturday, April 4th, registered Idaho citizens who would like to be a delegate to the State Convention to represent Idaho will be elected. Then, on Tuesday, May 19th, Idahoans will vote for US Senate, Congressional, Legislative, County, and Precinct Captain candidates. For more information (including voting eligibility) visit the Secretary of State's Office.
Fish and Game Commission
The House has passed H514 to change the composition of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The current structure was approved by the voters when the commission was established, expressly to keep politics out of wildlife management. I have always defended having a mixed commission, as defined by the existing statute, during the confirmation process. This bill did not have any input from sportsmen and women before it was introduced, and I have received hundreds of emails in opposition from them. The current Fish and Game Commissioners were also not consulted. I am opposed to H514 and urge you to let the Senate know that keeping our current structure for wildlife management is important to Idahoans.
Idaho Patient Act
One in seven Idahoans is in medical debt and it is the leading cause of bankruptcy. The House passed the Idaho Patient Act, H515, and the Senate State Affairs Committee has sent it to the Senate floor.
This bill is intended to provide more transparency in medical billing and to protect Idaho patients from overly aggressive medical debt collectors. It will require health care providers to submit charges to insurers within 45 days of service and to provide a summary of services showing all health care providers, who will be billing patients, within 60 days. The bill will also require a final statement from health care providers identifying the amount a patient owes after insurance pays. It will require a minimum wait of 60 days from that final statement before a debt can be transferred to a collection company.
Bills In Action
S1384 would allow school employees with concealed weapon permits to carry them on school grounds. They would have to file their permits with the principal and superintendent, but the school is not allowed to notify other employees or parents. This bill is currently before the Senate State Affairs Committee.
The House passed a bill that would prohibit transgender girls from playing on girl's sports teams. H500 requires any girl whose eligibility is questioned to undergo medical examination, both external and internal, at their own expense. The Senate State Affairs Committee began hearing testimony on Friday and will continue on Monday.
One property tax bill is making its way through the legislature. Unfortunately, even the sponsor, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle says H409 is likely to increase many Idahoan's property taxes. It would also prevent counties from providing services. Meanwhile, bills that would provide real relief to property tax payers have not gotten hearings. The Senate will be considering amendments to H409 next week.
Respectfully,
Michelle