New Idaho Legislature Changing Things Up

Dems will lose committee seats. 

The loss of four legislative seats was disappointing for Idaho Democrats, but the results of last week’s presidential race may have greater influence over what gets done – or not done – next session.

Several key lawmakers discussed the election results during a stop at Lewis-Clark State College Monday. Their visit was part of an Idaho Chamber Alliance tour of the region. The three-day event ends today with visits to the University of Idaho and several Moscow businesses.

When the 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 9, Democrats will control 11 seats in the House and six seats in the Senate – down three and one, respectively, from last session. That’s the fewest number of seats they’ve held in either body since 2002.

Given the results, Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, and House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said Democrats are sure to lose seats on various committees. The details won’t be finalized until an organizational meeting takes place Dec. 1, but they could drop from four to three seats on the joint budget committee, and will likely lose one or two seats on other committees as well.

Crane, for example, noted that five House committees meet every morning. Democrats had two seats on Health and Welfare and the joint budget committee, three seats on Education and Revenue and Taxation, and four seats on State Affairs. With only 11 members available next session, however, that means they’ll drop to two per committee, plus a third on one.

In the Senate, Democrats currently have two seats on every committee, including the joint budget committee. Hill has a plan to change that, but hasn’t shared it yet with Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, so he declined to discuss the details.

Via LMT

Right-Mind