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Dear Friends,
Property tax relief is on everyone’s front burner. I have spent several days studying this issue. Residential property taxes have skyrocketed over the last few years. It is obvious that we as taxpayers need relief from these oppressive taxes. I am working on two or three options that I feel would give significant relief and could have the possibility of being passed in both houses and become law.
As the vice chairman of the Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee I have been chairing the committee during the last couple of weeks as we have reviewed more than 500 pages of administrative rules from the State Tax Commission. These were rewrites of all existing rules, which have been reviewed and made more concise. In the process nearly 40,000 words have been eliminated. After several hours of study and discussion, we have now completed that review.
Last week was “education week” at the Capitol. We heard from the presidents of all eight of Idaho’s universities and colleges. They all state that they are collaborating better than ever before. This collaboration has and will enhance such things as credit transfers between higher-education institutions and some economies of scale in distance learning as well as partnerships with business. This collaboration has the potential of doing some really good things for Idaho.
At the request of Governor Little, all four universities have frozen tuition for this next academic year.
Our own community college, the College of Western Idaho, has a relationship with local businesses that has allowed it to use business facilities as instructional centers, decreasing the need for additional brick and mortar structures. This innovative thinking also enhances the ability of students to move smoothly from student to employee when their formal education is completed.
Since Idaho does not have a medical school, the State of Idaho sponsors 40 medical students at the University of Washington and 10 at the University of Utah. Greater than 50% of those students, who also do their residency in Idaho, ultimately establish their medical practice in Idaho. Since Idaho ranks forty-ninth in the nation in the number of doctors per capita, this is important.
These are important issues and there are many others I am studying as I represent you in the Senate. I appreciate the privilege to do so.
Below are some recent activities and highlights taking place in the Idaho Capitol. I hope you enjoy the information. For more details, you can log onto legislature.idaho.gov where you will find bills, committee recordings, and live stream videos of our House and Senate floor sessions. Don't forget to connect with me on my website. I look forward to your involvement.
Sincerely,
C. Scott Grow
C. Scott Grow
sgrow@senate.idaho.gov
Statehouse (208) 332-1334 (Session Only)
Committees:
Local Government & Taxation – Vice Chair
Finance
Judiciary & Rules
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 Idaho vendors from across the state gather on every level of the Capitol Rotunda to meet the community and build a strong Buy Idaho presence.
Idaho business owners from across the state came together this week at the Capitol to participate in the 2020 Buy Idaho event in the rotunda. Buy Idaho is a nonprofit membership organization promoting Idaho products, services, and businesses.
Buy Idaho has supported the state's business community and championed efforts to support Idaho companies grow and prosper over the past three decades. The goal of Buy Idaho is to keep tax dollars in Idaho through business building and community networking as well as increasing job opportunities—and thereby improving the quality of life for all Idahoans. Click here to learn more about Buy Idaho.
Did you know 412 pounds of Idaho potatoes are sold every second and that 311,00 acres of Idaho potatoes are harvested every year? Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including its rich, volcanic soil combined with its excellent climate and irrigation, differentiate Idaho potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.
This week in Boise, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) visited with members of the Legislature to update them on the activities and promotions currently underway at the Commission. Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission is the state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark. The seal assures consumers know they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Click here to view the Idaho Potato Commission website.
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Buzzing in and around the Capitol this week were high school students wearing their traditional blue jackets. Hundreds of Idaho FFA (Future Farmers of America) members from around the state met with Legislators and agricultural industry leaders for their annual Cenarrusa Day on the Hill. This event allows FFA members the opportunity to learn in person how public policy is formed by the Legislature. This experience provided the students a real hands-on experience in talking to Idaho Legislators about what’s going on in the agriculture industry and Idaho as a whole.
Named after Idaho’s former Secretary of State, Pete Cenarrusa, who passed away in 2013, this annual event honors his legacy. Cenarrusa began teaching ag classes at Cambridge and Carey High Schools. He went on to serve in Idaho’s Legislature and in the executive branch of State Government. Pete Cenarrusa served a total of 51 years, making him the longest serving public servant in Idaho’s history.
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Each year, cancer advocates from across the state gather at the Idaho Capitol striving to make a difference in the lives of countless Idahoans. This week, members of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS/CAN) came to the Capitol to visit with lawmakers and educate the public on the role of the ACS/CAN.
The ACS/CAN is a grassroots member organization that gives cancer advocates, survivors, and caregivers the opportunity to shape legislative agendas ensuring awareness of important cancer issues. Click here to learn more about Idaho Cancer Action Center and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
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13th overall and 1st in West in personal income growth
According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Gem State ranked first in the entire Western U.S. in personal income for the third quarter of 2019. Nationwide, Idaho is the thirteenth highest for growth in personal income.
12th lowest unemployment rate
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Idaho is tied for twelfth place for lowest unemployment rate in the nation. The Gem State’s unemployment rate is 2.9 percent.
8th lowest poverty rate
According to the US Census Bureau, Idaho’s poverty rate using the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which factors in government assistance, is the eighth lowest in the nation.
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