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Doyle Beck, Legislative District Chair 32, contributor Things are starting to move faster at the Legislature, and I encourage you to pay close attention, not necessarily to what you read in the media but to the actual bills being introduced and considered by our lawmakers. Here is a link to all the bills being considered. It is updated every day the Legislature is in session. Here is a link to the Idaho Freedom Foundation's bill analysis page and scorecard. Here is the same information only from the view of the big business lobby, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. Now, today I want to tell you about Senate Bill 1057. This bill would require every cell phone and tablet in the state to come preloaded with an automatically activated pornography filter. The Freedom Foundation's Wayne Hoffman has written an article explaining why he believes this bill is bad for families and privacy. Meanwhile, Trent Clark has written an article in support. Read up and decide what you think, then let your legislators know. On Wednesday or Thursday, the Senate will consider Senate Bill 1038, which would create a universal education choice program in Idaho much like what other Red states are doing. If you still haven't weighed in on this bill, now is the time to do so. Lawmakers are starting to set budgets for state agencies. If you'd like lawmakers to vote for smaller or bigger government, or to get a handle on certain spending that you find objectionable, or perhaps you want certain increases in agency appropriations, now is the time to let that be known as well. Finally, if there's legislation you want to hear more about, let me know and I'll be sure to include it in my next update.

A North Idaho contractor was asked to allow men into women's restrooms in order to sign a Bonner County Solid Waste public works contract. Yes, I am serious. This is the result of an Obama era executive order. My Senate Bill 1016 has passed the senate 28-7 (all Republicans in favor, all Democrats against). We have a hearing on it in the House State Affairs committee on Monday morning and hope to see it pass the House and be signed into law. It will prevent Idaho counties, cities and public agencies from requiring public works contractors to accommodate people in multi-use restrooms, shower rooms and locker rooms on any basis other than biological sex. This applies only to the facilities owned or controlled by the contractor - in other words, jobsite facilities or facilities at the contractor's own shop or buildings he owns. 4) My Senate Bill 1036 passed the Senate unanimously and is over in the House. It removed 2/3 of the detailed regulations on raw milk production - regulations that were outdated, and the bill removes a criminal penalty from violations of the raw milk statute and replaces it with a civil penalty. There is no need for the government to be heavy handed with raw milk sales. As I've said, for thousands of years of human history, raw milk was just called "milk". I actually had good cooperation from the Idaho Dairyman's Association on this bill (they represent the traditional Grade A dairies, which is a huge industry in Idaho). 5) My Senate Bill 1005 will require licensed daycare facilities to disclose Idaho's vaccine exemptions (you can exempt your child from vaccine requirements for Medical, religious or any other reason) any time the daycare facilities communicate to parents about the vaccine requirements. The bill is now over in the House. Transparency is always good. SB 1005 passed the senate 35-0. I ran this bill with the ladies at Health Freedom Idaho, whom I have known for years. More are coming. My marriage license repeal bill will likely be up on the senate floor next week - yes, it will actually eliminate marriage licensing in Idaho and replace it with a marriage certificate as a recording of the marriage. The bill is Senate Bill 1025. I have two CPS related bills underway. We have a hearing on House Bill 66 today at 1:30 PM MST in House Judiciary and Rules. The bill will make it a misdemeanor crime to knowingly file a false report alleging child abuse, neglect or abandonment. My Senate Bill 1106 will require the department of health and welfare to notify parents being investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) of their legal rights in a CPS investigation. These rights include: (a) Refuse to answer questions; (b) Consult with an attorney and have an attorney present during an in investigation; (c) Refuse entry to their home or other real property; and (d) Refuse the questioning of any minor children in their home or on their property, unless there is an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing a particular entry or particular questioning or examination. We passed a similar bill in the Idaho House in 2019, but it died in the Senate. This year the department is in agreement with the bill, and the Fraternal Order of Police are neutral, though they see no problem with the bill. I am carrying other legislation regarding informed consent for medical care at public health districts, election integrity, and there are now bills preventing library porn to minors, transgender surgery on minors and a bathroom bill protecting our public schools from having to allow biological males in female restrooms and locker rooms and vice versa. I will cover these in my next newsletter this Sunday, and then I will have an Idaho budget update the middle of next week. Monday, I will update you on my enhanced Stand Your Ground bill, Senate Bill 1004. We have 33 co-sponsors - fully 32% of the Idaho Legislature, and now we want Senator Jim Guthrie to give it a hearing in Senate State Affairs. If you want to write him, please be kind, tell him you are a citizen co-sponsor of the bill and want him to schedule a hearing for SB 1004. Thank you! In liberty, Scott

Doyle Beck, LD 32 Chair,, contributor House Bill 71, which would prohibit genital mutilation in children, passed the House very easily with just one Republican opposed (Matt Bundy of Mountain Home). It now goes to the Senate. Senate Bill 1038, which would create a universal education choice opportunity for students in Idaho passed the Senate Education Committee 6-3 with chairman David Lent voting with the Democrats in opposition to the legislation. It now goes to the Senate floor for consideration. Lots of items are racing through the state Legislature, and I thought I’d take this moment to point out some of them that I haven’t had time to go over previously. House Bill 12 would prevent state agencies from using public dollars to sponsor organization events, except with the express permission of the governor. This came up last year when it was discovered that Idahoans were paying to sponsor “Pride” events in Boise and Coeur d’Alene. However, it’s a practice that’s been going on much longer. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry opposes the bill while the Idaho Freedom Foundation is neutral on it because the group disagrees with the idea that the governor should be able to sign off on sponsoring organization events. (By the way, I can’t include a link to IACI’s analysis of bills it supports or opposes because it only provides a note on its website of which bills are supported or opposed). House Bill 27 would prevent employees from being fired for not receiving a covid vaccine. The Freedom Foundation supports the legislation while IACI opposes it. Both the Freedom Foundation and IACI oppose a bill that would let cities set their own minimum wage. It’s House Bill 48, and it has yet to have had a hearing in committee. The two groups are also in agreement on House Bill 74, which would make it easier for folks from out of state to become licensed in their occupations in Idaho. Finally, for today, the Freedom Foundation is supportive of House Bill 75, which would tighten down on the use of absentee ballots in elections. IACI is opposed to the bill.

Doyle Beck, contributor I have been critical of Frank VanderSloot for his past support of leftist causes/organizations/candidates. But today, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Frank for opposing House Bill 24, the bill that would create Gov. Brad Little’s “Idaho Launch” scholarship of $8,500 for every high school graduate. In his letter to state senators who will now consider the bill (having passed the House 36-34), Frank wrote that the bill is “rightly labeled a liberal bill” and worried that the measure would lead to a lot of government waste and cronyism. “Whenever you give money away with no requirements, it has little chance of producing any desired result,” he wrote. He noted that “special interests will have total control of what industries receive the $100 million” expected to be spent under the legislation. An unelected, unaccountable board (the Workforce Development Council) would decide where the money goes and to which professions, Frank noted. Since the vote in the House of Representatives, questions have lingered over comments from a lead sponsor of the legislation that the bill will help a company – a huge donor of Gov. Little’s – hire welders, creating a pay-to-play cloud over the proposal, intentionally or unintentionally. Much of Frank’s letter mirrors the Republican Platform and supports the cautions spelled out by conservatives in the House of Representatives who warned the program will get unbearably expensive quickly and is predicated on the ideas of a centralized, socialized economy. Of the 59 House Republicans, 34 opposed the legislation with 25 liberal Republicans teaming up with the 11 Democrats to pass the bill in the House (36-34). So it's important to note the majority of House Republicans do not support this legislation. Frank’s decision to take this position is no doubt not easy. The governor wants this bill to pass badly. He talked about it in his State of the State address in January. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry supports it; the group’s president spoke in favor of the bill when it was considered by the House Education Committee. Until Frank came out in opposition, only the Idaho Freedom Foundation was on record opposing the legislation. I hope others will follow suit of Frank’s willingness to take on the governor over a key piece of his policy, it is very refreshing, because it’s the right thing to do. Let Frank know that you appreciate his bold stance in defense of Idaho taxpayers, our free-market economy, and the cause of liberty.

Carolyn Harrison, contributor 2023 STATE OF IDAHO LEGISLATIVE BILLS/PROGRAMS TO WATCH February 13, 2023 “Empowering Parents Grant” – The FY2023 “Leading Idaho” Budget provides $50 million for “Empowering Parents Grants” to help families take charge of education expenses for their children. This builds off Governor Little’s previous 2022 “Empowering Parents Grant” program. SB1038 – The “Education Freedom Act” – This bill will create a universal education savings (ESA) account school-choice program in Idaho. A Senate Education Committee hearing on this bill will take place on February 14, 2023. IPEC is part of this bill’s “Coalition of Support” letter and sent out a “Call-to-Action” email on February 8, 2023, to over 1,000 parents and interested parties, to support this bill. Co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Nichols and Senator Brian Lenney. HB71 - “Vulnerable Child Protection Act” – This bill amends existing bill HB114 and was introduced in the House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee on February 7, 2023. The new bill prohibits sex change procedures for all children in Idaho, just passed out of House Committee, and is now on its way to the House floor. A similar bill was introduced in 2022; however, the Senate State Affairs Committee did not give it a hearing. On Feb. 14 it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. Contact your Senators! Co-sponsored by Representative Bruce Skaug and Senator Lori Den Hartog. HB24 – This bill would expand the Idaho Launch Program to include an $8,500 scholarship for graduating Idaho high school seniors, beginning in 2024. The bill passed the House on February 6, 2023, by a 36 to 34 vote and will now be moving on to the Senate. RS (Routing Slip) 30092 – Senator Lori Den Hartog introduced this draft (possible) bill legislation to increase financing of public Charter Schools. RS30094 – Senator Lori Den Hartog introduced this draft (possible) bill legislation to implement a new financing tool for Charter Schools. SB1042 - Sponsored by Senator Lori Den Hartog and Senator Chuck Winder, SB1042 amends existing law to exempt certain public charter schools from having to demonstrate strong academic results to qualify for the Public Charter School Facilities Program and to revise a limitation on issuing bonds under the Public Charter School Facilities Program. SB1043 – Sponsored by Senator Lori Den Hartog and Senator Chuck Winder, this bill repeals and adds to existing law to remove the Public Charter School Debt Reserve Fund and to provide for a revolving loan fund. SJR102 (Senate Joint Resolution) – Proposed the Blaine Amendment for the Idaho State Constitution be repealed. Blaine Amendment prohibits tax dollars to be distributed to sectarian entities, including schools with religious purposes. Two U.S. Supreme Court rulings struck down this Amendment; SJR102 officially strikes down the Blaine Amendment in Idaho. Children’s School and Library Protection Act – This legislation was introduced on February 13, 2023, in the House State Affairs Committee. This bill will create a statewide policy that prohibits schools and libraries from distributing pornographic material to minor children. Any violation of the policy would result in civil liability for the offending institution. Co-sponsored by Senator Cindy Carlson and Representative Jaron Crane. 2023 STATE OF IDAHO LEGISLATIVE BILLS/PROGRAMS TO WATCH February 13, 2023 Protecting the Privacy and Safety of Students in Schools – This legislation o Ensures that public schools maintain separate bathroom and changing facilities for biological boys and biological girls, and o Provides that public schools offer reasonable accommodations — like single-occupancy facilities — to any student who is unwilling or unable to use the facility designated for their biological sex. The Senate Education Committee introduced this new legislation today; a full committee hearing is forthcoming. Co-sponsored by Senator Ben Adams and Representative Ted Hill. Also, keep an eye on S 1009 regarding health rights, and S 1029 dealing with removal of a child from parental custody based on immunization status. LOCAL VOTES On March 14, 2023 there will be a vote for a six million eight hundred thousand ($6,800,000) supplemental levy in Bonneville School District 91. Voting in FAVOR of the levy will maintain the current tax. A vote AGAINST the levy could lower taxes. Remember to go vote on March 14!

Doyle Beck, contributor Some quick notes on legislation making their way through the Idaho Statehouse: House Bill 71, which would prohibit surgeries and hormone therapies on children, is set to be heard in the House on Tuesday. Senate Bill 1038, which would create a universal education savings account, allowing K-12 students to attend the school of their choice, is expected to be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Don’t forget that you can sign up to testify on this legislation by going to legislature.idaho.gov and clicking on the link for the Senate Education Committee. I’ve been watching Senate Bill 1057, because it would require cell phones and tablets sold in Idaho to have an internet filter installed to prevent kids from accessing bad stuff online. The problem with this legislation is that it puts government in charge of our kids instead of parents. Here’s Idaho Freedom Foundation’s analysis of the legislation. Here’s what Trent Clark (former IACI chairman) had to say in support of it. House Bill 24, which would send $8,500 to every high school graduate who signs up for for training for “in demand” careers is awaiting a hearing in the Senate. It passed the House 36-34. The Idaho Freedom Foundation opposes it and IACI supports it. My understanding is that the Senate GOP is caucusing on the bill Tuesday and that a hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee will follow at some point.

Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 2-9-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. BONNEVILLE’S BEST Bonneville’s Best is a chance to recognize the good things happening in our community. Do you know a person or business that is making a positive difference? Please send your short story (one or two small paragraphs) to BonnevilleGOP.info@gmail.com. During the County Commissioner meeting the Zoning and Planning came with a report, and brought to Commissioner Byron Reed, and Commissioner Jon Walker’s attention that a contractor had laid down a road that did not follow the standards set forth on the standards of the county specifically the temperature allowed for pouring asphalt. All were in agreement that Planning and Zoning needed to hold the contractor to the county standards so that we the tax payers do not have to re-do the work at tax payer expense. Well done Commissioners! CITY Dawna Howard, contributor · Airport getting funds from Leading Idaho Initiative for $215,000 to replace a chiller in the terminal · A budget/finance update · Cassiopeia Parks Subdivision hearing (not public) located between Skyline and Saturn Off Broadway (Lola and Dobson street). I believe this is just expanding in the area they have all ready built town homes (off Dobson Street). · The work meeting on Monday has a 5 page agenda both from Parks and Rec requesting funds for Tautphaus Park tennis court and road work being redirected to the soccer complex development project. AND request for building a tubing park at Ryder Park. SCHOOLS 2023 STATE OF IDAHO LEGISLATIVE BILLS/PROGRAMS TO WATCH February 10, 2023 “Empowering Parents Grant” – The FY2023 “Leading Idaho” Budget provides $50 million for “Empowering Parents Grants” to help families take charge of education expenses for their children. This builds off Governor Little’s previous 2022 “Empowering Parents Grant” program. SB1038 – The “Education Freedom Act” bill will create a universal education savings (ESA) account school- choice program in Idaho. A Senate Education Committee hearing on this bill will take place on February 14, 2023. IPEC is part of this bill’s “Coalition of Support” letter and sent out a “Call-to-Action” email on February 8, 2023, to over 1,000 parents and interested parties, to support this bill. Co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Nichols and Senator Brian Lenney. “Vulnerable Child Protection Act” – This bill amends existing bill HB114 and was introduced in the House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee on February 7, 2023. The new bill prohibits sex change procedures for all children in Idaho. A similar bill was introduced in 2022; however, the Senate State Affairs Committee did not give it a hearing. Co-sponsored by Representative Bruce Skaug and Senator Lori Den Hartog. HB24 – This bill would expand the Idaho Launch Program to include an $8,500 scholarship for graduating Idaho high school seniors, beginning in 2024. The bill passed the House on February 6, 2023, by a 36 to 34 vote and will now be moving on to the Senate. RS (Routing Slip) 30092 – Senator Lori Den Hartog introduced this draft (possible) bill legislation to increase financing of public Charter Schools. RS30094 – Senator Lori Den Hartog introduced this draft (possible) bill legislation to implement a new financing tool for Charter Schools. SB1042 - Sponsored by Senator Lori Den Hartog and Senator Chuck Winder, SB1042 amends existing law to exempt certain public charter schools from having to demonstrate strong academic results to qualify for the Public Charter School Facilities Program and to revise a limitation on issuing bonds under the Public Charter School Facilities Program. SB1043 – Sponsored by Senator Lori Den Hartog and Senator Chuck Winder, this bill repeals and adds to existing law to remove the Public Charter School Debt Reserve Fund and to provide for a revolving loan fund. SJR102 (Senate Joint Resolution) – Proposed the Blaine Amendment for the Idaho State Constitution be repealed. Blaine Amendment prohibits tax dollars to be distributed to sectarian entities, including schools with religious purposes. Two U.S. Supreme Court rulings struck down this Amendment; SJR102 officially strikes down the Blaine Amendment in Idaho. Neighboring States’ School-Choice Legislation to Watch: Wyoming HB194 – Legislators have already moved this school-choice legislation through one chamber. Washington HB1615 – This ESA bill is scheduled for executive session on February 9, 2023. Utah HB215 – On February 3, 2023, Utah joined Iowa’s 2023 expansion of school-choice Education Savings District 93 December 14, 2022 notes · Several discussions ensued during the course of the meeting relative to the importance of parents in all facets of the District’s activities. · Page Two of Agenda, “IX. Superintendent Reports and Recommendations”; Dr. Woolstenhume recommended changing the wording of “COVID” Plan (which he stated came from the Federal Government to the State to the District) to “Respiratory Illness Plan”, since there is a multitude of other respiratory illnesses (flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV], etc.) affecting the students in the District at the current time. · Board member, Randy Smith, recommended adding “religion” to the State’s (Federal’s) discrimination clause

Doyle Beck, LD 32, contributor I just wanted to remind everyone that House Bill 71, which would prohibit medical procedures intended to alter children's sex characteristics, is up for a hearing in the House Judiciary and Rules Committee on Tuesday at 1:30 pm. You can look at the bill here. Remote testimony is being accepted so you don't need to drive all the way to Boise if you want to be heard. Simply click this link to have your say. House Bill 24, which would create a grant program for Idaho high school seniors, passed the House today by just two votes. It moves to the Senate now. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry is for it, and the Idaho Freedom Foundation is against it. Finally, I'm told that a universal school choice will will be heard in the Senate Education Committee a week from Tuesday. Read the bill here. As I mentioned before, a lot of public school groups like the teachers union and school boards are against it, but it has a lot of support from conservative organizations and parent groups. -- doyle

Doyle Beck, LD 32, contributor I want to draw your attention to another bill in the Idaho Legislature. House Bill 71 would stop Idaho children from being subjected to surgeries and drugs to “change” a person’s gender. Read the bill, and then please consider adding your testimony to that of others when it comes up for debate in the House Judiciary and Rules Committee, possibly in the next several days. If you’re not sure whether this is an area of concern, I’d encourage you to watch the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s Capitol Clarity program, featuring Chloe Cole. Chloe is an 18-year-old woman who was encouraged to “become a boy” when she was 12. Now, She’s on a crusade to save other children from similar fates. The Idaho Freedom Foundation has also reported that the state of Idaho has been quietly subsidizing pre-kindergarten programs over objections of the Legislature. Some of the organizations receiving the money have been involved in promoting wokeism. There is another difference of opinion between the IFF and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry on a bill moving through the Legislature. House Bill 46 would present urban renewal districts from reaping the benefits of a data center located within its borders. IACI opposes the bill because it would give less government incentive for data centers to locate in an urban renewal zone. The IFF supports the bill for that reason, and because it would potentially lower taxes for the overall property owners in a taxing district. The bill barely passed committee Thursday and is headed to the House floor.

An update on a couple of fronts: The Senate Education Committee has finally introduced a universal school choice bill. The Idaho Freedom Foundation is in favor of it, and you can read the organization’s articles on the subject. There’s also a six minute video you can watch that provides a more personal perspective. The proposal is Senate Bill 1038. On the other hand, Idaho Business for Education has written extensively in opposition, the most recent and comprehensive of the organization’s positions was posted online this week. It’s important that you consider the pros and cons of education choice, and let your lawmakers know your opinions. Last week, I wrote about House Bill 24. This is the bill that would create a scholarship program for all Idaho high school seniors, in the amount of $8,500. It has passed the House Education Committee and is on the way to debate on the House floor. Here, you can watch the video of testimony from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, in opposition, and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, in support.

Idaho’s House of Representatives will very soon debate a proposal from Gov. Brad Little that would create a scholarship program for high school students. Students would be eligible for up to $8,500 “to be redeemed at the workforce training provider, career technical program, community college, or college of their choice,” according to the bill’s statement of purpose. “Preference will be given to students pursuing in-demand careers based on job market data.” The program would cost taxpayers $102 million in its first year. The Idaho Statesman voiced its support for the program, and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry retweeted the newspaper’s endorsement of it. Supporters of this idea say that this would help students move more seamlessly into the college or career of their choice, saving them money along the way. Little himself said, during his State of the State speech, that the scholarship “will be the single largest investment in career technical and workforce education in state history,” Opponents, including the Idaho Freedom Foundation, said the plan is socialist and represents a massive wealth redistribution program. The IFF also said it’s much less a “scholarship” program as it is a cleverly-disguised corporate welfare program, forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for training that corporations should pay for on their own. (IFF Bill Rating) House Bill 19 was introduced to create this new program, and it was sent to the House Education Committee, which it is not expected to advance. A new version of the bill, House Bill 24, is the version that the governor’s office is trying to advance. It makes some subtle changes from the original proposal. House Bill 24 is expected to be heard in the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee in the near future. What do you think? Now’s a good time to let your legislators know. Visit our Legislative District page and Bill Tracker for contacts and to testify remotely.

Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 1-12-2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. BONNEVILLE’S BEST Bonneville’s Best is a chance to recognize the good things happening in our community. Do you know a person or business that is making a positive difference? Please send your short story (one or two small paragraphs) to BonnevilleGOP.info@gmail.com. Submitted by Beverly Kingsford If you are lucky like me, you have a snow angel. Several years ago, while I was recovering from double hip surgery in Pocatello, snow angels showed up on my very long, steep, and snowy driveway to lend a hand to my husband, who already had his hands full helping me through a difficult recovery. I was so touched that these wonderful angels showed up, unsolicited, to lighten our burden. Fast forward to 2023 and it seems my angels followed me to Idaho Falls. Jim Harris, a quiet and unassuming man, is sure to be seen in our neighborhood every time the snow falls. I am often consumed at my desk with work, but I can tell if the weather is snowy because I hear Jim out on his razor clearing our neighborhood roads (that do not get plowed by the county) and even clearing off my driveway. Angels veiled in flesh do exist. Thank you to all the snow angels looking out for their friends and neighbors during our wonderful Idaho winters! CITY IDAHO FALLS – The 2023 annual Idaho Falls State of the City Address is just around the corner. The Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors® (GIFAR) is hosting the City of Idaho Falls and Mayor Rebecca Casper for the address. The community is invited to the meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., where Mayor Casper will deliver her address. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites at 2005 South Fork Boulevard in Idaho Falls. The address is being held in conjunction with a luncheon with meal tickets on sale for $50 at https://2023IdahoFallsStateoftheCity.eventbrite.com. There will also be seats for those who want to attend but not participate in the luncheon. The address will also be live-streamed on City of Idaho Falls’ social media pages. The City of Idaho Falls recently hired Corrin Wilde to serve as City Clerk. SCHOOLS Immediate opening for District 91 school board https://www.eastidahonews.com/2023/01/applications-now-being-accepted-after-d91-school-board-chair-resigns/ Submitted by Carolyn Harrison As I was looking for some data about District #91's and District #93's test scores from the Idaho Freedom Foundation's "Liberty in Education and Academic Development" (LEAD) interactive map. https://idahofreedom.org/LEAD-map/ I wanted to make sure all of you knew of this relatively new (objective-information) opportunity to see what's going on in education in the State of Idaho. If you go to the map, you will see it supplies data relating to: IRI (Idaho Reading Indicator) percentage at grade level; ISAT (Idaho Standards Achievement Tests) percentage proficient in English and language arts (ELA); ISAT percentage proficient in math; Statewide percentages in math and reading (4th and 8th grades); Spending/student; Superintendents’ respective salaries; Rainy-day fund amount; Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) personnel; Critical Social Justice (CSJ) incidents; and Nearby Alternative Schools PLANNING & ZONING Submitted by Kathy Kula Meeting notes from 1/03/2023 1. The commission has new members. First item of business was to elect the chair and vice chair. The new chair is Margaret Wimborne and vice chair Glen Ogden. Both have been a part of this committee before. 9 members present. One of the seats is filled by a city impact person. This is to cover areas outside of the city but in the path of growth. 5 members needed for a quorum. 2. The only item of business was to approve the final plat of Lambson Automotive located north of Sunnyside Rd, east of Interstate 15, west of Pioneer Dr. It is 4.05 acres. It was approved pending the condition of shared use of path on Sunnyside Rd. 3. The rest of the meeting was training for the new board. The training was conducted by Kerry Beutler, Caitlin Long, David Peterson and Bryan Stevens. Kerry is the only certified planner. All are city employees. a. ImagineIF is the plan that is used. It may be accessed at ImagineIF.city. This is considered a living document and reviewed every 5 years. This drives the zone map and development decisions. b. The purpose of the committee is to examine proposals, applications, annexations and petitions and make recommendations to the city council. Preliminary plats are decided upon and city council is the final decision. c. As far as petitions go, it was stated that usually there are about 150 signers of a petition. Since generally those signers are not aware of all or correct information, petitions are given very little weight. d. The committee does more of the planning and zoning review than the city council does. e. ID Redevelopment Agency is funded through tax increment financing. Currently 3 new redevelopment districts being looked at. f. There is a shade tree committee. This is important to manage the current trees as well as make sure there are enough trees to provide shade for the asphalt to increase its life. g. It was stated that they want to get people out of cars and on bikes and walking in order to fix the continued increase in traffic. h. Historic preservation is a volunteer board. They have long range plans, and it is funded by the state preservation grants as wells as federal parks and recreation. i. Board of adjustments is where one can appeal code or decision by the city. Conditional use permits, school and religious uses, variances in ordinances. j. A question was asked if the actual site could be visited or neighborhood meetings regarding issues could be attended. It was stated that the decision on any development must be made solely from the information provided in the packets submitted to the committee from the city planners. This is to avoid undue influence. However, it was stated that the committee members should drive the city and familiarize themselves with areas. k. Builders will often hold neighborhood meetings when rezone or PUD is involved. However, these have not proven to be very helpful. Sometimes the developer promises things that can’t be delivered. l. If a development meets the minimum standards, it must be approved. My opinion is that it is crucial to have the right people on this committee. It is truly a check and balance for the city employed planners as well as the city council.