State Senator Nuxoll's weekly legislative report
Week 6: Feb 16 – 20 2015
Time Sensitive Emergency system Correction:  I have changed my opinion and agree that this is a win-win for Idaho. The Time Sensitive Emergency System actually reduces federal regulations for the state by changing the system to a state program instead of a federal program.  These rules are only for trauma, since there are no rules set for heart attacks and strokes yet. These hospitals and clinics will pay a reduced fee to the state rather than the expensive fee to the national program. I have been assured that no small hospital will be by-passed as the rules require that the ambulance go to the closest appropriate hospital for trauma.   
JFAC:   The budget was set for a 5.5% increase with a planned 7.4% increase for education.   Priorities for the Senate Education committee presented to the JFAC Committee are: 1) a significant increase in salaries for educational staff 2) operational spending to maximize district flexibility 3) professional development to help teachers grow in knowledge and skills 4) increase in broadband services and classroom technology 5) opportunities for students to get dual credit and college and career counseling. 
GAS TAX:  Feedback on the gas tax favored a gas tax increase with money going back to the counties for roads and bridges.   Former Senator Russ Fulcher has suggested not increasing gas tax but paying for transportation needs out of general funds to force the state to prioritize and help identify unnecessary demands by the agencies.   I think that this is excellent advice.   Or we could also put a sunset on the gas tax increase.
Idaho Education Network (IEN) -  On February 11, 2015, a state district court found the 2009 IEN contracts void.   School districts are aware that IEN services may cease to be available on or before the end of February.  School districts are being asked to immediately begin negotiating for their own broadband services.
The state’s Office of Performance Evaluation has repeatedly noted many challenges and technical hurdles for the student data system that have been ignored.  There is a lack of faith in this system that requires so much time and work for our local school districts and teachers.
LOGGING OPPORTUNITIES:   a meeting with Shoshone County and Benewah Commissioners, Forest Service, Department of Lands, Senator Crapo’s office, and myself advanced some small scale logging and restoration projects forward in the St. Joe River drainage area.  Of Idaho’s 20 million acres of forest, 1.8 million have been highlighted by the 2014 Farm bill for restoration projects.  Six of those projects in District 7 will help forest health and decrease the risk of mortality due to disease, insects, and fires.  The hope is to start this year for logging job opportunities, health for forests, stewardship of forests, and revenue for the counties. 
 Annexation bill, S1093, will be heard before the Local Government and Taxation committee on Tuesday at 3:00 MST.  The opposition to continue allowing cities to annex 99 parcels or less without a vote is strong by many city officials supporting government.    I support the right of citizens to have a voice in annexation.
Health and Welfare:   Medicaid Expansion is not expected this year according to Senate Chairman Lee Heider.  Optum, the national firm hired by the department of Health and Welfare for mental health, is not allocating money for PSR and CBRS services previously provided, causing problems for many mental health providers who are asking for a new contract with a different provider.   I believe that there are serious issues with Optum, just like the IEN issues.  I suggest a local provider.    
HB 154, the Physician Physical Presence Bill will be voted on Monday in the House of Representatives State Affairs committee.   The purpose of this bill is to require the physical presence of the doctor when performing a chemical abortion.   I am the sponsor of this bill.   
~ Senator Nuxoll 

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522
 

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