THANKS to the Idaho Press-Tribune for giving Democratic lawmakers this opportunity to share news and views with you. For Democratic Party updates throughout the year, please visit your Canyon County Democrats on the web.

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The 2009 Idaho Legislature has finally concluded after 117 days and a cost of more than $3.5 million to taxpayers. After the second-longest session in Idaho Legislative history, many of us are asking "What do Idahoans have to show for it?"

While transportation funding was the Legislature's main hurdle, the economy was the real story of the session. Over the past year, Idaho has gone...read more

Sen. Elliot Werk (District 17, Boise) sent the following message to constituents in his newsletter last weekend. The session is now in its 113th day, and there's no end in sight to the standoff.

The Idaho legislative session is now in its 111th day - the 2nd longest session in history. The conservative Republican Governor is locked in a battle to raise the gas tax in the deepest recession in...read more

The Idaho House adjourned "Sine Die" (without a planned date to meet again) shortly before 9 p.m. on April 29, over the objections of House Democrats

House Minority Leader John Rusche said "I don't believe it's constitutional," and reminded his colleagues that when the Senate attempted to adjourn without concurrence of the House in 1980, they were not permitted to do so...read more

April 28 marks Equal Pay Day in Idaho, the result of a resolution passed by the Idaho Legislature earlier this month. It recognizes the fact that on average, Idaho women must work 16 months to collect the annual wages earned by the typical Idaho man.

Writing in the Idaho Statesman, Democratic lawmakers Anne Pasley-Stuart and Les Bock tell why they introduced the measure:

Pay for women in Idaho has...read more

The Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus sent this statement in response to Gov. Butch Otter's veto of two bills today:

"As elected officials, we are tasked with solving a broad range of problems on behalf of Idaho's citizens. Yet the Governor and other Republican leaders are more interested in power plays than solving problems," Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly said today, after...read more

Here are excerpts from some of the e-mail newsletters that Idaho Democratic lawmakers sent home to their constituents about Week 13 of the 2009 Idaho Legislature. If you would like to receive regular updates from your legislators - Democrat or Republican - be sure to let them know

Rep. Liz Chavez (District 7) - ... Last week there was a glimmer of hope that the slashing of 5 percent across the...read more

Idaho House Democrats today voted to preserve and create transportation jobs through support for GARVEE bonds that will continue transportation funding around Idaho.

"These are projects that are already making a difference in our state," said House Minority Leader John Rusche. "GARVEE spending will improve our roads as well as keep Idahoans working during this recession."

"Like...read more

A majority of Idaho House Democrats voted today against a fuel-tax increase while pledging support for comprehensive transportation solutions and smart use of taxpayer dollars.

"Democrats have been saying since January that this is no time for the state to raise taxes on struggling Idaho families and businesses," House Minority Leader John Rusche said after the vote. Fourteen of the 18...read more

The Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus' "Legislative Listening Tour" will be in Canyon County on Wednesday, April 8. Citizens are invited to come learn how Democrats would represent Canyon County residents on issues including public transportation, education, good-paying jobs and energy independence. The forum is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Langroise Hall on the College of Idaho campus...read more

Here are excerpts from some of the e-mail newsletters that Idaho Democratic lawmakers sent home to their constituents about Weeks 11 and 12 of the 2009 Idaho Legislature. If you would like to receive regular updates from your legislators - Democrat or Republican - be sure to let them know.

Rep. James Rusche (District 7) - Our House Democratic fundraiser is being held this Thursday. This is an...read more

Here are excerpts from some of the e-mail newsletters that Idaho Democratic lawmakers sent home to their constituents about Week 10 of the 2009 Idaho Legislature. If you would like to receive regular updates from your legislators - Democrat or Republican - be sure to let them know.

Rep. John Rusche (District 7) - What many have called our "going home" bill failed on the House Floor...read more

Democrats in the Idaho House voted today to defeat a tax increase sought by Gov. Butch Otter.

"While I agree that Idaho's highways and bridges are in need of repair and we have an investment we need to protect, I disagree with the timing for a tax increase on Idahoans," House Minority Leader John Rusche of Lewiston said after the vote. During floor debate, Rusche said, "We do...read more

In a recent speech on education, President Obama surprised some listeners by saying that the nation needs more charter schools. It's true that, at their best, charter schools can be laboratories of educational innovation. However, many states are struggling with how to fund charter school expansion at a time of shrinking or stagnant budgets for traditional public schools. Boise School District...read more

Here are excerpts from some of the e-mail newsletters that Idaho Democratic lawmakers sent home to their constituents about Week 9 of the 2009 Idaho Legislature. If you would like to receive regular updates from your legislators - Democrat or Republican - be sure to let them know.

Rep. John Rusche (District 7) - Governor Otter announced Wednesday that he will be using all of the American Recovery...read more