Idaho Government News

Idaho Gov. Otter objects to ESA listing Gov. Butch Otter said the federal government has let down the ranchers and others in Idaho who stepped forward to help a rare flowering bush that grows in the Foothills and in wet areas of Southwest Idaho's desert - even though it was not protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Both Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted with the Republican Party against the health care reform bill.

Speaking Wednesday at the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho annual conference in Boise, Gov.

C.L. ``Butch'' Otter slammed the former Idaho Transportation Department director who is suing the state on whistleblower and gender discrimination claims, calling her ineffective and saying he lost faith in her before she was fired.

Two months before the 2010 Idaho Legislature convenes, the session's bitter tenor is set: Public education funding is due to be slashed again and state agencies now scraping to get by could be eliminated to help cover a remaining $52 million budget shortfall.

It's called Steakhouse Hill for a reason. A stretch of U.S. Highway 95 on Moscow Mountain is a frequent crossing zone for moose, and that's resulted in numerous motorist injuries and animal fatalities.

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says Idahoans who had trouble canceling their Vonage Voice Over Internet Protocol service may be eligible for refunds, as part of a new multistate legal settlement.

Premature birth rates in the Pacific Northwest are among the lowest in the nation, but the March of Dimes says that only earns Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska C's on the organization's premature birth report card.

Since receiving Gov. Butch Otter's memo last week urging state agencies to look more closely for ways to cut budgets, Tom Shanahan with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, says the agency will look again at professional membership dues which have already been cut from last year's $45,000. "We've reduced it by half to some $24,000," he said.

A temporary five-percent surcharge on state income taxes is being proposed. It would affect Idahoans with taxable income of more than $50-thousand dollars.

A Sandpoint couple is speaking out against Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare's adoption policy after their request to adopt the foster son they've raised since birth was denied.

First, a disclaimer: I will try not to universalize my observations from a week spent in Jordan.

Idaho state Rep. Ken Roberts announced this morning that hea s withdrawing from the 1st District congressional race, in which he was vying for the GOP nomination for a chance to challenge 1st District Democratic Rep.

Running man: He's never been to Idaho, but Bay Ridge gadfly William Bryk is running to represent the state in the United States Senate.

The national unemployed rate went up to 10.2% Idaho is not that far behind, with 8.9%. "Mostly just hopeful, there's not a lot out there," said an unemployed Treasure Valley man.

A Republican fundraiser is in jail after law enforcement officials say he violated his probation for felony drunken driving.

Reports of influenza-like illnesses are widespread throughout the state of Idaho.

But when you think about it, religion has never really had a big problem with murder.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has released it's weekly H1N1 report for the Gem State.

" Fired Idaho Transportation Director Pam Lowe says she was forced out after refusing to send unnecessary state work and money to politically connected companies.