Senator Melissa Wintrow
I felt unusually cautious as the session opened this week, probably because we have no required COVID19 safety protocols and there are threats of attacks on Statehouses all over the country. I am doing all I can to take precautions and represent you safely. I really enjoyed the visit from Sen Rabi's service dog!
My Committees:
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House GOP Puts Partisanship Above Personal Safety
A motion to allow for remote testimony was denied Friday in Idaho House of Representatives in a 49-to-11 vote. Rep. Muffy Davis, D-Ketchum, made the motion just after the House convened at 9 a.m. It applied to individuals who have a physical impairment putting them at increased risk of suffering life-threatening consequences if they were to contract COVID-19, like Davis, whose spinal cord injury severely impaired her lung capacity and ability to cough.
"I'M AT A LOSS," is becoming a familiar utterance from me around the Statehouse. I'm deeply disappointed that Rep Davis was denied the opportunity to represent her district in a safe way, AND that no one from the other side of the aisle supported her.
Catch her response on YouTube.
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First Bills Out of the Gate Focus on Power
Keep an eye on House and Senate State Affairs where you can expect GOP members to introduce legislation to curtail the Governor’s ability in emergency situations in favor of placing more authority in the hands of lawmakers meeting once a year.
There are also bills that immediately would end the "emergency declaration," which would also stop the flow of FEMA funds into our state that are used to help Idahoans in a disaster or emergency. It is estimated that Idaho could lose upwards of 100 million dollars of FEMA funds if this were to happen.
I certainly support the balance of power between the three branches of government, but I would feel a lot better if I could trust the majority party to do the right thing and to help everyday folks. The same week these bills were introduced, my old committee, JFAC, voted to put 4 million more dollars into what they call a "constitutional defense" fund that has been nothing more than a waste of millions of dollars. The slush fund of taxpayer dollars is used to fight lawsuits when the majority party knowingly passes unconstitutional laws, like Rep Ehardt's bill that denies transgender athletes the opportunity to participate in high school sports.
Those in leadership positions are facing difficult decisions right now in weighing the inherent freedoms guaranteed to us all against the imperative to keep the public, especially the most vulnerable, safe. I think the balance of co-equal branches is foundational to our functioning democracy and it gives me pause when one branch seeks to give itself more power and authority. When I’m reviewing these bills I will take into consideration these competing interests and do what is best for the most Idahoans as possible.
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Governor's State of the State is a Mixed Bag
During his State of the State address last Monday, the Governor rolled out his "Building Idaho's Future" plan, listing nine categories, using Idaho's one-time surplus and healthy returns from last year's revenues to invest in critical infrastructure and workforce needs. I applaud the plan to invest in transportation (nearly $242 million annually in maintenance needs alone), broadband (for schools, businesses, and Telehealth), education, and workforce training.
It felt promising to hear him specifically mention public transit, like light rail, and Safe Routes to Schools, in his address, a priority I hear from constituents. Here is what I shared with our Committee Chair:
- I hope that leaders in our state can come together to develop a comprehensive plan for transportation that focuses on multi-modal ways to get around and to do so through appropriate financial supports. District 19 includes Boise’s downtown, historic districts, foothills neighborhoods, and historic farmland. Transportation is a big concern for my constituents who want to reduce traffic and to find ways to share the roads to increase livability and enhance community. Public transit is a priority to decrease congestion and increase air quality and health outcomes. There have been substantial roadblocks to include public transit in our plans for the future and I hope we can work on that in the future with COMPASS and other stakeholders to address the needs of our state.
With all that said, the Governor and the Legislature are sitting on over $1 billion of revenues with the Rainy Day Fund and strong tax collections while gouging programs and departments that serve the public, including education. Idaho also received $180 million in internet sales tax revenues, but refuses to give the 11.5% sales tax allotted for local governments at a time when emergency services, schools, and property taxes are stretching people and communities to the breaking point. The first two categories in his plan are tax relief and spending cuts. Disappointingly, tax relief for those in the most desperate economic need, like our working poor and seniors, would only get a one-time benefit, while those who need assistance the least, could receive permanent tax cuts.
The time is NOW to INVEST in our schools and protect one of our biggest ROI's, - Medicaid Expansion that has rescued and stabilized health care for thousands of Idahoans in this crisis.
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Supported by a Great Team
Heidi Pantera is joining me this session as my legislative attache. Heidi will handle scheduling and correspondence, so if you would like to schedule a meeting please can contact her via phone at (208)332-1414 or by email at hpantera@senate.idaho.gov. Most meetings will take place via zoom and constituents that require an in-person meeting will be asked to comply with office COVID protocols including wearing a mask. Heidi has a law degree and serves as a mediator, so her skills will come in handy at the Statehouse!
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I would like to reintroduce you to my intern Nikki Davidson, who helped out during the Fall. She is excited to be graduating from BSU in May with her Bachelor of Social Work and is preparing to attend law school this fall. During the Fall of 2020, Nikki was able to participate in constituent outreach, fair housing research, Get Out the Vote and numerous other projects. Thankfully, she was able to put her social work skills to good use and assist an elderly constituent of mine in the process of finding housing to avoid eviction, coordinating several participating agencies and assisting in part of the final move!
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D19 Townhall Meetings
Along with my colleagues, Rep Necochea and Rep Mathias, I am excited for our upcoming Virtual Townhall Meetings for District 19 constituents. Due to safety concerns and protocols, we will host several meetings on line. We are finalizing details and will have registration information very soon.
Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6pm
Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6pm
Thursday, March 3 at 6pm
Contact my intern for questions: ndavidson@senate.idaho.gov
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