BOISE - Improving education, raising the minimum wage and adopting tighter restrictions on lobbying are among the legislative priorities Idaho Democrats have for the 2015 legislative session.
Meeting with reporters a day after the State of the State address, Democratic lawmakers commended Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter for many of his proposals, suggesting he's "beginning to see the wisdom of our approach."
Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, said she was excited to hear the governor recommend a $101 million bump in kindergarten through 12th grade education funding. She also applauded his proposals for workforce development and economic development.
"It sounds like we're all on the same page," she said. "In the hallways after the (State of the State), there were a lot of issues we found we were all in agreement on. We may differ on the nuances or details, but to be on the same page regarding the basic initiatives is encouraging."
House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said his caucus is also supportive of legislation being crafted by House State Affairs Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, which would adopt financial disclosure requirements for lawmakers.
Rusche encouraged the Legislature to take transparency and accountability a step further by prohibiting special interests from lobbying the executive branch while a contract is being developed, and closing "the revolving door" that lets state employees retire and immediately begin lobbying their former co-workers.
Democrats are also hoping to garner support to raise the minimum wage and to pay state employees a livable wage.
"Pay for state employees is 19 percent below market, requiring many to rely on food stamps and government programs," Rusche said. "No full-time state employee should need welfare to support a family."
While Democrats may not have the numbers to drive the legislative agenda, he said, their values are still helping shape the priorities. Education funding, for example, has been something they've pushed for years.
"We're working on the long game," Rusche said. "We can't drive legislation, but we're getting information out to Idaho citizens so they can start calling (Republicans) into account."
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Spence may be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.
