Reflecting on another long session

Legislators listen to a question at Monday night’s forum at Fish and Game.

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Story Published: May 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM PDT

Story Updated: May 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - It lasted 117 days and it was just like the founders would have wanted.

That was the opinion of Idaho Senator Joe Stegner at a forum in Lewiston Monday night, ten days after the end of the second longest legislative session in Idaho history.

Others however said the session was too long, as a back and forth regarding transportation funding between Governor Butch Otter and the Idaho House pushed the session 30 days longer than last year.

"I'm disappointed that the public's disappointed, because I don't think the public appreciates what's really happening," said Stegner. "We're really seeing, in my opinion, the very balances of power playing out."

While there was plenty of criticism at the forum of Governor Otter and his move to veto a number of house bills, Stegner said it's what the system was designed for.

"You had to reach consensus, you had to have a lot of consideration before you're going to move forward," said Stegner.

Senator Ken Roberts of Valley County told the attending the forum that while this year was tough, next year will be worse, citing the approval of a number of one-time funds that were granted in response to the economic downturn.

Lewiston Democratic Representative Liz Chavez said not all was conflict at the four-month session. Chavez mentioned House Bill 252, drafted in response to significant cuts in education. Chavez called it hallmark legislation, allowing the Department of Education to have more control over budget cuts.

"They declare the emergency, then all of the folks whose lives are going to be impacted by this in their districts get together, and with the money that they're going to have, they make the decision," said Chavez. "And that's where it should be."

Also attending the forum was Senator Gary Schroeder and Representative Shirley Ringo of Moscow, Senator Lee Heinrich of Cascade, and Representative John Rusche of Lewiston.

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