Mike Rush Submits PTE Funding Increase to the Governor

Mike Rush, State Administrator of the Division of Professional Technical Education met with Governor Otter today presenting his departments 2008 Budget Request which entails a substantial increase in PTE funding. The Chamber has responded by sending a letter in support of this request to the Governor and later will do the same to JFAC. Businesses are encourage to contact the Governor and JFAC members to voice your support for PTE funding.

State of the State Address, January 7th

Governor Otter is slated to give his second State of the State/Budget Address January 7th at 2:00 pm pacific time. As per usual the Chamber extends an invitation to a group viewing. This year's viewing will take place at Whisper's Lounge in the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Individuals will be responsible for their own food & drinks.

Urban Renewal Subject of Discussion at Joint Interim Land-Use Study Group Meeting Dec. 20th

The Joint Interim Land-Use Study Group will be convening in Boise December 20th to discuss Urban Renewal. At a previous meeting in December the group heard testimony regarding URA's with word coming out that Rep. Phil Hart of District 3 was entertaining a motion that would recommend legislation that would limit the life of URA districts more than current statute provides. In response the Chamber has submitted a letter for the record indicating our position in support of urban renewal as an effective economic development tool that should not be hindered in its current effectiveness. It seems that the meeting by this Study Group will not be taking testimony during the proceedings tomorrow raising concerns that URA's will be subject to ongoing assaults this legislative session.

Legislative Sendoff Slated For December 13th

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Legislator’s Send-Off Luncheon Thursday, Dec. 13th at the Coeur d’Alene Inn starting at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program consists of a social period with legislators from Districts 3, 4, & 5 beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at noon. Coeur d’Alene and other regional chambers will present their legislative positions, followed by state legislators speaking on key issues facing their districts. Cost for the luncheon is $25. Those interested in attending are asked to register online at www.sendoff.eventbrite.com by December 11th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lucas Braden, Public Affairs Manager, at 415-0109 or lucas@cdachamber.com.