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.