Week Four of Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session

Dear Readers,
We’re now four weeks into the legislative session and as things pick up, we continue to see uncertainty with the new JFAC budget process, a slew of personal bills and a multitude of education and healthcare issues. The Chamber’s Policy Committee convenes on a weekly basis as the session continues and is focused on ensuring our business community’s voice is heard. Below are some highlights of legislation the Policy Committee has reviewed so far.

Education Issues

• Idaho Launch has been a huge discussion as well as a huge priority for the Chamber. This program would enable high school graduates to enroll in a training or education program that aligns with an in-demand career, covering 80% percent (or up to $8,000) of tuition. Over $12,000 students applied for this opportunity. We encourage folks to reach out to their legislators to show support for this program. For more information, please visit: https://idaholaunch.com
• In the Governor’s State of the State address, he proposed $2 billion be invested into school building and facility maintenance. This would create a positive impact on our local communities and will potentially offer property tax relief to Idahoans. 
• The second episode of our virtual Legislative Update Series hosted Representative Julie Yamamoto, Chair of House Education, to discuss the top education issues.   ​

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Healthcare Issues 

• There is currently an attempt to repeal Medicaid expansion. House Bill 419 requires certain conditions that Idaho Medicaid must meet, or expansion will be eliminated in July 2025. Requirements include an enrollment cap of 50,000 (currently at over 90,000), work requirements and more.  ​For more information, check out Idaho Capital Sun’s article 

Federal Issues 

• The Corporate Transparency Act went into effect January 1st, 2024. The CTA aims to combat tax fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing by requiring certain U.S. businesses to submit a “Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)” Report to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is intended to prevent illegal activities, safeguarding national security and economic integrity. To learn more, read this article by the U.S Chamber.  
• Senator Mike Crapo’s Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act legislation currently has 60 co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate. This bill allows Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening. We’re grateful for Senator Crapo’s leadership and all the work he continues to do for Idaho stakeholders! To learn more about this legislation and Senator Crapo’s work, you can visit his website or read this article from the Idaho Statesman.  

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Call to Action 

• Contact your legislators to show your gratitude, concerns, or perspective! Who is my Legislator is a great resource to look at districts and get to know your legislators. 
• Show your support for Idaho Launch – post on social media, contact your legislators, or host a topic expert (Idaho Workforce Development Council, Governor’s Office, etc.) to share the details of the program! ​

Upcoming Legislative Events 

• Our third installment of our virtual Legislative Update Series is scheduled for February 13th at 12pm. Senator Lori Den Hartog and Representative Brooke Green will join us to discuss the policy and funding aspects of transportation. This series is sponsored by Optum Idaho and will broadcast on all of our social media channels or watch on YouTube here.  
• Join us on Wednesday, February 21st at 8am for our Congressional forum with Representative Russ Fulcher. You can learn more about this event and register here.

If you have any questions or legislation you would like the Chamber to considering weighing in on, please contact me at [email protected] ​

Sincerely,
Tori Thomas
Community and Government Affairs Manager, Boise Metro Chamber