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Risch Leads Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Owners and Hold ATF Accountable

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

(Senator Risch Press Release, March 2, 2023)

WASHINGTON— U.S Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) today introduced legislation to enhance review fairness, speed, and transparency for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) background check and application processes for National Firearms Act (NFA) items. The ATF Transparency Act will ensure law-abiding gun owners experience a fair and speedy application process when exercising their Second Amendment rights.

“The ATF’s huge backlog of applications is triggered by a burdensome, seemingly endless process that fails to allow citizens access to an appeals process in the event of a wrongful denial. The result: law-abiding Americans are prevented from exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Risch. “As the Biden administration continues to create more and more hurdles for law-abiding gun owners, it is more than fair to demand the ATF stick to a strict timeline for reviewing applications and create an appeals process for rejected applicants. With the ATF Transparency Act, the ATF would be held to a higher standard that would require a faster, fairer process for firearm applications.”

“Lawful gun owners should not be denied their constitutional right to own a firearm because of unchecked bureaucratic rulings,” Crapo said. “This legislation creates a transparent review and appeals process for those who have been improperly flagged by the ATF, giving these individuals the due process they rightly deserve.”

“A case of mistaken identity or incorrect processing of paperwork should not be the end of the road for a law-abiding citizen trying to purchase a firearm. Gun owners in Wyoming who follow the law should have recourse in the event of a denial by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives. Thank you to Senator Risch for introducing the ATF Transparency Act to protect our Second Amendment rights,” said Lummis.

“Law-abiding citizens wrongly denied their rights by this biased ATF during a background check deserve a chance to make their case through an efficient appeals process. With no limits to this administration’s anti-Second Amendment agenda, we must do everything in our power to hold the ATF accountable and make the system fair and transparent. I’m pleased to join Sen. Risch in introducing this important legislation that will do just that,” said Marshall.

 

 

The ATF Transparency Act has received support from Gun Owners of America and National Rifle Association.

“Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Sen. Risch’s legislation to eliminate ATF’s bureaucratic loopholes in the already unconstitutional National Firearms Act. ATF has deceived Congress and the American public with inaccurate NFA approval estimates for far too long. It shouldn’t take a bureaucrat any longer than 90 days to process paperwork, and ATF certainly shouldn’t be denying approval to make or transfer a firearm on day 88 just to skirt that deadline because they didn’t finish a background check on time,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs, Gun Owners of America.

“The ATF Transparency Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will allow individuals the opportunity to appeal their denied application of National Firearms Act items. The ambiguity of denials is an issue that must be resolved and the NRA thanks and applauds Sen. Risch for standing up for all Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” said Brian Calabrese, Managing Director of Federal Affairs for NRA-ILA.

The ATF Transparency Act would:

  • Require the ATF to develop an appeals process to protect law-abiding Americans’ background checks from being wrongfully denied;
  • Require the ATF to process applications within 90 days. If the ATF fails to process the applications after 90 days, applications will be automatically approved; and
  • Require reports by the GAO and DOJ on 1) the number of NFA items involved in unresolved background checks from 2014 to 2021 and outline recommendations to minimize unresolved background checks and 2) the extent of FBI involvement in background checks and require the ATF and FBI develop a joint agreement on the background check process.

 

Guest Column–Brian Almon: The Art of the Possible

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

March 1, 2023

The Art of the Possible

By: Brian Almon

Brian Almon

So I wrote a long piece on universal school choice over the weekend just in time for the bill to fail on the Senate floor. That’s ok, that’s how the political process works. You pick yourself up and get ready for the next battle. It was still worth my time to research and write because it helped me clarify my thoughts on the issue, and I hope it was useful for you as well. For those who disagreed, I hope we continue to find common ground in our shared fight for liberty in the Gem State.

Allow me to tell you a tale of two responses I received to my position on this bill.

One response questioned why I wanted to move so fast. Why not push smaller incremental bills that made minor changes? Perhaps those would have had a better chance of passing. We can’t change too much too fast!

The second response dismissed the bill as pointless. Until public education is entirely reformed or even abolished, nothing will change. The problem is government, so we need to get government out of education.

Consider that both positions opposed SB1038, but for very different reasons. One thought it went too far, the other thought it did not go nearly far enough. That should give you an idea of the range of political discourse in our state. That doesn’t even count the left!

 

 

The great German Chancellor Otto van Bismarck said that “Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable – the art of the next best.” You can rarely get everything you want in politics, because it involved compromise, it involved bringing people on board with your agenda, people who have their own goals and motivations.

The heart of Bismarck’s expression is that if you can’t get everything you want, you must satisfy yourself with the best you can get. For Bismarck that meant a unified German empire that did not include Austria. What does it mean for us?

On the matter of education reform, it looks like SB1038 was a bridge too far, winning only twelve votes in the Senate, six short of a majority. However, that was not a guaranteed outcome. Arizona, Utah, Florida, Iowa, and several other states have already passed similar bills, so it’s not like this was something radical. Idaho is considered to be a very red state, so why shouldn’t we consider the same legislation that has already passed states who are not quite so red?

There are two lessons to take away from that vote. First, it gives us an idea of what our current legislature will accept. Assuming everyone who debated against the bill acted in good faith (which is not always the case) then we can work with them to craft a bill that is acceptable to a majority. Incrementalism – making small changes each year rather than going for everything in one bill – can sometimes work. It’s how the left turned my former home state of Washington, once a libertarian paradise, into a gun control tyranny. On the other hand, it could give lawmakers cover to say we fixed it! and remove enthusiasm for fixing deep problems. We must tread carefully.

The second lesson from the vote on 1038 is that it clearly identifies who should be replaced in the legislature. Many people campaign as conservatives, but once in office they vote to expand government and give away tax dollars to big business, while doing nothing to protect children or give families more flexibility to leave the established system. It doesn’t matter what a candidate says on the campaign trail, or what they write in their newsletters to constituents; what ultimately matters is how they vote, and that is what voters will take into account during the next election.

Politics is the art of the possible, but we don’t know what is possible until we push the limits. It requires careful attention to strategy and tactics, but the successes in other states prove that it can be done. In a world gone mad, it is up to us to do what we can to restore sanity and liberty where we can.

Note: A descendant of American pioneers, Brian writes about the importance of culture and about current events in the context of history.  His work can be found on Substack, here.

UPDATE: Sheriff’s Dept. Responds to Roof Collapse at Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Lava Hot Springs

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

(Bannock County Press Release, March 1, 2023; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)

UPDATE (03/02/2023 17:30 PM):

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has released the scene of 89 S 1st Avenue East in Lava Hot Springs to the property owner and insurance investigators. Search and Rescue teams were released as well.

Elm Street and 1st Avenue East in Lava Hot Springs remain closed due to debris. The City of Lava Hot Springs has placed barriers and directional signs to direct traffic.

A fence is erected around the perimeter of the property, which remains closed to the public. 

The cause of the incident is still under investigation. 

UPDATE (3-1-23):

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has closed Elm Street and 1st Avenue East in Lava Hot Springs due to debris. Roads are expected to remain closed through the night until further notice. We appreciate the public’s cooperation in avoiding the area. 

The building at 89 S 1st Avenue East is inaccessible to the public, but the surrounding area is secure. We have deputies patrolling the area to monitor and ensure the public’s safety.

The apartments adjacent to the building remain evacuated, and the two occupants have been notified and have a place to stay the night.

No additional injuries have been reported.

More information will be released as the situation allows. Insurance investigators have been notified and are expected to survey the scene as soon as possible.

Thank you to the agencies who assisted in the response: Lava Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Idaho State Police, Bannock County Search and Rescue, and the Pocatello Fire Department. 

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is responding to a collapsed roof at the Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

Around 3:45 p.m. this afternoon, deputies were dispatched to 89 S 1st Avenue East in Lava Hot Springs for reports of a collapsed roof. The original call came from an occupant of the building who was trapped inside.

Responders have rescued two people trapped inside the building. Deputies are searching to ensure there are no other people inside.

A woman was transported to the Portneuf Medical Center via ground ambulance for minor injuries.

Apartments adjacent to the building have been evacuated. Deputies are still on the scene and will assist in ensuring the area is safe. We ask that people avoid the immediate area until further notice. 

The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Lava Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Idaho State Police, Bannock County Search and Rescue, and the Pocatello Fire Department. 

More information will be released as the situation allows.

Blue Moon Bar and Grill (Photo Credit: Bannock County)
Blue Moon Bar and Grill (Photo Credit: Bannock County)

Guest Column–Raymond Knoff: Why I Voted Against the Supplemental Property Tax Levy for School District 25

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

March 2, 2023

Why I Voted Against the Supplemental Property Tax Levy for School District 25

By: Raymond Knoff

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 currently has a supplemental levy on the ballot to increase property taxes by $16.5 million dollars over the next two years.  Early walk-in voting on this supplemental levy started on Monday, February 27, 2023 and will end on Friday, March 10, 2023.  Election day voting will be on March 14, 2023.

You can find the facts and information for the supplemental levy renewal here.

After examining the school district’s budget for the last ten years, I discovered the school district had a budget surplus of $19,534,803.  This  information was obtained by examining page 115 of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of fund balances for the ten year period ranging from 2013 to 2022.  That information is located here.

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has also received $29,894,655 in Covid Relief Aid from the federal government.  You can find this information by searching for Pocatello at this website.

It seems a substantial budget surplus has recently allowed School District 25 to purchase two local properties.  In late November of 2022, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 purchased the former Allstate Insurance Building in Chubbuck for $12.6 million (here).  On its website, school district 25 admits in paragraph eight that “the district currently has funds set aside to make the vision a reality without the need to bond the project.”  Rather than seeking a bond to allow the voters to exercise their informed consent, the school district purchased the property with a budget surplus.

The school district also recently purchased the Downard Funeral Home for $500,000, without  petitioning the district’s voters for a bond.  (See the details here, here, and here.)

Several people have previously expressed reservations about School District 25 asking for additional tax dollars when they have a large budget surplus.

In particular, one citizen has wondered, “is it possible the supplemental levy has largely been supported for so many years because of “built in” educator votes?”

I am personally concerned that this supplemental property tax levy is on the ballot during March of an odd-numbered year, when many voters are unaware that any election is occurring.  School District 25 has sponsored a series of public presentations offering information about the goals of the supplemental levy and the date of the election.  However, these presentations have been made to a limited number of groups either selected by the school district, or solicited by the group itself.  School board meetings record that the Board of Trustees for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 have been made aware of the locations and the dates of these presentations.  Perhaps this information was made available to the general public before these presentations, so that they might attend these meetings and offer comments.  However, I have been unable to find any record of either the dates or the locations of these presentations.  The only readily accessible, public information I can find relating to these presentations is found in the video of the school board meeting of February 14, 2023, from time stamp 20:30 to time stamp 22:56.

The supplemental levy only requires a simple majority to pass.  It has been passed and the property tax increases have taken place for the previous four years.  However, I have voted against the final two years of this supplemental levy, which is currently on the ballot until March 14 of this month.  I have taken this position because school district 25 obviously has a surplus of funds which they have recently used to purchase two properties costing a total of $13.1 million, without submitting either of these purchases to the taxpayers on a ballot to obtain their informed consent.

Property assessments and property taxes are currently at an all-time high in Pocatello, and many taxpayers are suffering not only from these increased taxes, but from an increasing monetary inflation.  If you don’t want to encourage further government spending which has bypassed your chance to make informed consent via your ballot, I suggest you might want to vote against the current supplemental levy proposed by Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25.  You have the opportunity to cast an early vote right now, or you can wait until March 14, 2023, to cast your vote.

Raymond G. Knoff,
Pocatello

Attorney General Labrador Joins 21-State Amicus Brief Urging Sixth Circuit to Protect Religious Liberty Rights, Free Speech of Louisville Wedding Photographer

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, March 1, 2023)

Boise, ID–Attorney General Raúl Labrador today joined a coalition of 21 states, led by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in filing an amicus brief before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit supporting the religious liberty and free speech rights of a Louisville wedding photographer to decline to take photographs in a wedding that would go against her sincerely held religious beliefs.

“I am proud to join this brief on behalf of Idaho. Religious freedom is an inherent American value and the cornerstone of a healthy society. I will not allow this fundamental right to be eroded. I will take every opportunity to defend religious liberty and freedom speech against any attack,” Attorney General Labrador said.

The Louisville business owner has asked the Sixth Circuit to uphold a federal district judge’s ruling that protected her religious liberty and free speech rights by preventing Louisville from requiring the photographer to provide custom photography services at a same-sex wedding.

 

 

In the amicus brief, the coalition argues that in this case Louisville’s public-accommodation ordinance violates the photographer’s rights under the Free Speech Clause and Kentucky’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The coalition writes, “Both the Free Speech Clause and Kentucky’s RFRA apply. That means Louisville’s public-accommodation law must give way here. Louisville cannot force Nelson to take custom wedding photos for a same-sex wedding that send a message she disagrees with based on her religious beliefs.”

Attorney General Labrador joined attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia in filing the brief.

To view a copy of the amicus brief, click here.

 

AMVETS Breakfast, Saturday, March 4, at Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building; Everyone Welcome!

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

March 2, 2023

The next AMVETS of Pocatello “1st Saturday of the Month Pancake Breakfast” is Saturday, March 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson Avenue.

The AMVETS cooks encourage all to come down and join them for their Grand Slam breakfast.

Breakfasts include pancakes, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, two kinds of sausage, biscuits & gravy, coffee, and orange juice.  Nobody goes away hungry!

Breakfast is only $8.00…and kids 5 years old and younger eat free!

This month, Idaho State Army ROTC will be working for tips and donations.

 

 

 

 

Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Secure Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers amid Uptick in Violence

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

(Senator Risch Press Release, February 28, 2023)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), with Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) today introduced the Pregnancy Center Security Act to enhance security for pro-life pregnancy centers and to protect staff and patients from potential violence and extremism. The legislation will establish a grant program for pregnancy-help organizations to implement security upgrades, including the installation of security cameras and systems.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. has seen a dangerous uptick in violence against pro-life pregnancy centers, organizations, and churches. In Pocatello, Idaho, Compassion & Hope Pregnancy Center was vandalized.

 

 

“Under the Biden administration, the fight to protect life has become increasingly dangerous. Pro-life pregnancy centers across the nation, which provide vital resources for women, the unborn, and our communities, have become targets for violent attacks. To ensure these life-saving centers can continue to safely operate, the Pregnancy Center Security Act would create a grant program to enable security upgrades,” said Risch. “While the fight for life is far from over, the Pregnancy Center Security Act is a step in the right direction to ensure those on the frontlines protecting life are safe.”

“Pregnancy centers offer hope and support for women, girls, and their unborn children. It’s offensive for these facilities to be threatened by violence and vandalism, and I fully support this legislation to help protect them and the good work they are doing,” said Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus. “Their protection represents a new responsibility in a post-Roe America as more pregnancy centers are established across the country to support mothers and their babies.”

“Expectant mothers should not fear for their safety when receiving medical assistance and counseling,” said Crapo. “Political extremists across the country have made it clear that they will continue to intimidate those who visit and work at these pregnancy centers as well as continue to carry out violent attacks. This bill would provide much-needed security upgrades to these centers in Idaho and across the country, providing safety and peace of mind to health care personnel and their patients.”

“Because of the Biden administration’s politicization of the DOJ and refusal to prosecute the heinous attacks against pregnancy centers, these vital community pillars remain under threat,” said Cruz. “Given the increased threat against these life-saving support centers, we must provide them with the necessary resources to protect themselves and continue the fight to help women and babies. I’m proud to join Sen. Risch and my colleagues in doing so.”

“The Biden Administration has demonized pro-life pregnancy centers as part of its pro-abortion crusade. These centers are vital for mothers and new families, and they should be protected from violent attacks,” said Rubio.

“Since the illegal leak of the Dobbs decision last year, radical pro-abortion extremists have ramped up violent attacks on pro-life pregnancy care centers in an attempt to intimidate pro-life workers, volunteers, and the vulnerable women they serve – and the Biden Administration has turned a blind eye,” said Hawley. “It is imperative that we invest in enhanced security for these centers, so they may operate without the constant threat of violence and focus squarely on the life-saving work they do on a daily basis.”

 

 

The Pregnancy Center Security Act has received support from Heartbeat International, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, CatholicVote, SBA Pro-Life America, and Family Research Council.

“Heartbeat International is grateful for every effort that protects the good work of pregnancy help. The Pregnancy Center Security Act will aid in advancing effective care and safety for mothers, babies and families in the United States,” said Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International.

“There are 12 pregnancy resource centers for every abortion facility in any city. Each of those pregnancy centers offer FREE life-affirming resources to women and families in need, while the abortion industry receives more than $1.7 billion in revenue every year. It is time we started investing into healthcare centers that save lives, not end them. Students for Life Action is a firsthand witness of the empowering effect pregnancy centers have in our nation as they walk alongside vulnerable young women and families in crisis, helping them to see that there is another choice besides violence, a choice that is life-affirming and justice focused. These pregnancy centers are what give women hope, and Senator Risch’s legislation will help further that hope to reach more women and families instead of investing in Planned Parenthood’s model of death,” said Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life Action and Students for Life of America.

“Pregnancy-help organizations provide free medical assistance, education, job training and a host of resources to women in need. These centers operate through charitable contributions and are vital to the communities they serve. Unfortunately, after the Dobb’s decision was leaked, numerous pregnancy-help organizations were vandalized, firebombed, and even destroyed,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest women’s public policy organization. “The grants provided through this legislation will allow these organizations to implement security upgrades to ensure their employees and facilities are always kept safe, in order to continue serving women and their communities.”

 

 

“Pregnancy care centers are a shining beacon to women and families who find themselves in a tough situation. These centers go above and beyond the call of duty, providing services such as free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, counseling, and education. In return they have been attacked by Democratic politicians and targeted with violence and destruction by pro-abortion zealots. Joe Biden’s Justice Department has made it clear they have no interest in protecting these maternity homes, we applaud Senator Risch for stepping in to protect these valuable resources,” said Tom McClusky, Director of Government Affairs, CatholicVote.

“Nearly 3,000 pregnancy centers and maternity homes nationwide equip and empower millions of women and families each year to choose life for their children. With an average satisfaction rate of 99%, these centers offer women real choices and provide millions of dollars’ worth of material assistance and vital services typically at no charge,” said Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, vice president of government affairs for SBA Pro-life America. “We applaud Sen. Risch and his colleagues for supporting these centers in carrying out their loving mission, including measures to ensure the safest and most welcoming environment for clients and workers in the face of pro-abortion hostility. We urge members on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting this bill.”

“We are grateful to Senator Risch for introducing the Pregnancy Center Security Act. In our current environment, it is more important than ever for pregnancy resource centers to be a welcoming place where women feel safe and cared for. We know that carrying an unborn child can be a beautiful and stressful time for mothers. The grants provided by the Pregnancy Center Security Act, which allow for security upgrades and improvements ensuring ADA compliance guarantee that help is as accessible and safe as possible to mothers in vulnerable situations,” said Mary Szoch, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Family Research Council.

The Pregnancy Center Security Act would:

  • Establish a grant program for pregnancy-help organizations to implement security upgrades, including the installation of security cameras and systems, and update facilities for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
  • Ensure organizations that perform, assist, counsel, prescribe, refer to an abortion provider, or encourage abortion do not receive federal funds.

 

 

P.A.G.E.: Forensic Pathology Center Update Yields More Questions than Answers

By
Karyn Simmons
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0
Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities: Keeping Government Accountable

(Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities, February 28, 2023)

At today’s 02/28/23 Bannock County meeting, the Forensic Consultant for the Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center project presented a packet of budget numbers and autopsies counts for surrounding counties.

NOTE: This is still a project-in-progress, so changes and additional information is expected to present itself as it progresses through various phases.
A large number of items/costs were covered today, but some of the most important figures are as follows:
PERSONNEL: (NOT INCLUDING INSURANCE/BENEFITS)
  • Forensic Pathologist: Est. $285,000 + insurance/benefits.
  • Forensic Tech (FT): Est. $48,500K + insurance/benefits.  NOTE: Only a PT technician would be required for the first year or two per the consultant.
  • Admin/Transcriptionist: $0 (They plan to utilize Dragon Speaking Dictation program).
  • Chief Administrator: $50K + insurance/benefits.
TOTAL PERSONNEL BUDGET: $383,500 (not adjusted for the PT Tech)
* Per County comptroller, insurance/benefits can be estimated @ 40%.
  • Forensic Pathologist = approx. $114K.
  • FT Forensic Tech = approx. 19,400.
  • Chief Administrator = approx. $20,000.
TOTAL (P.A.G.E.) EST. ADDITIONAL INSURANCE/ BENEFITS: $153,400 (NOT included in above total.)
The consultant’s cost projections (NOT including insurance/benefit) are:
  • Personnel $383,500
  • Operating: $36,496
  • TOTAL: $419,996
The Southeast Idaho counties (QTY 16 including Bannock) had a total of 72 autopsies completed in 2022. Four (4) additional counties (like Twin located approximately half-way between Pocatello and Boise) had a total of 26 completed autopsies.
The consultant (28:40 timestamp) indicated most coroners would order more autopsies if cost/travel weren’t a factor. From a national standpoint, Idaho isn’t conducting enough autopsies. The rates should be 1 per 1000 autopsies. She is estimating 120 autopsies can be achieved in the first year.
Using the estimate of 120 autopsies for year #1 (last week it was 100), puts the per autopsy cost at $3500. ($419,996/120 autopsies).
* Currently, ADA County autopsies cost approximately $2000.
Add in the estimated insurance/benefits of $153,400 = $573,396 and that increases the per autopsy cost to $4778.30. (Less when adjusting for a PT Tech for the first couple of years.)
The current plan is to start the Forensic Pathology Center utilizing space at Portneuf Medical Center while the building renovations are completed. The details of that arrangement with Portneuf Medical Center have not yet been determined.
The County has posted the Forensic Pathologist position opening.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER?
  1. Is the 120 autopsy estimate an achievable number given the historic records? Current cost estimates for the autopsies are well over the $2000 (Ada County) charge.
  2. Is it best practice to estimate revenue on an increase in caseloads (likely not yet funded within individual counties)? In other words, even if the Coroners want to order more autopsies, what guarantees are there that their County will fund them with additional dollars?
  3. If the numbers continue to show the per autopsy costs well above the current ADA County cost of $2000 each, will the Commissioners reconsider the project?
  4. Are there alternative methods to increase the number of autopsies being performed to make the project more cost effective? Note: Private autopsies were discussed.
  5. If so, will an increase from a caseload of 120 to 200+ also increase the salary necessary to pay the Forensic Pathologist and require the addition of another Forensic Tech? (Based on the consultant, some pathologists with full case loads are being paid $250 – $485K.

02/28/23 BANNOCK COUNTY FORENSIC PATHOLOGY UPDATE VIDEO:

 

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad’s March 2023 Newsletter Posted

By
Karyn Simmons
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0
City of Pocatello City Hall

November 7, 2022

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad’s March 2023 Newsletter has been posted on the City of Pocatello website.

In this edition, Mayor Blad reminds the community of the existence of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance and the Welcoming and Inclusive Resolution.  Next, he informs the public that the draft of the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 will be available online for review and feedback throughout the month.  He also announces the Spring Environmental Fair.  Finally, he includes information about the city’s sewer system.

To view the Mayor’s Newsletter, visit: Pocatello Mayor’s Newsletter, March, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idaho MassResistance Denounces Rep. Yamamoto’s Unethical Behavior

By
Karyn Simmons
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0

March 1, 2023

Arthur Schaper, field director for the pro-family group MassResistance, has released the following letter to Representative Julie Yamamoto, chair of the House Education Committee, in response to her comments about House Bills 139 and 227.  Both bills are designed to address the problem of explicit material in libraries; however, HB 139 includes civil penalties for noncompliance, while HB 227 contains no penalties.

Rep. Yamamoto:

My name is Arthur Schaper, and I am the Field Director for MassResistance, the international pro-family group that makes the difference.

I have received notice of the following messages that you sent out to the public in response to statements on HB 139 and HB 227.

You compare holding libraries and schools accountable to “flogging.” Really?

This is unbecoming, inappropriate, outrageous behavior.

It is shabby and abusive, and it is mean.

You need to recuse yourself from the Chairmanship of the Education Committee. You have tipped your hand, and you have given the inclination to favor one bill over another.

Such partisan, disrespectful behavior has no place on a committee.

Step down.

Sincerely,
Arthur Schaper


 

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