Let's work together

The Idaho Human Rights Commission has endorsed the proposed legislation merging the commission and the Idaho Department of Labor.

Last month, Gov. Butch Otter proposed eliminating state funding for the 40-year-old agency over the next four years.

An uproar ensued among some who feared that could spell the commission's demise.

But that was before Pamela Parks, the commission's head, and Department of Labor Director Roger Madsen worked out a proposal to combine forces and tap Department of Labor-managed funds to cover about $600,000 that Otter wants phased out from the state general fund by 2014.

"It will save money," said Ruthie Johnson of Hayden Lake, one of the nine commissioners. "We will share a building, copy machines and have one receptionist."

The commission handles cases of discrimination investigated by the Idaho attorney general and has already cut costs, Johnson said, including travel.

"We pay our own expenses," she said.

The commission hears 25 to 40 cases a month, Johnson said.

"In partnership with the Department of Labor, the Idaho Human Rights Commission will continue to do the work we are charged to do by the Idaho Legislature and the people of Idaho," Commission President Estella O. Zamora said. "We look forward to working with Labor Director Roger Madsen and his staff and thank them for their willingness to support us and the important work that we do - protecting Idaho's people from discrimination."

Gov. Butch Otter said the agreement highlights what can be accomplished when agencies work together for a common purpose.

The proposed merger is a result of Otter's request in late December that the commission explore alternative funding sources to make state government more efficient. On Jan. 4, Commission Director Pamela Parks suggested to the governor's office that Idaho consider the structure some other states have used in housing their civil rights enforcement agencies in their labor departments, calling it an efficient, effective and logical fit. Madsen agreed, and discussions on the details of the merger were launched.

On Monday, the commission endorsed the plan, saying it would ensure the agency has enough money to continue investigating discrimination complaints, which last year totaled 512.

Parks called it "a win-win for the state, and the right thing to do. We recognize that both our agencies share a common mission to provide Idaho with a strong work force and a commitment to ensure that those workers are protected from discrimination in the workplace."

Commissioners are appointed by the governor to three year terms.