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SESSION: Unkind to seniors

| March 3, 2021 1:00 AM

Why do our Idaho legislators not like our seniors? This may not be true, but you couldn’t tell from what they have spent their time this legislative session.

One thing they could be doing is passing legislation that would double the property tax circuit breaker amount from $1,320 to $2,640. This amount hasn’t been increased since 2006. With property values rising it is something past due. The circuit breaker is a great program benefiting seniors, often the one thing keeping them from the worry of losing their homes.

I have contacted some legislators and I am not hopeful any relief will come this year. There has been some form of bill trying to get a hearing/printing for the last four years.

For a little perspective, January’s revenue came in at $58 million above projected. To fund the increase for one year would cost $18 million. That means less than 1/3 of one months unexpected revenue would pay for this. I believe this is a worthy cause to use this money for. If the legislators really felt this was an important issue, this would have been done already.

Protecting our seniors is a better use of legislative resources. Taking rights away from cities and counties by requiring state government approval to change the name of a street. Creating a slush fund of millions for outside lawyers and further limiting an already restrictive ballot initiative process is just bad solutions in search of problems that don’t exist. A true Profile in Courage.

KEVIN KELLY

Lewiston