Cost of legislature averages $30,000 a day
BOISE -- State lawmakers this week will take a look at the needs of higher education in a downer economy.
And public education will also come under budget scrutiny this week.
By all accounts, the mood in the Idaho Legislature is somber, as the economy continues to worsen and lawmakers haven't even started the heavy lifting.
"We really haven't gotten to the tough decisions yet," said Sen. Kate Kelly, assistant minority leader. "That's when it could potentially get drawn out."
Right now, state agencies are presenting their bare bone budget needs to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for consideration.
And as as administrators look to cut expenses, lawmakers are aware that every day they're in session costs $30,000, according to legislative services officials.
"Certainly we take that seriously," said Sen. Robert Geddes, president pro tem. "Whether this is a short or long session depends on how the budget comes together and how easily that is established."
And public education will also come under budget scrutiny this week.
By all accounts, the mood in the Idaho Legislature is somber, as the economy continues to worsen and lawmakers haven't even started the heavy lifting.
"We really haven't gotten to the tough decisions yet," said Sen. Kate Kelly, assistant minority leader. "That's when it could potentially get drawn out."
Right now, state agencies are presenting their bare bone budget needs to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for consideration.
And as as administrators look to cut expenses, lawmakers are aware that every day they're in session costs $30,000, according to legislative services officials.
"Certainly we take that seriously," said Sen. Robert Geddes, president pro tem. "Whether this is a short or long session depends on how the budget comes together and how easily that is established."
