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73 / 48 Purple potatoes, Farmers Night of volleyball markets Burley, pretty peppers have unique Canyon Ridge, Rain possible. Food 1 offerings Filer tangle Sports 4 FROSTY HEAD >>> Company allows patrons to draw own pints, BUSINESS 1 Sports 1 WEDNESDAY 75 CENTS September 22, 2010 TIMES-NEWS Magicvalley.com P OLL: REFORM SALES TAX, PROTECT SCHOOLS Lawmakers: Cesar Ledezma More budget pumps gaso- line into his car at the Mr. Gas cuts coming station on the By John Miller corner of Associated Press writer Blue Lakes Boulevard and BOISE — Idaho legislators are Falls Avenue, preparing for more scrounging when Tuesday after- the 2011 session starts in January. Even if tax revenue next year is 10 noon in Twin percent greater than the current Falls. Idaho’s year, Idaho faces a $140 million 6 percent sales budget shortfall, according to tax will not Legislative Services analysts in the capture an Capitol. estimated If revenue grows just 1 percent, $1.75 billion in expect a $350 million shortfall — and calamity. fiscal 2011 due The Republican-dominated to sales-tax Legislature could improvise, includ- exemptions ing raiding an $80 million fund from such as the Idahos settlement with tobacco one on fuel. companies. And everybody is hop- ing for better-than-expected eco- nomic growth. Photos by DREW NASH/ But with state reserve and federal Times-News stimulus funds largely exhausted, trimming budgets sounds more like- ly in hyper-conservative Idaho than the prospect of raising taxes, said On balanced budgeting, the 2010 Rep. Maxine Bell, House budget committee leader. “Theres no expert way to read this economy,’’Bell said.“Youve got to fly by the seat of your pants and Legislature got it right, Idahoans say say, I dont think it’s going to be there, so let’s not spend it.’’’ The state Division of Financial INSIDE Management says a new recession is unlikely, but only slow economic Public says it Top 10 sales tax breaks. growth is forecast. What the candidates are saying Legislative Services analyst Ray about sales-tax exemptions. Houston in Boise said the just- doesnt want ended downturn left deep scars on See Main 4 Idahos ability to balance its books. Despite recent news that Idahos tax repeat in 2011 59 percent said Gov. C.L. “Butch” revenue in the first two months of Otter and GOP legislative leaders this fiscal year is $10 million ahead of By Dan Popkey were right to rule out tax increases oft-reduced expectations, the The Idaho Statesman in 2010. But by a 48 percent to 38 budget remains out of kilter. percent margin, they would sup- “Idahos general fund budget is Idahoans favor reform of the port raising taxes to avoid another structurally out of balance by $140 to states tax structure, but the path round of cuts similar to the $350 million,’’ Houston told state to change is full of obstructions. 7.5 percent reduction in school agencies in a presentation obtained In a Times-News poll done in support in 2010. by The Associated Press. collaboration with six other daily “People are extremely con- Republicans and Gov. C.L. newspapers, 54 percent of cerned about what’s happened to “Butch Otter argue that balancing respondents said they want tax The Idaho State Tax Commission itself hasnt been immune to a decline in state tax education, but they dont have a 2011 spending with tough cuts was a reform, with 33 percent saying the revenue. In August the commission closed its satellite offices, such as the one seen clear idea of how to get us out of sign of their fiscal responsibility. system is fair and adequate. here in Twin Falls, for all but one day each month. it,”Rusche said. That’s attracted barbs from But three questions on remov- Corder has pressed for a review Democrats, including gubernatorial ing sales tax breaks totaling COMING LATER THIS WEEK of tax breaks but has been candidate Keith Allred,especially for $1.75 billion prompted high rates rebuffed by his GOP colleagues. a $128 million public education hit. of undecided returns and no Thursday: Education. His outspokenness made him a They suggest more could have majority for lifting some or all of Does it need more MORE ONLINE target of the Idaho Association of been done, including bolstering tax the breaks. support? VIEW an in-depth breakdown of poll Commerce and Industry, which collector ranks, tackling $1.7 billion “With the high undecided, I Friday: Party affiliation. respondents answers. tried to defeat him in the 2008 in tax exemptions that help privi- think theyre just telling us there Does Idaho’s GOP READ a full list of sales-tax exemptions. primary.Corder won but now says leged sectors, or raising beer and are too many elements they dont platform reflect the MAGICVALLEY.COM a serious look at reform is likely wine taxes that have long gone understand,” said Sen. Tim rank and file? only with business backing. He’s unchanged. Corder, R-Mountain Home, a been meeting with IACI officials, GOP lawmakers say a tax hike to member of the Senate tax com- Rusche, D-Lewiston, agreed. and discussion.” including President Alex LaBeau fill this vacuum sounds like heresy. mittee and leading advocate of “For 2011, I think it’s not ripe. Rusche, however, said Idahoans and incoming Chairman Mike “People are not happy with the taxes reform. Theres a lot of confusion, and it’s are drawing the line on further that theyre paying now, let alone House Democratic Leader John going to take a lot of clarification cuts in K-12 education. In the poll, See BUDGET, Main 2 paying more taxes,’’Geddes said. Jaquet to propose tax A consumers guide to health care overhaul By Mary Agnes Carey work, and the “open enrollment and cholesterol tests without Kaiser Health News period for next year is approach- paying deductibles or co-pay- commission revamp ing. Id like to keep my current ments. Theyll be able to see WASHINGTON — By Thursday, health plan. Will the new law obstetricians and pediatricians By Ben Botkin filed by Rep. Shirley the six-month anniversary of the affect it? without getting prior authoriza- Times-News writer Ringo, D-Moscow, enactment of the health care over- A. Your plan will feature some tions. Recommended immuniza- against the tax commis- haul, many of the laws provisions new consumer protections. For tions also must be provided at no Rep. Wendy Jaquet sion. Ringo is asking a will be in effect. Most consumers, example, it wont be able to set a cost. plans to introduce legisla- judge to rule that the cur- however, wont see any changes lifetime limit on coverage. If you Q. What if my employer offers a tion in the next session rent system violates until after Jan. 1, when their new have an adult child up to age 26 new plan and I want to switch to aimed at revamping and mandates in the Idaho health plan year begins. who cant get health insurance at a that? modernizing the Idaho Constitution, and issue a Meanwhile, employees will be job, youll be able to keep him or A. In that case, your coverage State Tax Commission. Jaquet court order stopping all getting ready for falls “open her on your health plan. These would include the wider set of pro- In recent months, the further agreements until enrollment’’ period, when they changes kick in for plan years that tections. tax commission has fallen under a a constitutional system is estab- pick their health coverage for the begin on or after Thursday. Q. Will my health insurance cloud of scandal. Eight auditors, a lished by the Legislature and tax following year. In addition, people If your employer makes signifi- cost less? mix of current and former com- commission. who buy their own health insur- cant changes, such as cutting ben- A. Probably not. Health insur- mission employees, have publicly In court documents, they allege ance will be researching their efits or raising your out-of-pocket ance premiums have been increas- voiced concerns about the com- the state could lose more than options. Medicare beneficiaries costs beyond a specific amount, ing steadily over the last decade, missions allegedly long-held $75 million from the tax deals. will be able to change their cover- the plan is considered new — and that trend is continuing. practice of giving tax breaks and Jaquet, a Democratic lawmaker age later this year if they want. rather than an existing “grandfa- According to a new report from the cutting deals with well-connect- from Ketchum, cited problems Here’s a look at how the law thered plan — and must include a Kaiser Family Foundation and the ed companies and individuals out with the current system, which affects people who get their cover- wider set of consumer protections. Health Research & Educational of the publics eye. has four tax commissioners age at work, buy their own health Q. Like what? Trust, workers nationwide on The concerns from whistle- appointed by the governor, insurance or are enrolled in A. Patients will get, for exam- average are paying 14 percent, or blower auditors are in sworn court Medicare. ple, certain preventive services affidavits included in a lawsuit See REVAMP, Main 2 Q. I get my coverage through such as breast cancer screenings See GUIDE, Main 4 Bridge ..............Classifieds 5 Crossword ......Classifieds 6 Obituaries..................Food 8 Comics................Business 3 Dear Abby........Classifieds 6 Opinion ..................Main 6-7 DEFINING ‘HISTORIC’ T.F. commission to set Commodities ......Business 2 Jumble ............Classifieds 8 Sudoku ............Classifieds 4 Warehouse District design guidelines > Main 3 MORNINGMORNINGMain 2 Wednesday, September 22, 2010 BRIEFINGBRIEF- TN Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho Pat’s Picks TODAY’S HAPPENINGS Three things to do today CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Pat Marcantonio Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs training session, for anyone working direct- FIND MORE ONLINE • Who said libraries are 5 p.m.

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