Idaho Legislature Convenes Monday

As state lawmakers prepare to go to work on Monday, members of the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee have their work cut out for them.

The state budget shortfall is estimated to be around 340 million dollars. Idaho Governor Butch Otter says estimates a range anywhere from $120 million up to $500 million dollars. The lawmakers charged with finding that  money are the members of JFAC. This year it also wants to hear from the public. Sen. Dean Cameron helps lead the 20 member body; 10 each from the House and Senate. Party lines are proportional to the general make up of the legislature.  Cameron says there are a lot of serious decisions to be made.  JFAC has been criticized for lack of public hearings so this month it will hold them on a trial basis. The public hearings begin in about two weeks.