Week #7 Legislative Update - Rep. Josh Wheeler, District 35

It is always a great week when the young people of Idaho are in Boise. Visiting with the 4-H Know Your Government students on Monday morning was a refreshing start to my day. I’m impressed again at their work ethic, commitment to learn more, and general goodness. I was then energized to get another of my bills introduced. HB 604 will add some experience requirements for journeymen electricians who take on the role of overseeing an electrical contracting operation. 

A grand shoutout to the organizers of the house memorial program which took place Monday morning. The program takes the time to honor former legislators who have passed away in the past year. It was a sobering reminder of the decades of public service that is given by members of our communities from all over
the state. 

I was very glad for the opportunity to visit with several school boards from around district 35. From Soda Springs and North Gem, to Marsh Valley and District 93, we had some excellent discussions about house bill 521, which will provide sales tax funds for use constructing or maintaining school facilities. I am frequently impressed by the caliber of citizens that serve on our school boards, and appreciated hearing
their input. 

I presented House Bill 542 to the House Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday morning. I’m enthusiastic about this bill and was gratified to see it move out of Committee with unanimous support. It will make its way to the house 3rd reading calendar today. We have plenty of bills on the floor calendars now, and we will certainly begin to see more and more lengthy floor debates, as we work to find solutions for the good people
of Idaho.