Coverage Highlight: Idaho 2022 Legislative Session (So Far)
I recently went from starting work at 3 a.m. to now at 9 a.m. Hello dayside!
While sometimes it feels like covering the statehouse could be a 24-hour job, I am grateful to dig into some of the topics discussed at the capitol and bring them outside to share how they are impacting our community. Before I get to some of my highlighted stories, check out this awesome promotion made by our team at CBS 2 News!
Let’s start at the very beginning. Governor Little Previews 2022 Legislative Session
Idaho Governor Brad Little hosted a press conference a few days prior to his State of the State Address. One unique characteristic about Idaho, is we have a big budget surplus. I wanted to know how funding could look different this session, as lot’s of people have opinions on how it should be used. Which brings me to my next story highlight….
Idaho Public Policy Survey Reveals Attitudes Toward State Policy
A report released by Boise State University shared some interesting findings regarding policy priorities. Some of them include:
Idahoans’ legislative priorities remain unchanged from previous years, with Education viewed as the top issue for the Idaho Legislature to address. Housing saw the largest increase in priority ranking over last year (eight points).
Idahoans are split on what should be done with the state’s budget surplus. Most favor increasing teachers’ pay (26%), giving tax relief (24%), or increasing workforce and affordable housing (23%).
There is increasing concern surrounding growth issues, including housing and property taxes. Most Idahoans believe the state is growing too fast (71%).
Political engagement in Idaho is high relative to national numbers, with nearly one-third (32%) of Idahoans reporting they have contacted a public official within the last year.
As a political science graduate student, I was excited to share these results. However, I understand that most viewers may not connect to a lot of numbers being thrown at them. So I got creative with the presentation of the material and shot multiple standups to create an engaging piece!
Local Leaders React to State Bill That Could Affect Boise Rental Ordinance
With housing on the mind of many Idahoans (see above story), I spoke to locals about a specific bill moving through the statehouse. I wanted to show not just what the bill does but narrow down on the specific impact it could have on our viewers.
Idaho Could See More Election Audits To 'Enhance Transparency and Confidence' In Results
I did something similar here and applied the topic of election audits to local jurisdictions. These are just a few of many stories I have done in this past month! We’ll see what comes next…