Chris Butler / Idaho Statesman

Gov. Otter addressed supporters on election night.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said today that he expects a difficult legislative session.  He spoke at the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho’s annual conference.  The session will be a hard one, Otter said, “because of the decisions we have to make.”

The governor discussed what’s ahead for state education policy, given that voters resoundingly rejected the package of laws known as Students Come First.  He predicted that elements of the failed laws will come back for consideration in 2013.

Gov. Otter also touched on the health insurance exchange and Medicaid expansion decisions that the state now faces, as well as the issue of personal property taxes.  “I understand the plight of the counties,” the governor said, while indicating that he supports efforts to cut or phase out the tax.  Some local taxing districts rely heavily on personal property tax revenue.   Continue Reading →