BOISE — The Idaho House of Representatives approved a resolution Tuesday that would end Gov. Brad Little's declared State of Emergency for COVID-19.
If the resolution is approved, it would end Idaho's State of Emergency and FEMA funds. The funds are currently being used to purchase personal protective equiptment, according to a statement from the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus.
“FEMA funds are a lifeline to our state, providing the equipment we need to reopen schools where it is safe, get business back up and running, and protect healthcare workers. The vote on the House Floor showed a complete disregard for the safety of Idahoans and was fiscally irresponsible,” Representative Lauren Necochea. (D-Boise) said in a statement. “We are facing a dire economic and budget outlook. At this moment we should be leveraging every resource available to help Idahoans, not playing political games.”
Happening now: Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane testifying before the House State Affairs committee for added vote centers, bigger venues for social distancing, and more polling place security using touchscreen technology for signing voters in. #idleg #idpol pic.twitter.com/m5BV1n93E1
— KIVI Madeline White (@madelinewhiteTV) August 25, 2020
Idaho lawmakers met Tuesday for the second day of the special session, called to address the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers are considering changes laws to smooth voting in November as well as changes to liability laws they say are needed to protect businesses, schools and government agencies from lawsuits by people who get COVID-19.
