By Megan Ronk, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Department of Commerce
IGEM Initiative Becomes Law On Wednesday, Governor Otter signed House Bill 546 – the program has an effective date of July 1, 2012. The funding recommended by the Governor to support this initiative has been approved by JFAC and is currently working its way through the legislative process. Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) creates a platform to facilitate and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies out of Idaho’s research universities. The Department of Commerce will be responsible for providing support and leadership to the IGEM Council once it is formed.
House Sidetracks Bill to Put State Funds into National Guard Youth Challenge After significant debate, the House decided by unanimous consent to return House Bill 662, which would have created the National Guard Youth Challenge program and make it eligible for state funding, back to committee. Lawmakers have struggled to support this proposed school in Pierce, questioning future federal funding and whether operating this school was part of the National Guard’s core mission.
Oil & Gas Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature House Bill 464 continued its roller coaster ride through the legislature this week. On Monday, the Senate voted on an 18-15 vote to pull the bill off the amending order without any changes. This move comes after the lengthy debate last week that required the Lt. Governor to cast the tie-breaking vote to send the legislation to the amending order over concerns regarding the local control. On Wednesday, the bill made it back to the Senate floor where it was passed with a 24-10 vote. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.
NEXT WEEK (March 19-23, 2012)
Monday, March 19-7:00am – Director Sayer presents to Central Valley Expressway Coalition
Tuesday, March 20-11:30 – Director Sayer presents to Post Falls Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, March 22-6:00 — Director Sayer emcees University of Idaho Innovation Awards in Moscow