We are now through the third week. I will give a synopsis of some of the legislation that may be of interest.  We voted today on HB1, which is known as the “feed bill”.  This bill funds the legislative session plus the first couple weeks of the 2013 session.  There was a 5% reduction in this bill. I might add that, regardless of what you may have seen in the media, the legislature did not vote for a pay raise. That would be in violation of Constitutional law. No legislature can vote a pay raise for that session and there has not been an increase in six years. The per diem we get to pay for housing and food was raised by about $1.50.

The “Coordination” bill (SB117) is in committee and I am working with several other legislators on a few amendments to the bill. That work should be done later this next week. So far, support for this job enhancing legislation is growing quickly.  We have had a few very long days with hearings going on into the early evenings.  Senator John Brenden introduced a bill (SB144) to prohibit Fish, Wildlife and Parks from translocations of free ranging Bison. This bill drew a packed out hearing.  It boils down to this; the proponents are concerned about the damage free ranging Bison would have on crops, the potential for disease and private property concerns. The opponents of the bill want to have more opportunities to view wildlife and expansion of wildlands in the prairie. Frankly, the whole discussion sounded like a rerun of the wolf introduction.  I will support Brenden’s bill.

I went through a steep learning curve on SB86, Disclosure of Fracturing Fluid for Oil and Gas Wells. There are chemicals added to the water to fracture the substrata of rock in some of the wells in the Bakken. This is done at depths of 6,000 to over 9,000 feet. Each well can have over 5 million gallons of pressurized water injected into it. The concern is the possibility that the chemicals could contaminate ground water that is used for consumption or irrigating. As far as I know, to date this has never occurred. I am going do more study on the subject before I decide how to vote.

There is a bill of local concern to Sanders County residents. It is SB43; Revise the Primitive Parks Act. This one would remove Thompson Falls from “primitive” status and allow for further development. At this point, I will attempt to amend the bill to keep the park on primitive status. In other words, keep it as is. I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I have only had a few comments so far and all wish the park to stay “as is”.

There have been many come to the Capitol from Sanders County to testify on different legislation. They are definitely making a positive impression on legislators. Both Gail and I have been sick with the “Capitol Crud” and it is hard to get rid of it. I do not get a chance to get needed rest so that prolongs the problem. The best way to contact me is my email, ghinklesd7@gmail.com or call 406-444-4800.