The staff of IdahoReporter.com wish you a happy Martin Luther King Jr. day. The Idaho Legislature is still in session and we will be here covering all of the people's business. We encourage you to read over King's famous "I have a dream" speech, or watch it here.
As for non-legislative activities at the Capitol building, The Human Rights Commission will celebrate the day with a proclamation from Gov. Butch Otter, a speech from motivational speaker Cherie Buckner-Webb, and several musical numbers by local groups. The official announcement can be found here.
Freedom groups from around the state will also descend on the Capitol for a Tea Party event. The "Convergence on the Capitol," orchestrated by the Pocatello Tea Party, will begin at 11 am on the south steps of the Capitol. Several legislators will speak, including:
- Rep. Raúl R. Labrador (Dist. 14)
- Rep. Lynn M. Luker (Dist. 15)
- Rep. Pete Nielsen (Dist. 22)
- Rep. Phil Hart (Dist. 3)
- Rep. Lenore Hardy Barrett (Dist. 35)
- Rep. R. J. "Dick" Harwood (Dist. 2)
Following the opening ceremony, members of coalition groups will meet with legislators to voice their concerns and present "pro-freedom" legislation, which includes proposals to nullify any federal health care legislation and guarantee freedom to keep firearms.
IdahoReporter.com will provide comprehensive reports of both events.