Available Soon: Request your printed copies of the Idaho Freedom Index mailed to you!
Request Your Copies
Note to Dustin: This is currently only visible to logged in users for testing.
Click Me!
video could not be found

House gives state agencies permission to close doors

House gives state agencies permission to close doors

by
Dustin Hurst
March 2, 2010
Author Image
March 2, 2010

State agencies looking to save money by closing their offices may soon be legally allowed to do so under a plan approved Tuesday in the full House. The bill’s sponsor is Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley.

The House bill now heads to the Senate for deliberation. The move comes shortly after the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) announced full-day closures every other Friday through the end of June. DHW originally announced half-day closures in January, but was forced to move to full-day closures after new budget numbers were announced. According to reports, DHW director Richard Armstrong’s office has remained open during the half-day closures and will remain open until Bedke’s bill is enacted into law.

Bedke’s bill contains an emergency clause which allows the measure to take effect as soon as it is signed by Gov. Butch Otter. DHW reports that the closures, furloughs, and a 5 percent pay cut in annual salaries will save the state more than $1 million.

Current state law says that state officers may only close their offices on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, though it does not offer specifics for which holidays offices should be closed. It also mandates that state offices be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on regular business days.

Idaho Freedom Foundation
802 W. Bannock Street, Suite 405, Boise, Idaho 83702
p 208.258.2280 | e [email protected]
COPYRIGHT © 2024 Idaho freedom Foundation
magnifiercrossmenucross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram