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Erik Simpson

Idaho State Representative-elect
District 32-B

Thank you for your dedicated support!

I'd like to thank everyone for their support during the Primary Election in May and in the General Election on
November 4. This has truly been a gratifying experience.

There are so many people to thank, but first and foremost, I must thank my wife Fawn and the rest of my
family. When one runs for public office, one's entire family is also involved in the campaign. I also want to
thank the College Republicans at BYU-Idaho, who dedicated several weekends to my and other
campaigns. Members of the Bonneville County Republican Party were also a tremendous asset. And of
course, I must thank the voters of District 32, some of whom told me they voted for the first time this year.

Not having an opponent for the General Election has allowed me to get a head start on identifying some of
the key issues the 2009 Legislature will be facing. I met with Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter's staff several
times during the summer and spoke with the department directors (or second in command) at the Idaho
Department of Education, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Commerce,
and Idaho Department of Agriculture. Additionally, I met with many key business leaders and members of
both the House and Senate.

Below are some of the issues that will get much media attention during the 2009 legislative session.

2009 Legislative issues
taking shape

Of course, the No. 1 issue for next year will be the
economic down-turn and its affect on incoming state
revenues and state department budgets. Governor Otter
has ordered department directors to assume a 1 percent
reduction in their budgets with a possible 1.5 percent

additional hold back based on the state's economy. The state has more than $300 million in surplus (or
"rainy day") accounts. It is likely at least one of those accounts will be tapped to make up for a budget
shortfall -- most likely for the Department of Education.

Here are some other "big hitters" for 2009:

Transportation. The governor said raising an additional $240 million for Idaho's roads is his No. 1
priority. A gas tax increase, registration fee increase, and a nominal shift of revenue from the
General Fund to the Idaho Transportation Department have been discussed. This will be the most
hotly debated issue for 2009.
Education. A new teacher merit plan will be unveiled by Supt. Tom Luna. Additionally, concurrent
enrollment (i.e., allowing high school students to take college courses) will be discussed and
possibly expanded.
Taxation. Local option taxation will again come up for a vote. This plan, if passed, would allow
residents of cities and counties to vote whether to increase sales tax in their communities for such
projects as road improvements to event centers.