Republican House leaders and Magic Valley representatives addressed a standing-room-only crowd in Twin Falls Wednesday night during a town hall. The lawmakers reflected on the last legislative session and Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma moderated questions from constituents.
There were questions on local option taxes, medicaid expansion and redistricting. On redistricting, House Speaker Scott Bedke said Idaho is changing and certain areas are growing faster than others, “so it’s calling for a reshuffling of the lines for district maps.”
Bedke said raising the minimum number of legislative districts from 30 to 35 — and possibly adding more — will likely be a priority for Republicans next session. Adding a seventh member to the redistricting commission is still on the table as well, despite opposition from Democrats earlier this year.
The representatives also discussed issues particularly relevant to the Magic Valley, including a third bridge in Twin Falls, and teacher retention and pay.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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