BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two former Democratic governors and one ex-Republican lieutenant governor are among dozens of Idaho leaders who signed an open letter opposing Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s proposal to end state funding for the 40-year-old Idaho Human Rights Commission.
Former Govs. Cecil Andrus and John Evans, as well as former Lt. Gov. David Leroy, want to protect the agency from what their letter called “grave danger:” the loss of nearly $600,000 in state funding, two-thirds of its total budget, over the next four years.
Otter says the agency can save money by combining administrative services with four other agencies he hopes to cut off the state taxpayers’ dime, too.
But those who signed the letter, sent Wednesday, implored the Idaho Legislature to fend off that plan, even as they try to fill a gaping budget hole.
The agency’s duties include investigating complaints of discrimination.
