Friends,

Please join us at the King Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser on May 17, 6:30 PM in my backyard at 2107 Palouse. Please RSVP to 559-7617 or 344-0202. We will have some fun and raise some money to help re-elect me to my fourth term in the Idaho House of Representatives.

This just in from Betsy Russell; "April is by far the biggest month of the year for state tax revenue collections, as taxpayers all over the state file their income tax returns during the month, so it's closely watched for signs of the health of the overall state budget. The numbers are in now, and April's collections beat the forecast, coming in a scant $500,000 above but bringing the year-to-date surplus - the amount collected over the state's forecast for the year - to just over $37 million. That's for the 2012 fiscal year, which runs through July 1. Among the drivers of the April surplus was the sales tax, which was up 6.3 percent from the same time last year; and miscellaneous taxes, which are up significantly due to strong interest earnings, a settlement with a drug company and high collections from the mine license tax. Both individual and corporate income taxes were below forecast for the month, but both remain ahead of forecasts for the fiscal year to date.

You can read the state Division of Financial Management's April revenue report here, and the Legislature's April Budget and Revenue Monitor here. This is the fifth straight month that Idaho's state tax revenues have exceeded forecasts, and lawmakers budgeted below the forecasts. State lawmakers set the current year's budget assuming just 3 percent growth in state revenues; instead, it's been more than 5.7 percent. That means a big and growing year-end surplus this year, which lawmakers have decided should go directly into the state's rainy-day fund. With the current numbers, nearly $60 million will go into the state's Budget Stabilization Fund on July 1.

It has been an honor to represent District 18 in the Idaho Legislature for the past 6 years. During the time that I have been privileged to serve, I have learned much, built great relationships, and used common sense to resolve the issues that come before us. I have brought an effective moderate, compassionate voice to policy discussions. I would like to continue this important work.

In the last session, I introduced and supported legislation to improve our unique quality of life, make government more transparent, and increase prosperity in Idaho.

      1. I proposed legislation to form an Independent Ethics Commission to review citizen complaints about elected officials. The non-partisan commission    would be free to gather information and report back to department heads and leaders without interference from the “friends” of those same elected officials.
      2. I proposed legislation to raise the minimum wage for waiters and waitresses. Many waitstaff are trying to sustain a basic standard of living on $3.50 an hour plus tips. This is nearly impossible with ever increasing cost of living.
      3. I supported the bill banning texting while driving (which passed), I supported the concussion bill which will protect young athletes who may have sustained possible head injuries, and I voted to collaborate with private agencies to establish a suicide hot line.
     4. I stood up for women’s rights and was ready to debate against the Ultrasound bill until its demise. I believe that no one, male or female should be forced to undergo a medical procedure that he/she does not want.
      5. I also heard the voices of the Occupy Movement and understand that they are the middle class working hard to find good paying jobs, mortgage relief, and affordable housing. I presented compromises to the sponsors, who had hastily drafted legislation to evict the occupiers. My compromises were mostly adopted by the Senate.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Soon, I will be going door to door to thousands of homes and I need your help to purchase literature and yard signs. I need to defeat a well funded, conservative opponent. Will you join me in the fight to protect Idaho middle class families?

I know you want to help me win this election and continue the service to you my constituents. Please help re-elect me to my fourth term in the Idaho legislature by making a contribution of $60, $125 or more for my campaign. You can also contribute via this website. Thank you for your generous support.

Sincerely,
Representative Phylis K. King