Great New Resource!

For Immediate Release:                   Contact: Erik Makrush

January 26, 2010                            (208) 949-6772

Unique Website Gives Complete, Concise Idaho Legislative Information for Free

The Idaho Freedom Foundation has announced the launch of a free, non-partisan legislative tracking website that will provide a quick reference on all introduced legislation and legislative voting records.
IdahoVotes.org gives users instant access to concise, plain language and objective descriptions of every single bill, amendment, and vote that takes place in the Idaho legislature. Unlike any other bill tracking utility, IdahoVotes.org, is unique because all legislative actions are described - not just those selected by a particular interest group. The website features:

• Concise, plain-language, objective and accurate descriptions of every bill, amendment, roll call vote and voice vote.
• Tracking for all the votes of a particular legislator, or search by bill number, category or keyword.
• Ability to view all the bills and amendments introduced by a particular legislator.
• Automatically e-mail legislators or others about a bill.
• Ability to follow action in any one or more of 50 different categories of legislation (such as Education or Land Use or Taxes).
• Ability to sign up for e-mail notifications of action on any bill or subject area of interest, including new bill introductions.

IdahoVotes.org Project Manager, Erik Makrush said, “this project will finally allow all Idahoans the opportunity to see how their legislators are truly voting in a easy and convenient manner.  As citizens we will be able to hold our elected officials accountable for their voting records and find out what is happening at the Capitol on all issues, not just a select few from special interest groups.”

Wayne Hoffman, Idaho Freedom Foundation Executive Director, said, "IdahoVotes.org is another tool intended to increase accountability and transparency from in state government. We believe it will prove to be a valuable resource for all Idahoans, policymakers and the media."

IdahoVotes.org is the latest transparency and accountability resource presented by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Other products of the Idaho Freedom Foundation include OurIdaho.com and IdahoReporter.com.

Upcoming meeting

Our next meeting:

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
7 pm at the Potlatch Library

Our guest speaker is John Lafer, a Pullman resident who will soon to be joining the Potlatch community. John is a strong advocate for liberty and constitutional government and has been very involved with grass roots campaigning in the recent past.  Since I met John nearly a year ago, I have been struck by his calm approach and his ability to engage people in thoughtful discussions.  He recently gave a power point presentation to a liberty group in Moscow/Pullman and has graciously agreed to come speak to us also.

We've all had the experience of wanting to inform someone about an issue and running head-on into that person's partisan barriers.  In our polarized society, it is often hard to get past the 'talking points' that both sides toss out.  I anticipate learning some practical techniques for more effective communication with  those who don't necessarily share my views. 

Come on down and join us...and bring a friend!

And mark February  23 on your calendar for the next meeting.  ( Topic or speaker to be announced)

Next Meeting

EDIT:  OOPS!  I put down an incorrect date.  The meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 19.  It is corrected now. 


Next meeting of the Potlatch/Princeton area group (aka Brushfire Alliance)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Potlatch Library meeting Room


We will  discuss 16 different initiatives that are trying to get added to the 2010 ballot and need support at the grassroots level.

Click here to read the text of each initiative.

There is a wealth of information at the Freedom Initiative website  on the voter initiative process and why it is an important tool for citizens.

Try to familiarize yourself with these initiatives before the meeting.

Let's light some fires!