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Idaho Democrats Urge Delayed 2021 Legislative Session

Idaho Public TV screenshot

Idaho’s Democratic legislators want to postpone the start of next year’s legislative session until at least April.

Democratic leaders on Tuesday released a letter they sent to the majority Republican leaders. In it, they say it makes sense to wait until vaccines become more available to the general public.

Sen. David Nelson [D-Moscow] says it’s still too early to put 105 legislators in one building for a few months. He says he felt a little uneasy recently when newly-elected lawmakers gathered to get ready for next year.

“At the organizational session, there were only eight or nine out of 35 wearing masks. In that case, I have some N-95 and KN-95 masks I will wear in that situation," Nelson said. "I’ll do everything I can do remotely. I suspect we’ll be able to do our committee work somewhat remotely. It might have to be in a building, in an office, watching a Zoom call, but I will do my best to protect other people.”

Governor Brad Little has also urged legislators to wait or hold their session mostly online.