Owyhee Initiative Events, Health Care ForumsPlanned Next Week

Washington, DC - The historic passage of Idaho's Owyhee Initiative land management legislation will be the subject of two gatherings next week hosted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Members of the work group that wrote the legislation and Crapo will join to talk about future implementation of the Initiative and how it could affect similar efforts in Idaho during meetings in Boise and Murphy. They will sign a ceremonial copy of the legislation.

Crapo will also host four forums in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston and Idaho Falls to hear Idahoans' views about heath care legislation expected before Congress. The Senate Finance Committee on which Crapo sits could begin hearings on health care by May.

During his visit, Crapo will also help dedicate a job retraining program at Lewis-Clark State College. He worked with the Idaho Delegation to secure funding for one of the few skid pad training centers in the western U.S. The center will train truck driving companies, law enforcement agencies, emergency response units and others how to handle their vehicles in dangerous situations, such as skids. Crapo, LCSC President Dene Thomas and others will demonstrate the driving simulator during the event. On Saturday, Crapo will be honored as "Statesman of the Year" by Idaho State University's Pi Sigma Alpha national political honor society during an event on the Pocatello campus.

Tuesday, April 14

11:00 a.m. Murphy Joins members of the Owyhee Initiative Work Group and Owyhee County residents to discuss implementation of the Owyhee Initiative legislation. At the Owyhee County Historical Museum, 17085 Basey Street, off Idaho 78.

1:30 p.m. Boise Joins members of the Owyhee Initiative Work Group, ranchers, conservationists and others to discuss implementation of the Owyhee Initiative legislation. At the Lisk Gallery, 850 West Main Street.

6:00 p.m. Boise Hosts a forum to hear from Idahoans on potential health care reform issues before Congress. At the Ada County Commissioner's Meeting Room, 200 West Front Street.

Wednesday, April 15

Noon Coeur d'Alene Hosts a forum to hear from Idahoans on potential health care reform issues before Congress. At the Coeur d'Alene High School Auditorium, 5530 North 4th Street.

6:30 p.m. Lewiston Hosts a forum to hear from Idahoans on potential health care reform issues before Congress. At Lewis Clark State College's Meriwether Lewis Hall, Room 100. 500 8th Avenue.

Thursday, April 16

Noon Lewiston Speaks at Rotary Club Luncheon event, 621 21st Avenue.

1:00 p.m. Lewiston Joins Lewis Clark State College and local officials to officially open and demonstrate the Skid Pad Training Center on the LCSC Campus. 500 8th Avenue.

Friday, April 17

12:30 p.m. Idaho Falls Hosts a forum to hear from Idahoans on potential health care reform issues before Congress. At the Idaho Falls City Council Chambers, 680 Park Avenue.

Saturday, April 18

7:00 p.m. Pocatello Attends Idaho State University's Pi Sigma Alpha "Statesman of the Year Award" Banquet. Crapo will be honored by ISU chapter of the national political honor society and offer remarks. Program includes tributes from Idaho Senator Jim Risch, Senate President Pro-Tem Robert Geddes and Judge Randy Smith. At the ISU Performing Arts Center Rotunda, 1002 Sam Nixon.