A word from Rep. Steve Berch

After more than a year of hard work, legislation providing workers compensation to first responders with psychological injuries, such as post traumatic stress injury (PTSI) was signed into law by Governor Little. Before this law, first responders would need an accompanying physical injury to receive workers compensation for a psychological injury. For example, if a first responder wanted treatment for PTSI they would need to also be receiving treatment for a broken bone or concussion. Present at the bill signing were not only Idaho legislators but also first responders from around the state that have helped make this bill a reality. As a law, this bipartisan legislation will protect the members of our community that protect us.

On Monday, the Idaho Senate passed funding for the Medicaid expansion. The bill will now be sent to the House for a vote. Despite the bill’s overwhelming victory in the Senate (passed with a vote of 31-3), the House is still trying to implement restrictions on the expansion. For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.