Monday: Statewide officials were sworn in. Former governors Sullivan, Geringer and

Freudenthal were present on stage as well as Senators Enzi and Barasso and Rep. Cheney.

Outgoing Gov. Mead passed the baton to Gov. Gordon, who spoke of the importance of

education and local control.

Kristi Racines (State Auditor), Ed Buchanan (Secretary of State), Curt Meier (State Treasurer)

and Jillian Balow (Superintendent of Public Instruction) also received the oath of

office. It was comforting to see so many familiar faces with whom I had served before,

including some of these statewide officials. It was a feeling of welcoming.

Tuesday: The 65th Legislature was sworn in. Steve Harshman was elected Speaker of

the House, Albert Sommers was elected Speaker Pro Tempore, Eric Barlow was elected

Majority Floor Leader and Cathy Connolly continues her role as Minority Floor Leader.

Wednesday: The governor gave his State of the State address. The 65th Legislature gaveled

in, introduced bills and assigned them to their appropriate committees.

Thursday: We toured the Capitol construction, which we were assured was on time and

on budget. The restoration has uncovered some frescos and other architectural features,

which are being restored as well as some old vaults. The most humbling aspect was on the

stairway leading from the entrance to the House of Representatives, a spindle purposely

placed upside down by the Amish woodworkers, as a reminder of humanity’s imperfection.

Friday: I attended both of my committee meetings (House Revenue and Labor, Health &

Social Services). The House Committee of the Whole convened and passed HB25, HB38,

HB39 and HB59 out of the House and to the Senate. HB48 failed.