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How do levels of trust--an important determinant of social capital--of the Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW) population in Idaho compare with levels of trust among Latinos nationally? Do MSFWs in Idaho have higher levels of trust towards other Latinos than they do of whites in the state? These questions are central to an ongoing discussion about the assimilation/incorporation of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. To address these questions, we compare findings from a survey of MSFWs in the state of Idaho in 2002-2003 and four focus groups conducted in May and June 2003. Using the Social Capital Community Benchmark survey as a contextual background, we found that MSFWs in Idaho have even lower levels of trust than Latinos nationally. We also found that MSFWs' levels of trust are low towards whites. Most surprisingly, levels of trust of MSFWs towards other Latinos are equally low. Increasing levels of trust and social capital is critical in this community for achieving greater incorporation, economic development, and improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines interest group strength on the state level and suggests ways to measure such strength. He assesses strength based on the reputation of the group, its activity in the electoral process and the extent of the operational activity of the group in attempting to influence public policy. An informative comparison of measurements of influence of Idaho interest groups and that of previous studies, is presented. He highlights that a case study is often the most appropriate means of studying interest groups.

The article discusses how to predict and measure the outcomes of collaborative governance arrangements from the angle of government, as well as through the lens of governance as challenged by Tom Koontz and Craig Thomas. It evaluates four cases of collaborative governance in the field of environmental policy, namely, the Blackfoot Challenge in Montana, the Walla Walla ESA effort in Washington, the Applegate Partnership in Oregon, and the Henry's Fork Watershed Council in Idaho.

This article analyzes the proposed budget of Idaho Governor C. L. Otter for fiscal year 2009. It discusses the important events and the overall budget process that affect the budget. It notes that this analysis is only initial because the legislative session would have to be finished first before a complete analysis can be made on how successful Otter was in executing the budget process. The state's economic and revenue conditions are also examined.