Plans to change the name of the huge Department of Health and Welfare to Health and Social Services fell one vote short in the Senate this week, amid protests about the $30,000 cost to change signs and listings that have the old name.

Backers, led by Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Skip Brandt, R-Kooskia, argued that welfare isn’t what the giant department is really about any more, and makes up just a tiny portion of its services. But opponents didn’t think the change was worth it. Sen. Kent Bailey, R-Hayden, said it’d be a shame to tell Idahoans the only thing they’re getting is a bunch of new signs.

North Idaho lawmakers split in the 15-16 vote. Voting yes were Sens. Marti Calabretta, D-Osburn; Dick Compton, R-Coeur d’Alene; John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene; and Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow.

Voting no were Bailey and Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint.

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