I never really know the kinds of things you like to know about your Idaho Legislature. I realize most of you are no kind of political junkies who spend a lot of time studying bills and such. I try to let you know what I think you may be interested in, that I know something [...]
When I write newsletters, I never know what you will be interested in. Last week, I wrote about what to do about the problem of transportation funding in Idaho. I got a great response! Many of you engaged with ideas I had not thought of or heard before. Nobody thought what we were doing was [...]
This was an extremely busy week in the Legislature, especially in the committees of which I am a member. Let me fill you in. Fewer Rules, Anyone? Last week, Governor Brad Little announced the Red Tape Reduction Act. The stated intent was to eliminate two rules for every one added. In line with that theme, [...]
This is the last week before the Legislature starts voting on lots and lots of bills. Legislators have been working on budgets, preparing bills, and connecting with each other over potential issues. Better leadership, better representation As I have become better connected here, expectations increase. Whether it be from you, who are my constituents, other [...]
Excitement in the Air This was a week of excitement and anticipation of better days ahead for Idaho politics. An inauguration of the first governor in twelve years was held in our Capitol. Thousands of people descended on Boise to be part of the festivities. Of course, it was the first time Carolyn and I [...]
4-H members from all over the state descended on Boise this week. They were here to learn the details of how our state government works. They held a breakfast for all legislators on Monday morning. They were such great kids! Of course part of the reason they were so nice was they had been here [...]
Last Monday the Senate paid homage to President Abraham Lincoln in commemoration of his 208th birthday. I was asked to prepare and read a tribute to our 16th President on the Senate floor. We all know President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but he also instituted the first income tax and was the first [...]
I was asked by Senator Cliff Bayer to co-sponsor a bill to repeal the grocery tax in Idaho. This is the one where you pay on food, then get a tax credit when you file your income tax. It seems a little crazy to me for the government to charge you to buy food then [...]
