Idaho Politics Weekly Newsletter

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Your one-stop source for Idaho political, government and public policy information, presented by Zions Bank. Subscribe to have our weekly e-newsletter delivered to your in-box each Monday morning.

This Week In Idaho Politics

'Common sense' gun reform not happening
By Chuck Malloy, Idaho Politics Weekly contributor
Chuck MalloyHere we go again. Two more mass shootings, one in El Paso and one in Dayton, and we're hearing some predictable rhetoric this time with a Democratic presidential nomination on the line.

Idaho ed spending is low, but gets good bang for the buck
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
Give Idaho an "A" for effort, but an "F" for low per-student spending.

Trump, 'red flag' laws, & Idaho's gun lobby
By Steve Taggart, Idaho Politics Weekly contributor
Politics is known for making strange bedfellows.  It can also create unusual foes. A rather unique conflict may be brewing in Idaho in relation to so-called "red flag" laws geared to reduce gun violence.

Tax issues, initiatives & redistricting lead legislative agenda
By Stephen Hartgen
Stephen HartgenIt's the heat of summer, but none too early for some look-ahead topics likely to be on legislators' radar when they convene in Boise in a much-cooler January. Among the likely topics are tax proposals, the census-driven redistricting effort, and another attempt at tightening the initiative process.

Trump maneuvers China into a strong position in the trade war
By Jim Jones
Jim JonesIt is apparently dawning on the president that the Chinese may well hold the key to his re-election in 2020.

Trump risks re-election with tough but correct -- stance on China
By LaVarr Webb, Publisher
Donald Trump is the subject of ferocious opposition and his re-election is clearly in danger. So why does he continue to take major actions that are obviously not in his best political and re-election interests?

Guest Opinion: Idaho needs to bolster rural broadband now
By Sen. Carl Crabtree
Sen. Carl CrabtreeInsufficient broadband in rural Idaho is putting our students, businesses, and communities at a significant disadvantage. I am working hard to get more of this essential infrastructure to the people living outside the major metro areas.

Guest opinion: Navigating Early Childhood Education
By Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb (D-Boise), and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking (D-Boise)
There are so many competing priorities for new parents which result in the necessity to navigate a steep learning curve immediately. From the minute that bundle of joy arrives at home, one of the chief concerns is how to ensure their child has the best possible start in every area possible: emotionally, spiritually, and educationally.

Press release: Proposed medical marijuana initiative enters circulation
By Press release
Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney announced proponents of a new initiative were cleared to begin collecting petition signatures.

Zions Bank August 2019 economic snapshot
By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank
Idaho's labor market remains solid even as job creation has moderated in recent months.

Political news notes: Politicians busy all across Idaho
By Idaho Politics Weekly staff
House GOP leadership continues town hall series. House Republican Leadership and House Republican Caucus members from Districts 20-22 will hold a town hall in Meridian. This comes after people packed a town hall in Twin Falls last month.

Idaho delegation splits on budget votes
By Chuck Malloy, Idaho Politics Weekly Contributor
When President Trump asks Republicans for a vote on something, Sen. Jim Risch normally offers his support. But when it comes to the budget well, that's another story.Risch was one of 28 Senators opposing the bipartisan budget bill backed by Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Call it the "Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue," since Trump and Pelosi can't agree on the color of grass. But they managed to join forces on a two-year budget package that will end the drama, or threats, of government shutdowns.