Newsletter

This Week In Idaho Politics

We'll soon see what $500 million can buy
By Chuck Malloy, Idaho Politics Weekly Contributor
It doesn't take a political genius to know that a Republican presidential nominee will carry Idaho by a wide margin. As a result, it doesn't make sense for candidates on either side to spend much time and resources in the Gem State.

---

We're already 'Greater Idaho,' even without 'Little Oregon'
By Stephen Hartgen
Gov. Brad Little was certainly correct when he said on national television last month that some eastern Oregon areas wanted to join Idaho because of our more conservative values. Yep, anyone who knows the Oregon high desert country would agree it has a lot in more in common with Idaho than Oregon's "greener" mountains, coastline and social norms.

---

Message bills and the U.S. Constitution
By Steve Taggart, Idaho Politics Weekly Contributor
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of (insert office) according to the best of my ability." - Oath of office for Idaho officials

---

Guest opinion: We must protect women's sports in Idaho
By Rep. Barbara Ehardt
I want to protect women's sports in Idaho. That's what my legislation, the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, helps to do. Any claims to the contrary are just noise.

---

Guest opinion: We should support the Invest in Idaho Education Initiative
By Logan Anderson, high school music teacher in Meridian
When I started music school, I hoped for a career both performing and teaching. Though I came close to realizing my goal, adult responsibilities forced me to step back and reconsider my options. I come from a long line of Idahoan musicians and educators, and while I love and respect the wonderful teachers I had during my public education here, I feared the life of an educator and its accompanying difficulties.

---

America's intelligence agencies are no longer used or useful
By Jim Jones
Every day, America's intelligence agencies work hard to keep Americans safe. Their agents and employees are spread across the world, often in some of the most dangerous places. It is commonplace for our intelligence agents to risk their lives to get vital information on enemy threats for the purpose of safeguarding the national security of the United States.

---

Guest opinion: Time to plan a visit to Washington, D.C.
By Sen. Mike Crapo
Idahoans who visit our United States Capitol Building may have seen Idaho's contributions to the collection of statues donated by each state to honor people notable in each state's history.  Rooms and halls of the Capitol are adorned with this collection of statues. 

---

Political news notes: Idaho vital statistics . . . distracted driving . . . child marriage . . . too great for hate . . . salmon workgroup . . . campaign announcements
By Idaho Politics Weekly Staff
HB 509:  Idaho Vital Statistics Act. House Bill 509, the Idaho Vital Statistics Act, directs that certificates of birth accurately document material facts related to the birth of a child, including time of birth, date of birth, biological sex, birth weight, birth length, and place of birth. 

---

And here we have 'greater' Idaho
By Chuck Malloy, Idaho Politics Weekly Contributor
Hmmm. Folks in southwestern Oregon may be onto something.

---

Grocery tax exemption bill makes sense for Idaho
By Stephen Hartgen
You know spring is coming when the daffodils are up on the south sides of Boise buildings in late February and taxation bills finally get moving in the Legislature. An important measure on the grocery tax exemption taxation has cleared a committee on the House side and represents a couple of clear policies ahead. (HB 494, sponsored by Speaker Scott Bedke.)

---

More on HB 515 . . . Rexburg's turn in the spotlight
By Steve Taggart, Idaho Politics Weekly Contributor
Last week the Idaho House Business Committee heard nearly five hours of testimony and then voted to send to House floor HB 515, the Idaho Patient Act. The measure is sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Jason Monks.

---

Guest opinion: We support students when we support teachers
By Governor Brad Little
When we talk about supporting teachers, we're really talking about supporting students.