Politics

During this year’s session, the Idaho Legislature addressed hundreds of issues from education to healthcare, from Bibles to guns, from property rights to states’ rights. Here are a few highlights:

Education. Idaho citizens made it clear that parents are concerned about improving education and businesses are demanding a more educated work force. As our economy improves, the Legislature is boosting school funding and strengthening programs to enhance student learning. For the second year in a row, education funding has increased by 7.4%, resulting in over $210 million more going to the classroom next year compared with two years ago! Education of our children will continue to be priority one for the Idaho Legislature.

Reading Initiative. Students failing to read at grade level by third grade find it difficult to catch up and tend to have more behavioral and social problems. Over $9 million was designated to assist 35,000 students from kindergarten through grade three who are reading below grade level. This is an important investment that will improve the education, careers, and overall lives of thousands of Idaho children.

Driver’s License Enhanced. Idaho will enhance the security of Idaho driver’s licenses, qualifying their use to enter airports and federal facilities such as the Idaho National Lab and Mountain Home Air Force Base. The cost is minimal and the transition will not be difficult.

Stop the Slots! By large margins, we prohibited instant horse racing slot machines last year that were propagating casino gambling in violation of our Idaho Constitution. We fought hard against a powerful lobby. Following their futile attempt to get the legislation vetoed, the promoters waged another expensive campaign, but the legislature rebuffed the devastating social and economic consequences of casino gambling in Idaho. 

Constitutional Carry. Idaho is very pro-Second Amendment, requiring no license to carry concealed firearms, except within city limits. This session we extended permitless carry within the city for Idahoans age 21 and older. Restrictions still exist for felons, drug users, and the mentally ill. Other states that do not require concealed weapons permits have experienced no increase in gun-related crimes, homicides, or suicides. The legislation was supported by law enforcement associations. (Idaho concealed weapons permits honored in other states will still be available.)

No Bridge for the Gap. After multiple attempts, the Legislature failed again to address the plight of families with income levels too low to qualify for subsidized health insurance. This so-called “gap” population—those most in need of help—have been caught in the politics and court battles surrounding the Affordable Care Act.

We all agree that Idaho’s current system of dealing with healthcare crises of low-income people is inadequate, inefficient and costly, relying entirely on local taxes without recouping federal taxes our citizens have paid. We know there’s a better way. As President Pro Tem of the Senate, I will work with House Speaker Bedke to pull together key legislators who are committed to finding ways to provide comprehensive managed care to our working poor, focusing on accountability and self-sufficiency, while easing the tax burden on local citizens.

When the Legislature reconvenes in 2017, lawmakers will hit the ground running. But please note: which direction they run will depend upon what they hear from you.

You can access other interesting issues at www.legislature.idaho.gov

H331: Powdered alcohol banned

H431: Homeowners exemption set at $100,000

H463: Statewide uniform minimum wage

H487: Non-compete agreements

H504: Reform of public defender system

H516: Free ultrasound prior to abortion

H524: Torture of pets prohibited

H555: Sexting a misdemeanor

H556: Foster care reform

H566: Suicide prevention

H606: Urban renewal restructure

S1279: STEM education fund

S1342: Religious texts in schools

S1404: Unborn infants dignity act