Despite what some in the Idaho Legislature might think, we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. Now is not the time to be making decisions without careful consideration of the possible long-term consequences, but that’s what happens when short-sided legislation is proposed. I think we should use the pandemic to review our policies on handling emergencies, and …
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On Monday, Governor Little announced in a press conference that Idaho would be moved back to Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan. On October 27, 2020 at 12:00 am MST, the following restrictions will be put in effect: Indoor gatherings will be limited to 50 or less people Outdoor gatherings will stay at 25% capacity of less Social distancing …
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Republican politicians have had supermajority control of the legislature and every statewide office for decades. Under their governance, Idaho has sunk to 51st place in education investment (and, remarkably, now they want to cut another $99 million from our education budget). For seven years they refused to even allow a vote on Medicaid expansion, leaving many thousands of Idahoans to …
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When someone suspects that they may have coronavirus, we hope that they immediately take steps to get tested so they know if they should self-isolate. Unfortunately, a growing number of Idaho children have difficulty getting tested and treated for coronavirus because they don’t have access to healthcare. The risk of spread to health compromised Idahoans from our children is too …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) announced he would be attending the Palouse Demands Justice Vigil on June 3, 2020. The vigil is being held in Friendship Square in Moscow, Idaho. Sen. Nelson expressed his appreciation for the vigil and its organizers. “George Floyd’s death is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate the excessive use of force by …
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At the drop of a hat, Idaho students and teachers have had to completely change their education plans for the school year. They are creating lessons in the virtual world while they are burdened by one of our state’s biggest problems: bad internet. Now, more than ever, Idahoans need reliable broadband. Last year, the Governor’s Broadband Task Force found that …
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Moscow, Idaho – On Monday, protestors gathered at Moscow City Council for the “Liberate Moscow” event. The protest was intended to pressure Governor Little to end the current stay-at-home order, which was recently extended to April 30, 2020. Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) expressed concern about the safety of the event. “Many of my constituents have reached out to me with economic …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, a bill to create a fund for bridge maintenance and replacement passed the house floor. It previously passed the house 52-18. The bill allocates money to the transportation expansion and congestion mitigation program and establishes the bridge maintenance and replacement program fund. The goal of this legislation is to repair dilapidated bridges across the …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, the House voted 32 – 37 against the proposed budget for higher education. House Bill 603 would have appropriated funding to Boise State University, Lewis Clark State College, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho. Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) expressed his disappointment that the House had not voted to fund Idaho colleges and universities. …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Tuesday, Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) announced his plans to run for re-election for the District 5 Senate seat. Sen. Nelson will complete his first term in the Idaho legislature during the 2020 session. “Idahoans deserve access to the highest quality of education.” Sen. Nelson explained. “Our education system needs some serious work if we want to …
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