Idaho State Capitol – On Monday, the 2020 legislative session started at the Idaho State Capitol. On the first day of the session, Governor Little gave his State of the State speech where he discussed the goals of the upcoming legislative session. He discussed his goals for the upcoming 2020 legislative session including education priorities such as full day kindergarten and increased teacher pay, investments in public safety, reducing recidivism in our prisons, and Medicaid Expansion funding at both the state and county levels.
House and Senate Minority Leaders Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise) and Senator Michelle Stennett/(D-Ketchum) gave the Democratic response shortly after the Governor’s speech. Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) echoed the themes presented in the Democratic response.
“Over the last few months, Democratic legislators have been talking to voters and crafting solutions to the problems that our constituents are seeing in their communities.” Sen. Nelson explained. “Democrats are coming to the Capitol with a laser focus on advancing Idaho values. Many legislators, myself included, had the privilege of participating in interim committees that helped us step back and determine the best path forward for Idaho. In Latah and Benewah counties, the recommendations of the interim task forces could make a significant impact on our quality of life.”
“In the coming months, we need to honor the work of the Governor’s interim committees and their findings. The Broadband Task Force that I participated in identified my district as one of the places that is in desperate need of reliable, quality internet access. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure that my constituents have the broadband access that is necessary for their safety and success.”
“Everywhere in the state, voters are voicing their concerns about Idaho’s education system. The Governor’s Education Task Force showed that Democrats have been right from the beginning; Idahoans need statewide all-day kindergarten. Many of our students are starting their educational career already behind their peers. We are setting Idaho students up for success by providing them all day kindergarten options.”
“The 2020 legislative session has the tools to make a real difference for Idahoans. I am hopeful that my legislative colleagues will honor the wishes of their constituents and respect the urgency of their concerns.”