During a news conference Friday, Senate Democrats pushed back against the Idaho Legislature’s return to the Statehouse next week. Sens. Michelle Stennett, Grant Burgoyne, and Janie Ward-Engelking raised concerns about the possible legal ramifications that could stem from the Senate, specifically, coming back into session after adjourning in May, not recessing like the House. No mechanism exists for the body …
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We serve on the Idaho Legislature’s interim federalism committee, which evaluates and monitors federal law and its impact on our state. In this context, there are many important issues we could work on: improving access to public lands, building better relationships with our federal partners, or ensuring Idahoans’ full value for their federal tax payments. That isn’t happening. Instead, we …
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The Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus released the following statement Friday in response to GOP state leaders threatening a legal action against President Joe Biden for his vaccination plan: “At this historic moment, our state needs to come together to navigate the crisis. We are at a breaking point, as unvaccinated COVID-19 patients flood hospitals statewide, forcing Crisis Standards of Care, …
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On Thursday, the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus declared its opposition to reconvening the legislature after the three largest health care systems announced their commitment to protecting their employees and patients by adding COVID vaccinations to existing immunization policies. The current policies have off-ramps and exemptions already in place. Hospitals have a responsibility to all who enter their businesses, whether someone …
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The Joint Democratic Caucus urges the immediate release of the federal COVID relief funds for child care businesses by the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Idaho’s child care professionals keep our economy running, helping parents and caregivers enter and stay in the workforce, which is more crucial than ever. If we do not provide meaningful support now, the child care …
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On Friday, Gov. Brad Little vetoed legislation seeking to trim the powers of the governor in disaster emergencies and increase those of the Legislature. Both House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136 were opposed by the House and Senate Democrats. House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel said Little made the right choice to veto the two bills, and hopes he’ll do …
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Due to the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases occurring in the Statehouse, the Idaho Legislature will recess until April 6. Democratic Leaders Ilana Rubel and Michelle Stennett said they wish the individuals who’ve tested positive a full and speedy recovery, and are thankful for the decision to take a two-week pause. However, it shouldn’t have taken an outbreak for lawmakers …
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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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During the 2020 campaign, my opponent and his party ran on the slogan, “Faith Family Freedom.” Those are great values. They aren’t partisan values – they’re American values. People of all political stripes attend the church of their choice. Everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, wants the best for their family and loved ones. And Arlington cemetery is the final …
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The Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus issued the following response Monday in regard to a recent statement released by the Idaho House Republican Caucus: It is ridiculous for GOP leadership to suggest the motion was brought for publicity or fundraising purposes. Every effort was made to resolve this issue in a non-public way, but those efforts were systematically shot down. Friday’s …
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