It’s already extremely difficult to get an initiative on the ballot, but S1110 would make it essentially impossible by doubling the district signature requirements. Only one initiative has succeeded in recent years – Medicaid expansion – and it wouldn’t have come close to qualifying under S1110. Ever since that passed in 2018, GOP legislators have waged war on ballot initiatives, which survived this long only because Governor Little vetoed a 2019 legislative assault. This year, despite 80% of Idahoans opposing added restrictions, almost every GOP legislator voted to effectively shut down future citizen-driven ballot initiatives.

Why would they do this? GOP politicians hold every statewide office in Idaho, control the entire federal delegation, and 82% of the legislature. If these GOP legislators truly represent a majority of Idahoans, why are they so afraid of your voice? If they are in fundamental agreement with voters, why work relentlessly to end the only mechanism whereby voters can directly pass a law?

The answer is: the GOP-dominated legislature does NOT represent the majority of Idahoans – not even close.  The agenda of the GOP politicians running the state may mirror certain lobbyists’ wish lists, but it looks nothing like the agenda of most Idahoans, Democrat or Republican:

• 77% of Idahoans support funding early childhood education. After blocking a vote on pre-k for 8 years, 60% of House GOP members rejected a $6 million federal grant to develop early childhood education programs.
•   61% of Idahoans wanted Medicaid expansion, but GOP legislators blocked a vote for 7 years, and most House GOP members voted this session to defund it.
•   72% of Idahoans support medical cannabis for seriously ill Idahoans, but 86% of Senate GOP members voted to constitutionally ban cannabis for any purpose.
•   74.5% of Idahoans say their top priority is education. But GOP legislators have put us last in America in education funding, while instead doling out massive tax cuts to the wealthy.

No wonder GOP legislators want to end ballot initiatives, which uncomfortably expose the chasm between what Idahoans want and what they get from their special-interest-driven legislature. Initiatives provide a path for the people to prevail over politicians, heaven forbid.

To all the mainstream Republicans and Independents out there: if you support public education investment, Medicaid expansion, early childhood education, and property tax relief that doesn’t gut local services, this is for you. Idaho Democrats want to advance your agenda, and have a slate of bills targeted at the real problems facing our state — insufficient funding for education, skyrocketing property taxes and crumbling infrastructure, to name a few. It’s hard to make progress, though, when we only hold 18% of the seats in the Legislature and can’t get hearings on our bills.

Every year, elements of the majority party become more and more radicalized, widening the disconnect between GOP legislators and the will of citizens. As long as the disregard of Idahoans’ desires is rewarded with re-election, the problem will only get worse, and will be almost unfixable once they’ve dismantled ballot initiative rights. Our ask of you is simple. Free yourself from party affiliation and vote for candidates who will actually stand up for your rights and priorities, which will often mean voting for the Democrat in a race.

Remember next November. GOP politicians are silencing your voice when they effectively end ballot initiative rights. If they don’t want your voice, do they deserve your vote?

Rep. Ilana Rubel

House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, debated strongly against it, and said the bill seeks to make an already onerous process ostensibly impossible by doubling the district signature requirements needed. Rubel said Idaho already is the hardest state to qualify a measure for the ballot. In the past decade, Medicaid expansion is the only initiative to pass, and it would not have come close to qualifying under SB1110.

“If y’all are afraid of what the people of Idaho want to do and what their agenda is, and you feel it is important to block that, you may be in the wrong line of work,” Rubel said in her debate. A survey from Boise State University showed 80% of Idahoans opposed adding restrictions.

Rep. Colin Nash

Proponents of the bill argued it gives rural Idahoans more of a voice in the legislative process. But in his debate, Rep. Colin Nash, D-Boise, showed the divide between urban and rural voters is a myth, as demonstrated by Idaho ballot measure election results by county from 1990-2020.

“Our ballot initiative process has allowed citizens of Idaho to pass laws when the Idaho Legislature fails to act. From Medicaid expansion to the popular homeowner’s exemption that protects residents from rapid property tax increases,” Nash said. “We must stand up for Idahoans’ constitutional right to enact laws independent of the Legislature, not silence and suppress them.”

The bill now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration. The Democratic caucus strongly urges his veto.

The 19th amendment was passed in August 1920 and added to the U.S. Constitution. Idaho was ahead of the curve and was the 4th state in the nation to grant women the right to vote, which was passed by a Senate Joint Resolution in 1896. Women have been influential throughout Idaho’s history, but this year we are celebrating the contributions that Idaho women have made to our state for the last 100 years.

The first Idaho Women’s Suffrage meeting happened in November 1895 with plans to convince the state government that women deserve equal suffrage. Fast forward to 1899 and Idaho elected its first three women to the Idaho legislature (in the House). District 26 is represented by three women in the legislature (one Senator and two representatives). There are currently 3 Idaho legislative districts that are represented entirely by women in the statehouse. Both the House and Senate Democratic leaders are women. We know that our positions and our work would not be possible without the work of our ancestors. Women’s suffrage activists fought for nearly 100 years to earn the right to vote. Before the Civil War even began, women’s suffrage reformers were fighting battles across the country to convince governments, politicians, and citizens that women deserved a say in their representation.

After decades of work, Congress finally voted to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In the November election that year, over 8 million women across the country voted for the first time ever. Idaho played an early role in passing women’s suffrage, and we have an important role to play in our nation’s future. There are women across the state in leadership positions in government, academic, industry, and so much more. However, the Idaho legislature’s gender demographic is still only about 30% female. We have a responsibility to foster women leaders and celebrate their accomplishments.

In commemoration of this momentous accomplishment, several of us women legislators, women leaders, and the Idaho State Treasurer are unveiling a silver medallion at the end of September embossed with 5 Idaho women veterans who served during wars in different military branches. There will be a celebration of these extraordinary women and all women veterans and the silver medallion will be available to purchase.

Our state inherited the perseverance and heart of the generations of women before us. The District 26 representatives are honoring their work by fighting for a better future for every Idahoan. As the saying goes, “we stand on the shoulders of giants” and we hope you’ll help us lift up the next generation of Idahoans. In 100 years, we want our families to be celebrating the accomplishments that we made thanks to the work of the women’s suffrage movement.

What does it mean to work year-round when the legislature is in session for only three months? It means that I am a resource for my constituents every day – it is both a humbling and personally satisfying experience. I get to help people without having to convince a majority of 104 other legislators to agree with me. I can have an immediate, positive impact on people’s lives. The actions may seem small in the grand scheme of things but are important to the individual, especially when I can help make government work for people.

I can’t guarantee the outcome of an issue owned by another government entity, but I can do my best to assist and advocate for my constituents. Here’s are just a few of the issues I’ve worked on for District 15 constituents since I was elected in 2018:

• Addressed concerns about student safety along Cloverdale Road when walking to Joplin Elementary School while the road was under construction (walkways were put in place)
• Helped a constituent learn why they could not access water from their local irrigation district canal
• Fixed a leaking sprinkler pipe on school property that was flooding a neighbor’s yard
• Connected a constituent with the Governor’s office regarding the lack of volunteer preceptors needed to complete nurse practitioner graduation requirements at ISU
• Fixed an issue with water constantly pooling in front of an elderly person’s mailbox
• Addressed questions regarding how Idaho’s sex offender registry is managed relative to the laws of other states
• Helped clarify certain constraints on HIPAA in regard to parental notification
• Connected a constituent with PERSI management to address a participation issue
• Worked to install four-way stop signs at a dangerous residential intersection
• Responded to many requests for data and information on a variety of topics
• Addressed a wide variety of questions and concerns related to voting by mail for the May 19 primary election and the current pandemic

The list goes on. In addition, I give constituents my personal cell phone number to make myself readily available. If a candidate for elected office doesn’t make it easy for constituents to contact them, they shouldn’t apply for the job.

There’s another benefit when taking the job of being a public servant seriously. I learn more about how government works at all levels. Responding to a constituent request often results in my building new relationships with people within state, county, city and other local government entities. It can also be the source and impetus for new legislation to remedy a bad situation or benefit citizens throughout Idaho.

Being a legislator is more than just writing and debating bills in the statehouse for three months. It’s about helping people. It’s about being a public servant in all ways possible all the time.

“Idahoans deserve access to the highest quality of education.” Sen. Nelson explained. “Our education system needs some serious work if we want to give Idaho’s children the best opportunities in their future. When Idahoans are highly educated, they can earn higher salaries to support their families and build the companies of tomorrow. We need to invest in the University of Idaho and other public college and universities, so we have a reliable pipeline of highly trained citizens. I am committed to continuing my fight for high caliber education in Idaho.”

“As Idaho continues to grow, infrastructure throughout the state needs to be updated to keep Idaho families safe. During my legislative career, I have worked to promote infrastructure development in Northern Idaho and across the state. With an increasing population, our roadways are experiencing more wear and tear than normal and with that, comes the need for increased focus on fixing issues as they arise. Our rural communities cannot wait for funding as roads flood or need repairs from overuse. There needs to be a more efficient way to allocate resources to make sure Idahoans have safe roads to get to work, the grocery store or get their children to school.”

“My constituents in District 5 have always been my priority and I look forward to continuing my service to them. Rural communities are the heart of Idaho and fighting for their needs is my biggest concern. It’s important to me to work across the aisle to find solutions to the problems that Idahoans are grappling with in every corner of the state. I am committed to fighting for their values and way of life by protecting our state’s resources, upkeeping and developing infrastructure and fighting for future generations of Idahoans.”

“I am committed to fighting for Pocatello in the Idaho legislature.” Sen. Nye said. “I have worked to advocate for my district in the statehouse for years, and I am excited and prepared to continue that commitment. Idahoans are still waiting for solutions on things like quality healthcare and affordable housing, I am also seeing these concerns in my districts.”

“We have accomplished a lot since I started my career in the legislature, but we have a long way to go. Our children and grandchildren deserve the best quality of life, and that starts with action at the legislative level.”

While in the legislature, Senator Burgoyne has fought for Medicaid Expansion, free college courses and the elimination of college and career technical program debt, combatting climate change and protecting the environment, unfettered access to public lands, human rights, public transportation, livable wages, good paying jobs, cutting property taxes, repealing the grocery tax, affordable housing, accessible and affordable health care, better teacher pay and working conditions, and transparent government that works for regular people.

In announcing his campaign, Senator Burgoyne said “I have built a reputation for civil, bipartisan, and effective legislative leadership, but I have never backed down from fighting for my constituents and my principles. The people in District 16 have been and will remain my highest priority. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve them.”

Senator Burgoyne also said, “Idahoans are good, hard-working people. They shouldn’t have to worry about food, housing, healthcare, daycare, transportation, education, job training, or their safety at any age. Yet, too many struggle financially while wealthy and well connected insiders walk off with huge profits and tax cuts for themselves. It is long past time that regular folks got a break and a fair share of their labors. America is supposed to be about opportunity. However, for too many Idahoans getting a start in life and building a sound financial base for raising a family and retiring with dignity is becoming impossible. That must change now, in this election, if we and our country are to have a future.”

Senator Burgoyne closed his remarks by saying that “one of the most precious things about being an Idahoan is our freedom. This is our state and we have the right to speak out, vote, protect our privacy, control our own bodies and control our local communities without interference from politicians in the Statehouse. When these rights are attacked, we must stand our ground.”

Rep. Wintrow is currently serving her third term in the Idaho House of Representatives for Boise’s District 19. Her committee assignments in the House include Joint Finance and Appropriations, Transportation and Defense, and Judiciary and Rules. She serves on the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission, the Public Defense Commission, and the Foster Care Study committee. Rep Wintrow worked full-time in higher education for over 25 years; among her positions, she served as a Women’s Center Director and provided direct advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She serves on the board of directors for the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and teaches gender studies and a leadership development course at Boise State University.

Her legislation focuses on the criminal legal system and protecting sexual assault survivors, passing 5 major pieces of legislation in the past 4 years including:

• Creating the first of its kind sexual assault kit tracking system that allows sexual assault survivors to monitor the status of their sexual assault evidence
• Requiring that all sexual assault kits are tested, preserved, and tracked so that no sexual assault kit ends up lost or untested
• Ensuring that the state pays for the collection of evidence so no sexual assault victim pays for their own sexual assault kit

Rep. Wintrow has also worked closely with the National Institute of Civil Discourse in her legislative capacity to encourage collaboration and civility inside and outside of the legislature. She has prioritized including marginalized voices in the legislature and bringing people together to compromise on solutions. She has made the decision to run for the Senate seat in District 19 to bring those practices to the Idaho Senate.

“Senator Buckner-Webb’s absence in the legislature will be felt by legislators, District 19 constituents, and the state of Idaho.” Rep. Wintrow explained. “I was honored to serve with her during her time in the Senate. In her absence, Sen. Buckner-Webb has left a legacy of elevating the voices of all Idahoans and ensuring that our most marginalized individuals have a place in the legislature. I am running for the Senate in District 19 in hopes of honoring and continuing Sen. Buckner-Webb’s work and all those who have led before me. During my time in the House, I have prioritized amplifying the voices of all Idahoans, especially those that often go unheard and protecting Idaho’s most vulnerable citizens.”

“I had the opportunity to pass impactful legislation in the House, some that has received national attention and has been modeled in other states. The House Minority Leader, Representative Ilana Rubel, (Rep. Erpelding before her), provided guidance and leadership that empowers the entire Democratic caucus to accomplish their goals. I will deeply miss Rep. Rubel and my other colleagues in the House, but I am ready to take advantage of new opportunities on the other side of the rotunda.”

“It is an absolute honor to serve my constituents in Boise, and I am hopeful that they will trust me to continue to fight for their rights in the Senate. The Senate offers opportunities to create new relationships and consider different perspectives on legislative goals that will benefit our district and state. I will continue to propose legislation that honors Idaho values in the Senate, and I look forward to the upcoming challenges and prospects that I will face.”

It has been an honor to serve the state of Idaho and its citizens during my ten years in the Idaho Legislature, two years in the House and eight years in the Senate. It has been an extraordinary time in my life and in the lives of all Idahoans as we have watched phenomenal transformation in our state: our increasing population, our new businesses and industries, and all of the benefits and problems of a rapidly growing state. Those benefits and problems are not evenly distributed, and it is the responsibility of Idaho’s citizen legislature to ensure that all Idahoans are valued and heard.

I remain humbled by the support of those who elected, welcomed, advised, and worked with me over this decade. My mother’s credo was “Disturb the Peace” and I plan to carry on that legacy, as a private citizen, to advocate for the issues that matter to me and other Idahoans.

I am so grateful that my family had the wisdom to choose Idaho in 1905, and the tenacity to stay. In their honor, I encourage legislators to move beyond politics, to value inclusivity, and to welcome all voices as we – the public and private sectors – work together to create the best future possible for generations of to come. It has been a privilege to be part of the public sector and I look forward to continuing that work in the private sector. Many thanks for the opportunity and honor to serve the people and the great state of Idaho.

Rep. McCrostie was the first openly LGBTQ man elected to the Idaho State Legislature and is now the first openly LGBTQ individual to occupy a leadership position in the Idaho Legislature.

“I am simultaneously humbled and proud to be the first openly gay man elected to a leadership position in the Idaho House.” Rep. McCrostie said. “In a conservative state, it’s incredibly important to show young Idahoans that LGBTQ individuals have a place in their government. My position is an important step to bring LGBTQ issues to the forefront in the Idaho legislature and to create the protections that all Idaho citizens deserve.”

“I appreciate the support and confidence of my legislative colleagues to represent their best interests in my new leadership position. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the upcoming legislative session.”