Work, family and our children. These are the values embedded in the Idaho Working Families Agenda that House Democrats unveiled this week. We propose a package of tax and budget solutions that deliver benefits to Idahoans who are often overlooked. The agenda has three components: tax credits for working Idaho families, lower property taxes for homeowners and seniors, and targeted …
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Our democracy relies on freedom of expression, including protest. It also depends on an open, productive, and civil discourse where everyone can be heard and policy is set based on a rational assessment of available options. Setting policy based on who can act most intimidating is anti-democratic and anti-American. Sadly, the past year has seen a dramatic increase in the …
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Last spring when the coronavirus spread into Idaho communities, no one knew what our schools should do in this unprecedented situation. Yet from that moment on, school leaders did what we always do: monitor and adjust. As we work through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, Idaho’s classrooms and our teachers’ instructional delivery looks remarkably different from last year. But we must remember …
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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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It’s no secret property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for many of Idaho’s homeowners. We all want a fair system for collecting the revenue that makes law enforcement, fire response, and other critical services possible. Unfortunately, state policies have shifted the tax load overwhelmingly onto residents and away from commercial properties. New legislation being proposed in the Senate’s …
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On Jan. 20, many of us let out a shared sigh of relief. With President Joe Biden being sworn into office, it feels like our nation is finally headed in the direction of empathy toward our fellow man, progress toward shared goals and competence in government. We cannot overlook, however, the deep scars the last four years — and most …
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Sgt. Jeremy Kitzhaber, a proud Idahoan, served 22 years in the Air Force with distinction. He deployed to three continents, and among the many honors he received are several Meritorious Service Medals and the National Veterans of Foreign Wars “Beyond the Call” Award. Unfortunately, his service to our country left him with more than just a shadowbox full of medals. …
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A common refrain heard from the chorus of folks who view public health measures as an affront to their rights is, “What would the founders think?” While speculating about the hypothetical political opinions of people who died a quarter-millennium ago may be a questionable way to govern ourselves today, for those who believe the secrets of liberty lie somewhere in …
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As the saying goes, “Don’t tell me what your values are. Show me your budget and I’ll tell you what your values are.” Our annual state budget transforms the values of our lawmakers into action: how deeply we care about children, seniors, education, health care access and much more. Our budget demonstrates whether we are creating opportunities for Idahoans to …
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