What if you were hanging on the edge of a cliff and your friend leaned down and started rapping hard on your fingers, at the same time telling you it will be alright? Unfortunately, that’s what some Idaho politicians are doing to citizens trying to access vital services amid this pandemic to keep from completely falling off the edge of …
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The ballots submitted by the Republican speaker of the house and the Democratic leader of the house will probably look very different this year, but there is one spot where they will look the same. We are both voting “yes” on House Joint Resolution 4, and we encourage you to do the same. The constitutional amendment HJR 4 might seem …
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The special session was more dangerous and uncivil that Idaho citizens could have ever predicted. The week before the special session of the Idaho Legislature began, Idaho Democratic legislators met (virtually) to discuss how to be safe and healthy. We had hoped that there would be some precautions in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus, even if they were …
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As we face a global pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, Idahoans may have been hopeful about the legislature’s recent special session. Since the pandemonium at the Statehouse dominated the news, Idahoans may still be wondering what was actually accomplished. The answer, unfortunately, is not much. Republican legislators spent most of the time pandering to the far right, and the …
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A hundred years ago, in 1920, the United States came out of the First World War and celebrated a new decade and a changing world. The world was recovering from the Spanish flu pandemic, the automobile industry was beginning to take off, and Americans wrestled with Prohibition. The country was undergoing drastic changes in industry, culture, politics, and so much …
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2020 is an unprecedented year. Although residents of South-Central Idaho continue to face hardships that defy imagination, our communities have proven their resolve through a heroic commitment to stand together in this time of need. 2020 will surely be seen as a major historical juncture for years to come. Lost amidst all of this year’s turmoil, however, has been another …
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Childcare is a non-negotiable part of parenthood. Every child will need some form of childcare whether they have a parent staying home, a relative willing to give full-time care, or a close-by daycare center. Idaho parents, unfortunately, face more barriers to accessing quality, affordable childcare than parents in most other states. The Gem State has been ranked last in the …
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Voters rightly elect legislators to be present to debate and vote and Idahoans have a right to participate by viewing the proceedings, communicating their views and participating in public hearings. Citizen participation is expected by the people of Idaho and encouraged by our Federal and State Constitutions. To honor these promises the legislature needs to pass legislation to provide options …
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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 teachers have had some of the toughest months of their entire career. In all corners of the state, our teachers are learning new skills and adapting their curriculum. Our teachers are committed to educating Idaho students, no matter the obstacles. As a reward, the Governor has promised nearly $100 million in cuts to the state’s education budget. Governor Little …
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