Most people understand that the role of a legislator is to help write the laws that govern us. That’s what we do from January through March when the state legislature is in session. However, there’s another part of the job that is seldom discussed – being a public servant. My work doesn’t stop when the session ends. What does it …
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At the drop of a hat, Idaho students and teachers have had to completely change their education plans for the school year. They are creating lessons in the virtual world while they are burdened by one of our state’s biggest problems: bad internet. Now, more than ever, Idahoans need reliable broadband. Last year, the Governor’s Broadband Task Force found that …
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Coronavirus has made many of Idaho’s problems significantly worse. Property taxes are no exception. Before coronavirus, Idaho legislators were hearing from hundreds of constituents that property taxes are out of control. Our citizens were being priced out of their houses and forced to leave the neighborhoods that they had planned to spend the rest of their lives in. Unfortunately, the …
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It came as a huge relief when Governor Little announced that the stay-at-home order would continue and that upcoming decisions to “re-open” business should be done based on the best scientific information available. Our current health care systems have not been overwhelmed yet thanks to most Idahoans following CDC guidelines to stay at home, social distance, wash hands, and wear …
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Idaho can have the brightest future possible when we are inclusive and ensure that everyone has opportunities to contribute to the success of their community. Unfortunately, our state is moving away from these ideals. It is a dark day when the governor signs three discriminatory bills into law at once, as he did this week. House bill 440 will remove …
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Our responsibility as representatives of the people is to make decisions that make life better for Idahoans. Our legislation should be rooted in concern and compassion for our community. As a state representative, one of my chief priorities is supporting the mental health of all Idahoans, including the LGBTQ community. Members of the LGBTQ community in Idaho have been ignored …
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Early childhood education is the key to giving Idaho’s youth a running start in school. If we want to have an educated workforce and a successful economy in the future, we have to start by investing in early childhood education. Luckily, Idaho just made a step in the right direction. For the very first time, Idaho was given the opportunity …
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Idaho is home to a budding industry of local businesses that are crucial to our economic success. Small businesses help to expand Idaho’s job markets and promote local growth and opportunity. As of 2018, the Small Business Association estimates that there are 158,426 small businesses in Idaho that provide nearly 305,000 jobs statewide. Small businesses also accounted for over 50% …
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Idaho’s children are the state’s most valuable asset. The future of our state will be defined by the successes and failures of our youth. The legislature can set up obstacles or ease the path for Idaho children. Your representatives have a hand in deciding how much funding your local school gets, how your children are protected from abuse and neglect, …
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As members of JFAC (Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee), we set all budgets and approve all appropriations for the State. We were delighted when Governor Little made education his top priority in his State of the State address. However, we became concerned when we saw some of his proposed education budgets. The Governor’s budget recommends more money for Opportunity Scholarships …
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