Dear friends,
The 2024 session is nearly done, but there is a lot of work yet to do. JFAC is putting the finishing touches on the budgets that will fund our state government for the next year, and in the House we’re working through all the bills that have been presented so far.
The filing deadline for this year’s elections has come and gone and I did not draw a primary opponent. I take that as a mandate to keep doing what I’m doing: fighting to stop the growth of government and the woke agenda.
Earlier this month I debated against a bill that would automatically enroll women who give birth while on Medicaid onto the Medicaid Expansion program. This is just government growing government, which is a bad idea no matter noble the cause.
If you have a few minutes, check out this video from JFAC on Friday. I made a substitute motion to save millions of taxpayer dollars while still giving the Dept. of Health and Welfare the resources it needs to carry out its mission:
Unfortunately, the motion failed. How can we reduce government spending when a majority on JFAC keep voting to increase it?
Earlier this week we debated a memorial regarding illegal immigration. A memorial is an official petition from our Legislature, in this case to the federal government, specifically Idaho’s congressional delegation. House Joint Memorial 11 would have called for holding President Biden and his administration accountable for allowing the invasion on our southern border.
Unfortunately, the memorial was defeated on a tie vote. Many in Idaho are worried that stemming the tide of illegal migration will impact our agricultural industry. Do you think our farms, pastures, and dairies should rely on foreign labor?
Also this week I stood up on the House floor to debate against a budget bill that used $20 million in federal funds, but did not decrease Idaho tax dollars. This addiction to federal money is going to be our undoing.
Finally, I presented House Bill 515 to the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee. This bill would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the most heinous crimes of child sexual abuse. Despite already passing the House, the Senate committee declined to send the bill to the floor. Nevertheless, I will keep fighting to protect the most vulnerable and innocent among us.
Mark your calendars! Join me on Tuesday, March 26, at 6:30pm at Old State Saloon in Eagle to share a recap of the legislative session. I’ll also answer any questions you might have. Come on out and help me support a great local business.
Remember to visit my website, follow me on Twitter, and like my page on Facebook to keep up with the latest news. Share this post with your friends and ask them to subscribe too. Thank you for your support! It remains my privilege to represent the voters of Eagle and Gem County.