Hello friends,
Time flies. I can’t believe the session is almost over. I’ve been incredibly busy this year, working on budgets and bills.
Before the session began, I was elected Assistant Majority Leader by my Republican colleagues, which is an honor but also a lot of work. I’ve been working closely with the Speaker, the Majority Leader, and the Caucus Chair to make sure good conservative legislation makes it through the process. I’ve had a huge stack of bills on my desk all session.
Here are some important bills that I’ve been working on this year:
Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid Expansion was an expensive mistake. Paying healthcare costs for able-bodied working-age adults is busting our budget and making people dependent on government handouts. I introduced a bill to repeal Expansion entirely, but the Legislature decided to go with reform instead. Governor Little signed HB345 last week, and we’ll see how things shake out over the next few years.
Historic Tax Relief
When I saw the governor’s budget that had $400 in new spending and $100 in tax relief, I said why not flip those around? To that end, House Republicans have introduced approximately $400 in tax cuts, starting with slashing the income tax rate for individuals and businesses from 5.695% to 5.3%. We also passed bills to raise the grocery credit and deliver some property tax relief to homeowners. I believe we should put as much money back in your pocket as possible.
The ‘DOGE’ Initiative
We have a lot of bills this session that are flying under the radar, but they’re incredibly important. We’re reining in the scores of state agencies in Idaho, moving their rules under the purview of your elected representatives, and looking for areas to trim state law as well. You deserve a government that is limited, effective, and efficient.
Fiscal Responsibility in the Budget
As a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), I am working hard to put a lid on the growth of government. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the Health Department budget, and was able to deliver a Health & Human Services budget that cut more than 3% from last year!
Flag Legislation
A new bill is moving through the legislature to ensure that only U.S., state, and military flags are displayed on public property. I’m tired of seeing government buildings flying pride flags or BLM flags or anything else that divides us rather than uniting us. I voted for another bill to ensure no divisive flags in school classrooms, and the governor just signed that last week.
Defending Women’s Sports
President Trump signed an executive order protecting women’s sports earlier this year, building on the hard work of Idahoans like Rep. Barbara Ehardt. I have another bill moving through the House that will ensure that college and university presidents take responsibility for enforcing Title IX provisions in their schools. Maybe that’s why Dr. Tromp decided to move to Vermont!
Dr. Fauci
Why did former President Biden pardon Dr. Anthony Fauci if he didn’t do anything wrong? It’s not like he lied to the American people, pushed lockdowns and mandates that destroyed thousands of small businesses and disrupted our lives for years on end, forced churches to close and children to wear masks, urged social media platforms to ban anyone questioning his edicts, and promoted an experimental injection that has horrific side effects. Oh wait, he did all those things, and more.
That’s why I sponsored a resolution that tells the world that Fauci’s pardon doesn’t apply here in Idaho. If our Attorney General, or any of our County Prosecutors, were to decide Dr. Fauci has committed crimes against the people of Idaho, then he’s fair game. Both the House and the Senate passed this resolution, sending a strong message to Dr. Fauci and everyone else who misused the public trust.
Media
Check out this video about two important bills I’ve co-sponsored this year:
A couple weeks ago I went on the Ranch Podcast to talk capital punishment for child molesters as well as other important issues:
Upcoming Events
I have a town hall in Emmett on Monday, March 24, at 6:30 PM at the Cowboys Chophouse. Click here to RSVP so we know how many to expect.
Stay Engaged!
Your voice matters, and I encourage you to stay informed and involved. If you have thoughts on any of these issues, please reach out to my office. I appreciate your support as we work to keep Idaho strong, free, and conservative.
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. It’s my honor to represent the voters of Eagle and Gem County.