Among many things, April is normally tax filing deadline month. But not this year—Idaho and federal tax returns aren't due until May 17. Thus, if you haven't already filed, enjoy the additional time to procrastinate! Now, let's talk about what's going on...
Idaho Legislature Back in Session April 6
As if Idaho's 2021 legislative session hasn't been nutty enough, an entirely predictable GOP-induced COVID-19 outbreak recently shut everything down for two weeks. Lawmakers just returned to the Capitol on April 6. Here's to hoping that they wrap up soon!
For those who haven't already emailed Gov. Little about Senate Bill 1110 (the public-initiative killer), please consider the following sample text and link: bit.ly/VETOSB1110.
Governor Little:
I’m emailing to ask you to please respect Idaho voters and VETO Senate Bill 1110. This legislation is yet another example of how the Idaho Legislature is trying to take away power from Idahoans.
Idaho has had 28 ballot measures since the 1930s, of which twelve passed. This bill is an unnecessary solution in search of an imaginary problem and would allow a single county to keep any initiative from making it to the voters.
Idaho’s initiative and referendum processes are already deliberate and stringent. If this bill passes, then only wealthy special interests will have enough money to gather enough signatures. The average Idaho voter will not have the resources to conduct a citizen-led signature drive.
Idaho citizens should be active in government and democracy. The initiative and referendum process enables this, allowing the people to act as a check on their government. Please listen to the voters and VETO SB1110, the anti-initiative rights bill.
Respectfully, ________
Idaho Democratic Party (IDP) Leadership Election Results
On March 13, by a 4 to 1 margin, IDP's 137 state central committee members chose Fred Cornforth to be our new state chairperson. Similar counts elected Blaine County's own Brent Robinson as the new state treasurer, while Janie Davidson (former Blaine County Dems chair and current IDP Legislative District 26 chair) ran unopposed to become IDP's regional representative for legislative districts 24-28 (i.e. most of south central Idaho). Along with Idaho Women's Caucus chair Gini Ballou, the addition of Brent and Janie to IDP's Executive Committee finds Blaine County well represented!
In case you missed Cornforth's recent oped, entitled "Republicans Build With Cheap Bricks" (in the 3/31 Idaho Mountain Express), here is the link.
Clint Stennett Social—Friday, May 7
Like last year's incredibly successful Blaine County Democrats Clint Stennett Social, the 2021 version will again be virtual this spring—on Friday, May 7 (6:30-8:30 pm). Save the date now, and look for details soon regarding a silent auction (live on April 28), guest speakers, and more. Join in on a good time and support an important cause!
As the Clint Stennett Social provides a lion's share of funding for BCD's annual budget, please consider donating something for our silent auction (and/or encourage others to do the same). Our three state legislators and three county commissioners—all Democrats!—depend on our ongoing support. Contact me asap.
Help Us With Storage. Help Extend Our Newsletter's Reach.
Until BCD finds a new headquarter location, we need (as soon as possible) space equivalent to a very small 1-car garage to store our materials, equipment, and office furniture. If you have any ideas, let me know.
Finally, we're always asking for assistance in expanding the BCD family. Therefore, please help us grow our newsletter list—by sending prospects to BlaineCountyDemocrats.org; scroll to the home page's bottom and register!
