Send a message of condolence to Michelle

Our deepest condolences go out to former senator Michelle Stennett who recently lost her mother. It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one, and we hope she will be able to find some comfort in those from our tight-knit community.

We are all so appreciative of Michelle’s contributions to the Democratic representation that we have here in Idaho and for everything she has done for us.

Please take the time to post a message of condolence in the comment section below, sending her your kind thoughts during this difficult time. And please leave your name and / or email address after submitting your comment should she to contact you back at a later date.

Sending-off Sen. Ron Taylor and Rep. Ned Burns

Sen. Ron Taylor listens to a question from a 2023 Legislative Send-off attendee.

Community Democrats came together to wish Sen. Ron and Rep. Ned a strong legislative session. The work begins now! Let’s stayed tuned and help our reps support an Idaho for the many, not the few.

The support of Democrats and generous volunteers in our community was evident when everyone gathered together to offer best wishes to Sen. Ron and Rep. Ned as they prepare for their upcoming legislative session. It was truly inspiring to see like-minded Democrats coming together to send-off our newly-elected Blaine County reps. Now it's time to support their efforts, stay tuned to the news, and help ensure that our representatives support an Idaho for the many, not just the few. Consider donating a bit of your time when the the time comes to act. Here’s to making a difference for Idaho!

Rep. Ned Burns addresses attendees with an insight on what to expect in the up-coming Idaho legislative session.

Chilly day, warm elections

The Wood River Valley woke up to more snow. But that didn’t stop Ron Taylor’s volunteers from displaying their support. Positioned at four different locations throughout Hailey and Ketchum, the chilly morning had nothing on the warm encouragement to get voters to the polls from Ron’s team.

Ron Taylor and LD26 chair Janie Davidson encourage voters to get to the polls.

Election Day is already here!

Election Day is upon us!

And I’m constantly humbled by the handfuls of volunteers that are bearing the weather and dedicating the time to support our legislative district candidates. Our community has really stepped up to the occasion to fight for our district’s future, reaffirming my belief in Ron, Ned, and Karma.

Our grade-A field organizer Scout Hutchinson has been working ‘round the clock to organize, train, and support door knocker and phone bankers. Her leadership is making a difference in helping us gain the support of voters and getting them to plan for casting their ballots.

We’re working hard to ensure Democratic representation at the statehouse for Blaine County. And there’s always room for another volunteer. Sign-up to push Ron, Ned, and Karma over the victory line!

—Pedro Manuel, chair, Blaine County Democrats.

Scout Hutchinson prepares Åsa Chandler, Karen Bliss, and Judy Foster for an Election Day eve GOTV door knock.

Helen Stone has placed a multitude of calls, encouraging voters to show up on Election Day.

Senate candidate Ron Taylor never stops campaigning! He continues his efforts by phone banking at the Blaine County Democratic Headquarters.

Georgia Hutchinson has been phone banking for at least three shifts a day since Friday, November 4.

We're getting out the vote!

Over 50 volunteers from Blaine County and from around the state showed support to LD26 Democratic candidates by knocking on over 2,700 doors in one day!

Volunteers showed the love for LD26 Democratic candidates in this weekend's Trick Or Vote Saturday Canvass!

Our legislative district candidates started off the get-out-the-vote period with a loud showing of support! Blaine County Democrats friends Sen. Melissa Wintrow, Rep. Ilana Rubel, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, Rep. Sally Toone, Sen. Michelle Stennet, Commissioner Muffy Davis, and former Rep. Donna Pence traveled to participate along with their volunteers! Along with our local volunteers, 52 canvassers help knock on over 2,700 doors in Blaine County in one day! The support from out-of-town leaders—two running for election themselves—highlights the importance of electing Democratic candidates in our district.

Ron Taylor, Ned Burns, and Karma Metzler Fitzgerald are really working hard to win votes! And so are volunteers who believe in our great candidates.

But our efforts cannot end there. We still need help from volunteers to leave no door un-knocked and no phone un-called in the district. We need every Democratic vote we can get for  candidates who get what Blaine County residents and Idahoans need!

Ready to support Ron, Ned, and Karma? Call or email our awesome field organizer Scout Hutchinson to help ensure that Democrats win the district election! ‭(208) 721-2590‬ • scout@idahodems.org

Local Democrats welcome Republicans en route to their own door-knock.

Sen. Melissa Wintrow and her volunteers getting pumped up.

Campaign managers Zach Reid (Ned Burns) and Naomi McDougall Jones (Ron Taylor) discuss canvassing efforts.

Blaine County Democrats vice chair Karen Bliss and volunteer Judy Foster plan a future door knock.

Volunteers gather around to find out who won best costume.

April 27, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

EDUCATORS AND IDAHO EDUCATION IN QUESTION. . . DAY 105!!!

The House GOP passed a bill to discourage educators from teaching anything in relation to “social justice,” as a way to pacify far-right legislators, who have held both the public and higher education budgets hostage due to unfounded concerns over curricula in Idaho schools. HB 377 passed on a party-line vote. Read Democrats’ release on the legislation here.

This bill will have a chilling effect on free speech in the classroom.

LAWMAKERS WANT TO CALL THEMSELVES INTO SESSION???

The House passed SJR 102 on Tuesday in a 54-15 vote. It would allow lawmakers to call themselves back into special sessions whenever 60% of the members of each House request it. The measure will now go to voters in the 2022 November general election, who must approve it by majority vote to change the Idaho Constitution.

Ironically, it would take 100% of all districts to way in to bring a ballot initiative to the voters. Unfortunately also, are bonds and levies for the state must pass with a 66 2/3% of voters.

WOLF MANAGEMENT QUESTIONED BY ALL SIDES. . .

The Senate passed SB1211 on a party-line vote Thursday, altering how the state manages the wolf populations in Idaho. The new bill would allow the state to hire private contractors to kill up to 90% of the wolves roaming Idaho.

The House Resources and Conservation Committee continued the debate and forwarded SB1211, to the floor on another party-line vote. It was asked to the Fish & Game administrator during the hearing if passed, would it be legal to shoot wolves at night, and further would it be legal to use night vision gear to take wolves, he answered yes to both.

Ethical hunters know when shooting hours are, and if we no longer have them, what is to stop unethical hunters who have a wolf tag to also shoot a big game animal at night? It is a slippery slope and while the majority of hunters would never take a big game animal at night, this would make it impossible for Game Officers to tell whether an animal was taken during shooting hours.

Other concerns are the difficulty in which our ranchers face compensation for loss of livestock. The state of Idaho could loose its primacy in dealing with an "Endangered Species" with the federal management plan if populations change drastically. This legislation would need significant work in several areas, plus it is not supported by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission as well as The Idaho Sportsmen.

ANOTHER INITIATIVE ATTACK. . .

The House moved SB1150 to the amending order after an hour long debate. This bill further restricts the initiative process by requiring all signatures to be gathered in Idaho only. This would take away the initiative rights of those who are Idaho citizens and registered to vote. There were questions about how the bill, which requires initiative signatures to be gathered only while the signer is physically present in the state of Idaho would affect Idahoans serving in the military, either out of state or overseas; Idahoans serving religious missions; college students or those doing business out-of-state. There was speculation that this legislation was designed to prevent those backing an Idaho medical marijuana initiative from collecting signatures.

"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26

• Gooding County Historical Museum & Research Center/Schoolhouse will open Saturday, May 1 with a grand celebration! Join us 1:00-4:00 pm for free tour of Museum and historic Thorn Creek School. Refreshments, too!! Speakers Night Lectures 3rd Wednesdays of May, June & July 2021 at 7 pm at Museum

• The Soldier Creek Ranch in Camas County has been award the "Century Ranch" status by the Idaho State Historical Society. The ranch is owned and operated by Janet Dennis and family. Congratulations to you and your family.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

ELECTIONS

The Senate killed a House-amended bill, SB1061, that tried, for a second time, to eliminate the August election, despite concerns from school districts across the state that the change would hamper their budget and levy process. House and Senate Democrats were opposed.

The Senate voted to concur with House amendments to a city election bill that would move all non-partisan city elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. SB1111 was a consensus bill adjusting rules for by-district elections in Idaho’s largest cities that lawmakers enacted last year. Democrats were opposed.

VETO OVERRIDE FAILS

The Senate failed to override the governor's veto of SB 1136, the emergency powers bill that Gov. Brad Little vetoed on April 16. The Senate's vote was 23-12, one vote short of the two-thirds margin required to override a veto.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

NEW TAX BILL INTRODUCED

The House passed HB 380, the new version of the big income tax cut. The previous bill, HB 332, is on the Senate amending orders and this attempts to skirt that process. “This is not the bill that our constituents are asking us for,” said Rep. Lauren Necochea, D-Boise. “We would be much better serving them if we sent this money out to counties to reduce property taxes.” All Democrats voted against the legislation.

SINE DIE OR JUST A RECESS. . .

In the House Ways and Means committee on Friday, a concurrent resolution was introduced, authorizing this year’s Legislature to recess until a date no later than Sept. 1, and not receive per diem for expenses in the meantime when they’re not actually convened. It would be the decision of the Speaker of the House and Senate Pro Tem.

April 20, 2021: Rep. Sally Toone & Rep. Muffy Davis Session Update

AND THE CONVERSATION IS ALL ABOUT MONEY and a bit more??? DAY 100

It is a requirement of the the Idaho legislature to have a balanced budget. One of our most important legislative duties is to pass a balanced budget. This process has come to a halt. The House has voted down budget after budget. In some cases, the House sponsor of a budget bill has even debated against it, which defies logic. Idaho has over $600 million in our general fund, plus approximately $200 million in the online tax fund so there is simply no excuse for continuing to vote down budgets, with education budgets hanging in limbo. We have 17 appropriation bills on the House calendar being held hostage.

EARLY CHILDHOOD GRANT BILL PASSES SENATE, MOVES TO HOUSE FLOOR FOR VOTE

Last week, the Senate voted 18-17 in favor of SB1193, the new version of a bill to accept a $6 million grant approved by the Trump Administration to help local collaboratives improve early learning in their communities in children up to age 5. An earlier version of the proposal, HB226, narrowly died in the House on March 2, after opponents claimed it would be a tool to impose a social-justice indoctrination program on Idaho’s youngest children — though the grant leaves all curriculum decisions up to local collaboratives. We hope this important bill will pass the House and enable many communities with the resources to enact important early childhood learning programs.

GOVERNOR LITTLE SIGNS SB1110 BALLOT INITIATIVE RESTRICTION BILL

We are disheartened that Governor Little chose to sign the Ballot Initiative restriction bill, SB1110, even though thousands of Idahoans along with four past Attorney Generals reached out and urged him not to sign this unconstitutional bill. SB1110 increases the signature requirement for prospective ballot initiatives from 6% of registered voters in 18 legislative districts to 6% in all 35 legislative districts, thereby making it the most restrictive initiative requirements in any of the 26 states that allow citizen ballot initiatives. Already organizations have stated they will challenge the bill in court, which will end up costing Idaho taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. In his transmittal letter, Governor Little explains that he signed SB1110 but states, “Whether Senate Bill 1110 amounts to an impermissible restriction in violation of our constitution is highly fact dependent and, ultimately, a question for the Idaho judiciary to decide. I also expect the federal courts may be called to determine whether Senate Bill 1110 violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.” This is a sad result for the citizens of Idaho.

GOVERNOR LITTLE VETOS BILLS TO CURB EXECUTIVE EMERGENCY POWERS

Last Friday, Gov. Brad Little vetoed legislation seeking to trim the powers of the governor in disaster emergencies and increase those of the Legislature. Both House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136 were opposed by all four living past governors of Idaho, each signing statements in support of Governor Little’s veto. In a press release, Governor Little wrote that he “…will veto the bills because they are overly restrictive and handcuff the state’s ability to take timely and necessary action to help Idahoans in future emergencies. The bills unnecessarily politicize the state’s emergency response efforts and jeopardize critical funding for local governments. The bills violate the separation of powers doctrine and are unconstitutional. The Senate and House will both likely take votes this week to override the Governor’s vetoes. We hope, they will not pass and the vetoes will stand, thereby keeping emergency powers in the power of the Executive Branch and ensuring that Idaho can act timely during the next emergency. If the Legislature has proven anything this session, its that it cannot be trusted to act timely with any important legislation.

"SHOUT OUTS" TO THE HAPPENINGS IN DISTRICT 26

• Congrats to the IDAHO Food Bank. Legislation has been passed and awaiting the Governor's signature to forward $3.6 million dollars to Idaho community food banks.

• The Lava Ridge Wind Power proposal will be presented by Magic Valley Energy. It is a proposal for Lincoln, Minidoka and Jerome Counties. The presentation will be a the Shoshone Community Center on Beverly Street in Shoshone from 3-6, April 24th. Come hear the information.

SENATE HAPPENINGS

TRANSPORTATION

The Senate Transportation Committee advanced HB 362 to the floor. It increases the sales tax used to pay for roads and bridges projects through bonds within the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mediation program. The current tax of 1% would increase to 4.5%, which would raise an estimated $87.8 million.

NO KINDERGARTEN FUNDING THIS YEAR

We are all very disappointed to report that the legislature will not be voting on optional full day kindergarten this year. Senator Ward-Engelking and Representative Nash, among others, worked hard to make this a reality for Idaho families, students, and schools, but the COVID recess and other obstacles kept it from happening this year.

SENATE RECESSESS AGAIN

The Senate recessed until Monday, April 19, since the body finished its third reading calendar, allowing the House to catch up.

HOUSE HAPPENINGS

ANTI-DRUG AMENDMENT TURNED DOWN

The House defeated a proposed anti-drug constitutional amendment in 42-28 vote, a count that failed to meet the required two-thirds majority of the body. HJR 4 would have permanently required a two-thirds vote of each house to legalize any drug that’s currently illegal, including medical marijuana and CBD oil or other hemp products containing any trace of THC.

LEGISLATURE TO CALL ITSELF BACK? ARE WE A CITIZEN LEGISLATURE?

The House State Affairs Committee approved SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to call itself into special session any time 60% of the members of each body request it. The measure replaces HJR 1, which passed the House 51-18 on Jan. 21, which did the same thing, except that the Senate version also requires the request for the special session to specify subjects to be addressed. It passed the House today on a 54-15 vote. This will be voted on in the next general election by the citizens of Idaho.

April 17, 2021: Senator Michelle Stennett - Legislative Session Update

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." --Sydney J. Harris

The Senate is substantially ahead of the House in completing legislative work, so we have recessed from Wednesday, April 14 to Monday, April 19. The committee that puts together budgets for the state did its work and sent bills to the House for approval, but the House has voted down budget after budget. In some cases, the House sponsor of a budget bill has even debated against it, which is unheard of. Idaho has over $600 million in our general fund, plus approximately $200 million in the online tax fund so there is simply no excuse for the House continuing to vote down budgets to fund education. It defies logic.

House Republicans Voted Down Higher Education Budget

Some members of the legislature have been agitating to control the curriculum at our higher education institutions. After negotiation within the committee, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee sent to Senate floor a budget for higher education in our state that took money from Boise State University and moved that money to Lewis-Clark State College in response to that agitation. The Senate passed the appropriations bill, but the House, unfortunately, voted the bill down. This sends the legislature back to the drawing board as we have a constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget.

Discussions are ongoing, but currently anticipated cuts to Idaho's higher education budget totals $2.5 million, with BSU losing $1.5 million and Idaho State University and University of Idaho losing $500,000 each. Cuts like these would reduce instructional capacity, the quality of public service, maintenance of facilities, investments in technology, and more.

Further, the demands that some members of the legislature have made could result in loss of accreditation for BSU or any impacted institution of higher education. This would be a tremendous blow to Idaho students, families, businesses, and sports programs. No BSU football team.

House Republicans Voted Down Public School Teachers' Pay

The House, on a tie vote, voted down H354, the budget for public school teachers' pay, on Tuesday. This is the biggest portion of Idaho's school budget and included funding for well-deserved raises. Our public school teachers always work hard and never harder than this year with all of the changes and challenges brought by circumstances beyond their control. Opponents of this funding bill argued that they are concerned about our teachers indoctrinating children, but failed to provide evidence that this is happening in Idaho.

Kindergarten Not Moving Forward

I am very disappointed to report that the legislature will not vote on optional full day kindergarten this year. Senator Ward-Engelking and Representative Nash, among others, worked hard to make this a reality for Idaho families, students, and schools, but the COVID recess and other obstacles kept it from happening this year.

Early Childhood Funding Barely Passes Senate

Earlier this session, the House voted against accepting a federal grant approved by the Trump administration for $6 millions per year for three years. This grant would fund local co-operatives working to improve literacy outcomes for young Idahoans. We know that this has important ramifications for the long-term educational achievements for students. Objections centered around myths that the grant would fund social justice education and other topics that are not part of this program.

The grant has been brought back to the legislature for re-consideration with some changes in how it is administered and revised intent language. It passed the Senate by just one vote after a lengthy debate and will now go to the House for consideration of the revised bill. Supporters of the grant include Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, US Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Food Producers, Simplot, and Idaho Businesses for Education. Idahoans also strongly support improved early childhood education, so it is troubling to see so much opposition to this funding in the legislature.