The Idaho Legislature is back in session in Boise. We have completed two weeks of what is typically at least twelve weeks of policy and budget setting in the Idaho Capitol.
For the next two years, I will serve on the Senate Education Committee and the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. This session’s biggest education topic is commonly referred to as school choice. The question at hand is a policy decision about funding private schools with public money. In the area of Finance, serving as committee Vice Chair, the position allows me to see expenditures across the state, and particularly to track the ones that matter most in our community.
I would like to quickly dispel one budget myth that continues to circulate. State expenditures have not grown by 55% in the past five or so years. The 55% false narrative can be explained by understanding the difference between appropriations, agency spending, and tax rebates. If we move money from the checking account to the savings account, the money is appropriated by the legislature, but it is not yet spent. Over the last five years, the state has continued to appropriate funds to maximize the projected rainy-day balance to weather future economic storms. And the $1.1 billion of your 2021 and 2022 tax rebates are part of the 55% “increase”. I could go on with more details, but I think it suffices to say that Idaho is continuing to budget in a fiscally conservative manner with a balance between government expenses, infrastructure investments to meet population growth, preparing for tough times, and being mindful of the taxpayer’s pocketbook.
Two issues have popped up early in the legislative session. One is legislator’s pay, determined bi-annually by an independent citizens’ committee. This year, the committee recommended increasing pay from $20,000 per year to $25,000. The Legislature did not make this decision, but the Legislature does have the authority to vote down the increase. The Senators have voted to reject the pay increase. The vote now goes to the House.
The other issue is Idaho’s grocery sales tax system. Residents receive a refundable tax credit to offset the grocery sales tax – a net zero game for residents. Some groups would like to eliminate the tax at the cash register. I am advocating to maintain our current system but increase the credit to $150 from the current $120, and potentially leave the option of maintaining receipts if your calculation merits a larger credit than the standard.
What do the above two issues have in common? There continues to be undue influence from out-of-state groups on our decision-making here in Idaho. Last week, a very expensive mailing, with an Austin Texas return address was sent across the state. The letter urged you to contact your local representative to stop taxing Idaho groceries. And this week, the same Texas based group sent a text and posted a social media ad asking for your help to stop a double-digit politician pay raise.
These out-of-state interests alter public opinion with costly and deceptive marketing campaigns. The result is influence over government in Idaho. I believe we are plenty capable of making our own decisions so that we continue with our great successes in Idaho.
Thank you for your trust and support in representing our wonderful two northern counties.
