Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

A Family physician, former county coroner and former Idaho State Senator

Don’t be Cruel

Posted on September 20, 2018 by ddxdx

I forgive ignorance. I tolerate stupidity. I cannot abide cruelty. If you believe government programs foster or promote or have created slothful citizens, please, look in your heart and figure out where this sort of belief comes from. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Gazette Column, Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Don’t be Cruel

Home Maintenance

Posted on September 12, 2018 by ddxdx

  When a place feels like home it’s a treasure. But all homes need maintenance. I was born in a city but moved to a small town when I was very young. As I grew the town’s population exploded. When … Continue reading →

Posted in Gazette Column, Policy | Comments Off on Home Maintenance

Fix School Facility Funding

Posted on August 2, 2018 by ddxdx

  Idaho currently has two ways of supporting public school facility funding. Charter schools receive a fixed amount per year based on their enrollment and what districts raise in bond elections. The state has allowed districts to run bond elections … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Fix School Facility Funding

Can’t Count What You Don’t See

Posted on July 11, 2018 by ddxdx

There are uncounted benefits for Medicaid Expansion. When I served on the Governor’s first workgroup that studied and recommended Medicaid Expansion for the State of Idaho, I sat on the panel next to a former director of the Idaho Department … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Can’t Count What You Don’t See

Open Letter to Brad Little

Posted on May 28, 2018 by ddxdx

Dear Brad, I hear you say that you favor doing “something” for Idahoans in “The Gap”. These folks make less money than people who can go on the Idaho health insurance exchange (Your Health Idaho, YHI) so they can’t afford … Continue reading →

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Sign the Petition

Posted on March 27, 2018 by ddxdx

When the Idaho House chose to not vote on Governor Otter’s “Dual Waiver” plan last week I was not surprised, nor were most Idaho voters. We have come to expect such inaction, such cowardice, such laziness from our elected officials. … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Sign the Petition

Creep Kills

Posted on March 25, 2018 by ddxdx

  Most people would agree we should try to prevent suicides. When I drafted a resolution in 2015 directing the Health Quality Planning Commission to make recommendations to the legislature for such, the resolution passed both legislative bodies unanimously. When … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Creep Kills

First and Only Senate Prayer- 2011

Posted on January 28, 2018 by ddxdx

Near the end of the 2011 legislative session (my first) the Pro Tem came to the Senate Minority Caucus and asked if a Democrat would like to give an opening prayer. It was a generous and welcoming offer. I looked … Continue reading →

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Where’s the leverage?

Posted on January 15, 2018 by ddxdx

  Idaho leaders are considering plans to carve up the health care market to save you money. You better be sure which side of the health and wealth teeter totter you fall on, because this could be great news for … Continue reading →

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My First Bill

Posted on January 12, 2018 by ddxdx

  I learned about politics and civility my first year in the Idaho legislature. If one doesn’t pay attention it can seem brutal. The state and the nation were facing the 2010 downturn, so budget cuts were proposed to Medicaid. … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Reflection | Comments Off on My First Bill