Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

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

Advice for Idaho

Posted on January 16, 2017 by ddxdx

Advice for Idaho from an Idaho Democrat: “What I stand for is what I stand on.”  Wendell Berry If you love where you live, stay put. Get to know your neighbors, your countryside, the history and the institutions. Ask yourself … Continue reading →

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Idaho Economic Development; The Back Story

Posted on January 10, 2017 by ddxdx

Senator Keough is right, small towns and rural counties in Idaho need help. Dialing in the details of the Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) to suit smaller marketplaces is an appropriate move. This graph of labor force in the North Central region … Continue reading →

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Pay the Piper

Posted on January 7, 2017 by ddxdx

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) will propose a $11M expenditure to the legislature this session. The goal is to provide mental health and drug abuse services to recently released convicts who are back in the community. The … Continue reading →

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Idaho Economic Outlook, from the backseat

Posted on January 6, 2017 by ddxdx

As EORAC (The Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Joint legislative Committee) starts it’s meeting for this year, I am reminded of a comment by a fellow member a few years back. EORAC is tasked with recommending a revenue projection to … Continue reading →

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Legislators Prayer for the Press

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

May God give you the wisdom To leave out my stumbling words And just print the upright phrases That may inspire. Please God, guide the photographer Away from my bald spot and Instead let the camera capture My pure and … Continue reading →

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Prayer for Parliamentary Procedure

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

The procedures of the body are governed by the rules of the body (approved by 2/3rds of the body), and when they are unclear, Mason’s Manual. But things go along and most legislators learn from their mistakes, or when something happens that … Continue reading →

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Prayer for Service

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

Dear God, Do I assume all I represent live like me? Please disabuse me my assumption. Dear God, Do I believe my beliefs are common? Please relieve me of my hubris. Dear God, Do I carry my righteousness above others? … Continue reading →

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Senate Prayer for the Roll Call Vote

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

All votes in the Senate are by roll call in alphabetical order. A senator may pass on the first call but must respond by the second. No senator may leave the chamber once a roll call has been started. Dear … Continue reading →

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Prayer before Town Hall Meetings

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

Dear God, Let me not disparage my opponents For their position deserves the same respect as mine. Dear God, Let me listen to all, those with praise or condemnation For all voices must be heard. Dear God, Let me present … Continue reading →

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Prayer before the Difficult Vote

Posted on January 5, 2017 by ddxdx

It is not widely known that most votes in the Idaho Senate are unanimous, though I had a few 34-1 where I was the one. But the vote total is not what makes a vote difficult, rather the issue can … Continue reading →

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