Category Archives: Idaho Politics

The Mess we are in: eRate, IEN, ENA, USAC and the Idaho Taxpayer

Posted on February 2, 2014 by ddxdx

This week in JFAC we heard from Department of Administration Director Teresa Luna that we need $7 million to keep our schools connected to the internet. She is also asking for another $7 million for 2015. She is asking Idaho … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | 1 Comment

Ride for the Brand

Posted on March 31, 2013 by ddxdx

I spent one summer moving cows around Cuddy Mountain near Hells Canyon with my grandfather Henry. I learned a lot about him, horses, cows and the work we need to do. This reflection comes because of a phrase I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Reflection | 1 Comment

What I Did Last Summer

Posted on March 18, 2013 by ddxdx

    Last summer I thought I could change things. I tried to be a force for justice. In the process I learned a lot about the politics of power and people. I’m not sure I made a dent.  You … Continue reading →

Posted in Policy, Reflection | 1 Comment

Ms. Information

Posted on February 9, 2013 by ddxdx

As legislators we study bills, and then we vote to pass or kill them in our legislature. It is a process set in our Idaho Constitution, written in 1889.  But there is a way to subvert this process and technology … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Ms. Information

You Can’t tell a Law by it’s Title

Posted on February 4, 2013 by ddxdx

My expertise lies not in the law. The constitution of our nation and our state are the laws of the land, and as an elected representative I am sworn to uphold these laws. So when I read the constitution and … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on You Can’t tell a Law by it’s Title

The Drama of Business Personal Property Taxation

Posted on January 18, 2013 by ddxdx

The legislature here in Idaho faces pressure to eliminate the business personal property tax. We have been talking about it for years. The pressure feels like a huge freight train coming at us, while we are tied to the tracks. … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | 1 Comment

Do No Harm

Posted on April 4, 2012 by ddxdx

This year (2012) our state has been through a difficult legislative session with a controversial mandatory ultrasound bill that got strong reaction from voters. The majority party finally decided to listen when they heard from constituent women.  I write this … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Do No Harm

VINE Pickle

Posted on March 29, 2012 by ddxdx

There once was an old man living in a little house by himself. His neighbors noticed he was getting thinner and weaker. A little girl came to visit one day and noticed the man had no food in the larder … Continue reading →

Posted in Policy | Comments Off on VINE Pickle

Licensing Massage

Posted on March 23, 2012 by ddxdx

Recently we approved Senate Bill 1295a, which requires massage therapists to become licensed within the State of Idaho and “creates entry-level standards for the massage therapy profession.” It now has passed the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee and has … Continue reading →

Posted in Policy | Comments Off on Licensing Massage

The Cost of Choice

Posted on March 17, 2012 by ddxdx

Public education in this country is struggling as is health care. But from a historical perspective, they are headed in opposite directions. Our state mandated public schools in our constitution. ARTICLE IX SECTION 1.LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH SYSTEM OF FREE SCHOOLS. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on The Cost of Choice