Category Archives: Policy

Words Not Said

Posted on March 23, 2014 by ddxdx

  It was late and we all were very tired. I could look around the Senate floor and see the sagging shoulders and the drooping eyelids. The “Ayes” were soft and the rare “Nays” even softer as we were passing … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | 1 Comment

No Names Please

Posted on March 8, 2014 by ddxdx

I get hand-written letters from the penitentiary a half dozen times a year or so. I read them and often do not respond since I find the allegations so outlandish or unbelievable I fear my response would be like throwing … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | 3 Comments

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

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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