Christmas Legislative Cheer

On the 22nd day before session, my true work gave to me…

22 days before the 2025 Legislative Session, while everyone else is singing The 12 Days of Christmas and indulging in baking, shopping, and Christmas festivities, I’m humming my own version:

🎶 On the 22nd day before session, my true work gave to me…

• 12 budget spreadsheets,

• 11 policy proposals,

• 10 legislative lunches,

• 9 emails pending,

• 8 meetings booked,

• 7 bills revising,

• 6 calls from lobbyists,

• 5 late-night drafts!

• 4 committee schedules,

• 3 coffee refills,

• 2 urgent memos,

• And a massive PDF to read! 🎶

I’m not complaining—this is the season of life I’ve signed up for. Besides, who needs figgy pudding when you’ve got fiscal policy?

While many are cozying up with the Christmas Story, I’m knee-deep in a 707-page PDF on the Idaho budget—mesmerizing stuff, truly. While others are enjoying The Grinch and his antics, I’m streaming old Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) meetings like it’s the hottest new series. Spoiler alert: there are no plot twists, just spreadsheets.

“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say—that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” Click Here for Cheer

Unlike the Grinch, I’m praying our budget doesn’t balloon three sizes in one session. In fact, my Christmas wish is the opposite—that maybe, just maybe, we can shrink it down a size or three.

Session begins on January six,
I’m making trips to Boise quick,
In my shiny Mazda CX-70 sleigh,
To prep for JFAC in every way.

With training ahead and meetings to go,
Health and Welfare’s new leader, Alex Adam’s on show.
Presentations on Child Welfare fill up my day,
As I learn and plan in a thoughtful way.

Two big committees I’ve taken this year,
My plate is full, but my purpose is clear.
Though busy and hectic, I’m ready to fight,
Merry legislating to all, and to all a good night!

My opinion, wrapped up with a bow and sprinkled with a little Christmas cheer:

I know many are worried about what’s happening in Toyland—our Idaho State Capitol. It might look like the misfit toys are having a snowball fight over every issue, but here’s one Stateswoman’s take:

You can rest easy, because while we may be as divided as tinsel in a cat-filled house, we’re still working toward the same goal—policies that are best for our people. The division you see is about principles, not purpose. And just like Christmas lights, we might be tangled now, but with a little patience (and maybe some eggnog), we’ll shine bright together.

One last thing before I go,
Your Magic Valley elves want you to know:
We’re hosting a Town Hall, January two,
So mark your calendars and join us too!

Before we depart for legislative play,
Let’s gather and chat—it’s the Idaho way.
Bring your questions, your cheer, and maybe a chart,
Let’s work together for a great 2025 start!

And don’t forget—each week we convene,
For Church on Tuesdays at six P.M.
Faith and fellowship light our way,
Join us in prayer as we start each day!

Glenn’s 🎄 Pick 🎶🎵🎄This is the Elf Song🎵 You Make it Feel Like Christmas 🎄 🎵🎶

🎁 This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving—information! 🎁

Become a subscriber to my Substack, and I promise to stuff your email inbox full of updates, insights, and probably more legislative puns than you ever asked for. No fruitcake, just facts. Let’s make 2025 the year of well-informed fun! 🧑‍🎄📬