Hunger Games…

Under the Dome-the Boise Capitol-is its own arena.

There are times when I feel like I am participating in The Hunger Games. The latest installment, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, reflects a game of control—one that comes at the expense of those who simply wish to be left alone to work and live.

Under the Dome—the Boise Capitol—is its own arena. Inside, you have those who do the will of the government, protecting its power and purse. You have those who work to serve the people and uphold their oaths. And then, there are those who answer to outside forces, earning handsome bonuses if they can persuade legislators to do the bidding of their clients.

Game One: To Reform or Not Reform? Medicaid Expansion Safeguards:

The House passed H138, a bill to keep Medicaid sustainable for those who truly need it. When Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2018, the program was expected to be manageable, but costs have exploded. The Medicaid expansion budget in FY 2021 was $403 million. By 2026, the governor’s budget request has ballooned to $1.36 billion, an increase of 238%. (Read Gang of Eight’s Substack HERE to learn more).This bill—which I believe is one of the most important pieces of legislation we will consider this session—was being held in the drawer at the discretion of the Senate Health and Welfare Chairwoman. As many of you know, I am not a fan of one person unilaterally deciding for all 105 legislators who were elected to make these critical decisions for Idaho.

We have the votes to get this bill out of committee and onto the Senate floor. Sen. Bjerke is the Senate Floor Sponsor, and four committee members co-signed it, sending it to the floor with a Do Pass recommendation. So why is it being held up?

Now that the bill is in the possession of the committee, I attempted to make a motion to move it to the calendar. This was met with opposition—one opponent surprised me, as his name was on the co-sign list, while the other was the only Democrat on the committee. We went at ease while they determined whether my motion was in order. I was then told it was out of order, which I challenged in the Chairwoman’s office.

I was informed that, according to Rule 20 – Committee Chair’s Decisions, the chair’s rulings are final and not subject to appeal within the committee. The committee also cannot appeal a chair’s decision to the Senate or its Presiding Officer, except as provided under Senate Rule 14(E).

Senate Rule 14(E) – Calling for a Bill states:
"When a bill, resolution, or memorial has been in the hands of a committee for three days after its reference, any Senator may, at the Tenth Order of Business, serve notice that he may call for the bill, resolution, or memorial and the committee report thereon."

Given this rule, my next step will be to call for the bill in the 10th Order with a roll call vote. One way or another, I will fight to ensure this bill is heard and voted on.

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Game Two: Grocery Tax Repeal: Will Idaho Citizens See Tax Relief at the Register—Or Any Tax Relief at All?

Serving on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) has been an eye-opening experience. I have learned that Idaho’s budgets and tax cuts are set based on the state’s revenue forecast—a projection determined by a committee that consults various economists, reviews research, and ultimately votes on what we believe Idaho’s 2026 state revenuewill be.

However, this forecast has yet to be finalized due to an ongoing power struggle over how tax relief should be delivered. Will it come in the form of property tax cuts, income tax reductions, or a repeal of the grocery tax?

What concerns me most is that we are setting both a budget and tax relief policy based on a revenue projection that was intentionally inflated. The forecast has been suggested at $6.4 billion, despite multiple economists warning of a potential recession. Why? Because some want to ensure tax relief appears visible to the public—so they can look like superheroes.

Instead of making necessary budget cuts to provide real tax relief, the solution appears to be artificially increasing the revenue forecast to justify spending. What could possibly go wrong with that?

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Game Three: Intimidation and Compliance: Have We Learned from History?

My mind often returns to the grievances our Founders outlined in the Declaration of Independence against the King, particularly this one:

"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures."

If only you could be a fly on the wall. I have personally experienced intimidation and discomfort when pulled aside to discuss my votes or actions. The message is often clear: comply, or face consequences.

• If I speak out, I am warned that my fellow legislators won’t work with me.

• If I keep voting No, I am told it creates more work for others.

• If my name is on a bill, I am cautioned that it may never see the light of day in the House Chambers.

• I am even warned to "be careful" because "they are watching," looking for any slip-up that could be used to justify an ethics complaint.

And these are just a few of the things I have been told.

Our Founders experienced similar pressures, which is why they included this grievance in the Declaration—to warn future generations and prevent history from repeating itself. Yet here we are, like dogs returning to their vomit.

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This February, my pay increase is dedicated to a beloved friend and constituents in my district who were involved in a life-changing car accident.

YHWH, I pray for Your divine intervention—to heal their bodies and restore them in body, mind, and soul.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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WEEKLY PERSONAL PICKS:

Bible Verse: “Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” Proverbs 26:11

Quote: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” — Elie Wiesel

Song: Fly on the Wall.