What we allow will continue

My response to the East Idaho News article and press release.

My response to the East Idaho News article and press release. Read article HERE.

Idaho State University (ISU) and Bannock County have betrayed Idahoans' trust by misusing $853,700 in state funds intended for the East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center (EIFPC). As I stated in my initial press release, when the project was found to be unfeasible, ISU was required to return the unspent funds to the state. Instead, ISU transferred the money to Bannock County, which then used it on expenses unrelated to the non-existent forensic center and outside the intent of the appropriation. Today, only $638,318 remains in the account

ISU has announced plans to get the money back from the county and return the remaining funds to the state, but more is needed. These funds were appropriated for a specific purpose and were misused. Every dollar spent improperly—beyond what remains—must also be repaid in full. Taxpayer dollars are sacred, and Idahoans deserve to know their money is being handled responsibly and legally. Anything less than the full return of the $853,700 is unacceptable.

This isn’t just about restitution; it’s about accountability. If laws were broken or procedures deliberately ignored, those people who were responsible must face consequences. Idahoans work hard for their money and should be able to trust that it’s being used wisely and for its intended purpose. That trust has been violated, and we cannot let this go unanswered. Accountability is essential to restoring faith in government.

I urge the Attorney General to investigate this matter thoroughly to uncover how this happened and who is responsible. I also call on the Legislature to audit all one-time appropriations to ensure compliance with state laws and prevent future misuse. Idahoans deserve full transparency, and immediate action is needed to ensure this does not happen again.

The people of Idaho have a right to expect more from their leaders and institutions. Returning only part of the money while ignoring the broader issue is unacceptable. We must demand full restitution, accountability, and meaningful reforms to protect taxpayer dollars. I will keep pushing for transparency and solutions that rebuild public trust in the management of taxpayer funds.