I consider MLK Day a reminder of the importance of service.

As I work from the Capitol this MLK Day and Idaho Human Rights Day, I am reminded why I'm here: to serve others who have had less luck in life than me. As we serve, we are oftentimes are distracted by fights about rules, partisanship and social and cultural issues. I want to remind us all that many of our neighbors are struggling today, and there are many practical things we can do as state legislators to improve conditions of poverty.

It was disappointing to see some of the first bills come out of committees focus on abortion (see here and here) and bathrooms for trans people. Being in service to others - I believe - means solving real issues that affect everyday Idahoans. Our state is facing unprecedented growth, straining our infrastructure, public schools, and housing market, and we simply must be practical at this critical juncture in our state's history.

It's encouraging to see so many bi-partisan efforts to alleviate the housing crisis across the country. I hope that dealing with this issue will be front-and-center for our Legislature in the years to come, and I plan to be at the forefront of those conversations. I already have a couple of bills in the works that will help ensure Idahoans can stay housed - stay tuned on those.