It's quite the time to be a state legislator!

What a time to be a first-time legislator!

On the morning of my first day on the job last week, we had a meeting with the Idaho State Police about safety in the Capitol. Just five days beforehand, insurrectionists had violently stormed our nation's Capitol and attempted to undermine our democracy. This week, the violence may continue. At the same time, a majority of legislators remain unmasked throughout the building as we continue this session during a pandemic. Some precautions have been taken, but I fear not nearly enough to curb a potential outbreak, while reasonable accommodations for my high risk colleagues were not made.

Despite some of the discomfort and fear I'm feeling, it's not all doom and gloom. I drafted my first piece of legislation this week and am working on drumming up support. I'm enjoying getting to know my very kind, helpful colleagues and digging in to the Governor's budget, property tax, and upcoming issues on my committees (Local Government & Taxation, Resources and Environment, and Agriculture).

And I have learned that despite everything, Idaho still has some good people in our statehouse. Our opinions differ on many fronts and I don't always agree with issues taken up, but the Senators I'm getting to know - both Democrats and Republicans - are good people who care about our state. I feel hopeful that we will be able to make some positive change for Idaho's people by working together, as a team. The importance of our ability to maintain civil discourse and strong friendships despite our differences is more important than ever before. I hope that some of the relationships I build can be a good example for our community, which we all know has felt very divided during these strange times.

Maintaining civility in our statehouse is more challenging than ever before, as the pandemic on top of media and social media echo chambers has only continued to spread misinformation, while our sense of connection to our communities is dissolving. We know that far-right groups (and some extremists from the other side, as well) have been driven to further extremes over these past years. But as MLK said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." No matter what happens, I am determined to not point fingers or name-call, as is so common these days. I will continue to make friends across the aisle to listen and understand. I will also stand by my values and express my opinions in a thoughtful way backed by data, research, and science. I will strive to be a calm, prepared, and earnest voice in the room as I speak truth to power.

Above all, I will be praying that we all can stay safe and healthy through this session.

Remote participation is available this session.

I encourage you to get involved this session, which will be possible as all Senate committees will be taking both in-person and remote testimony. There will be several bills coming forward which impact Boise residents' lives. To find out when a bill is coming before a committee, check the committee's agenda. Committee agendas come out on short notice, so if you have a bill you are particularly interested in, contact the committee secretary and ask if they know when the bill will be heard. Contact information and links to follow to find agendas for Senate committees are on the legislature's website.  The same information is also available for House committees.

If you decide to come to the Statehouse in person this session, be aware that masks are requested, but not required.  Hand sanitizer and disposable masks are available throughout the building.  Social distancing is required in Senate Committee rooms, but not the Senate or House galleries.

The Governor's budget will provide some temporary relief, but ongoing funding needs to address property tax relief, education are not included.

During his State of the State address last Monday, the Governor rolled out his "Building Idaho's Future" plan, listing nine categories of this budget. The budget uses Idaho's one-time surplus and healthy returns from last year's revenues to invest in critical infrastructure and workforce needs. I applaud the plan to invest in transportation, broadband (for schools, businesses, and telehealth), education, workforce training, and public safety.

The first two priorities listed in the plan are tax relief and spending cuts. Tax relief for those in the most desperate economic need, like our working poor and seniors, receive a one-time benefit, while those who need assistance the least could receive permanent tax cuts. Meanwhile, the Governor and the Legislature are sitting on over $1 billion in revenues from the Rainy Day Fund and strong tax collections while reducing ongoing budgets for programs and departments that serve the public, including education. Idaho also received $180 million in internet sales tax revenues, but the 11.5% sales tax allotted for local governments is not being allocated at a time when emergency services, schools, and property taxes are stretching people and communities to the breaking point.

Idaho's economy, as a whole, has fared well despite the global pandemic, but almost one-third of residents in Ada County are still living paycheck-to-paycheck. We have a window of opportunity to invest in the areas that will most benefit working Idahoans in the long-term.

Republican legislators are prioritizing limiting the Governor's powers.

During my first week, legislation was presented at the State Affairs Committee proposing to limit the Governor's powers during an emergency. The bills prevent a Governor from altering state law during an emergency, prohibit any restrictions on working, and allow the legislature to call itself into session. Up to $24 million in federal funding for local government, school districts, and the National Guard could be in jeopardy depending on whether and how an emergency declaration is struck down.

I am still learning about these bills, their implications, and potential legal issues (there are many), but an executive - like in a large majority of our other 50 states - should have the power to declare an emergency when quick decision-making is needed. We need efficient action when an emergency strikes, just like we have throughout history. It may be more prudent to wait to consider these laws after the COVID-19 crisis has passed, as our state currently has many, many other pressing concerns. During a time of division, isolation, and crisis, we should not attempt to make decisions about how emergencies are treated; rather, we should all of our efforts behind addressing the emergency itself.

I am curious to hear what you think about these issues, so please do reach out with any thoughts, questions, or concerns. In the face of numerous challenges this session, I will still be doing my best to stay focused on the issues that matter most. I encourage you to get involved and encourage our other legislators to do the same.