By David Goerg

REXBURG, Idaho—The Legislative session for the State of Idaho began on January 10. Last year, the session lasted for 95 days until a recess was called. It is expected that this year’s session will occupy a similar amount of time.

CONSERVATIVE AGENDA

A group of 31 conservative legislators in Idaho have banded together to create a conservative agenda for Idaho in 2022. The group plans to pursue the agenda over the course of the 2022 legislative session.

“We are ready on Day 1 with this Idaho Conservative Agenda,” states the joint press release. “It will put the legislature on the path toward productivity and advancing conservative values. We are excited to get to work on both reducing and improving Idaho’s government, so it truly works to the benefit of Idaho families and businesses.”

Signees include Rep. Ron Nate of Rexburg, Rep. Dorothy Moon of Stanley, Sen. Christy Zito of Hammett, Rep. Heather Scott of Blanchard, Rep. Karey Hanks of St. Anthony, Rep. Julianne Young of Blackfoot, and Rep. Barbara Erhardt of Idaho Falls.

According to a Jan. 10 press release, the conservative agenda will focus on three main goals: restoring freedom, lowering taxes, and less government.

“Conservative legislators know that without election integrity, a representative republic does not function; this issue is at the top of the list of priorities,” reads the press release. “Other important freedoms include medical protection and autonomy and privacy, education choice, protecting family rights, keeping businesses open and defending our constitutionally defended rights including our right to keep and bear arms and self-defense.”

BUDGET

As of the publication of this article, the State of Idaho has amassed a massive budget surplus. According to a report from legislators in the 34^th District, $1.9 billion in surplus is available for various applications within the state.

According to Rep. Rod Furniss, the total budget surplus – including the American Rescue Plan Act funds – stands at over $5 billion. However, some within the state government seem reluctant to use the ARPA funds.

“We are debt free right now, and that’s the best way to run,” remarked Furniss, a local representative serving in District 34. “ARPA money is one-time funds. We need to make sure we have sustainable income over a long period of time.”

“We are pretty cash free right now,” concurred Rep. Karey Hanks. “ARPA money is a one-time payment with strings attached … We need to find a way to turn them down.”

REDISTRICTING

Another notable issue for the 2022 legislative session is the legislative redistricting effort, which has been contested in the courts by former Idaho legislator and 2022 candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Branden Durst and his legal counsel, Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith. Legislative redistricting occurs once every ten years, and a new map is expected to be set in place for the 2022 primary elections which will serve as the boundaries for the next decade.

COVID-19

It is expected that 36 new bills related to COVID-19 restrictions and President Biden’s federal mandates will be revisited. Although the legislature reconvened for three days in November to propose the bills, none were signed into law, leaving a significant amount of unfinished business for 2022.

LOCAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

District 34 Rep. Ron Nate of Rexburg plans to provide a weekly legislative update in which he will cover the issues being debated in the House, and provide his own insight and commentary on bills and challenges to the citizens of Idaho. Nate’s responsibilities in the House include sitting in counsel on three different legislative committees.

Nate’s report for the week preceding January 17 can be found here. It includes his evaluation of Governor Little’s State of the State address, part of which reads:

“The Governor outlined plans for tax cuts, education enhancements, election reforms, water and transportation infrastructure improvements. These are all good ideas if done right. He also stressed the importance of fiscal discipline. Unfortunately, the Governor was skimpy with the details but the mentions of these key items are promising for improving Idaho.”

The 35^th Legislative District will also help provide legislative updates over Zoom at monthly intervals. Rep. Karey Hanks, Rep. Rod Furniss, and Sen. Van Burtenshaw participated in a Zoom call on Tuesday evening for their constituents and any other interested parties. You can find the Zoom meeting ID and password on Karey Hanks’s Facebook page. The next update for the 35^th District will be held in February.