Idaho Democratic Party News and Articles
A Message from the Idaho Democratic Party Chair: GOP Property Tax Bill Has Poison Pill for Schools
March 16, 2023Idaho Democrats had many priorities entering this session, but two topped the list. First, a mandate from voters to increase school investment. Our schools – rural schools, in particular – face dire challenges in retaining staff and a nearly $1 billion backlog in facilities needs. Second, finally address property taxes. Now these priorities, shared by Idahoans, are at risk. A fast-moving GOP bill, HB 292, couples property tax reduction homeowners [...]
STATEMENT: A Man of Courage and Conviction
March 5, 2023A statement from Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea on the passing of Republican Governor Phil Batt: “Governor Batt cared deeply for our state and its people. As we reflect on his decades of leadership and service, let us be inspired by his courage and conviction to put the needs of Idahoans before a political party. On behalf of the Idaho Democratic Party, I would like to extend my deep [...]
A Message from the Idaho Democratic Party Chair: GOP Medicaid Repeal Must Be Stopped
February 17, 2023Access to quality, affordable healthcare transforms and saves lives. Idahoans understand this. It’s why we overwhelmingly passed a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in 2018 and why we must now oppose Republican-led efforts to repeal it. For years, GOP politicians obstructed efforts to assist Idahoans who fell into the coverage gap. These Idahoans earned too much to qualify for Idaho’s restrictive Medicaid plan but not enough for tax credits that [...]
Capitol Roundup: We’re halfway there
February 15, 2023We're officially at the halfway point of the 2023 Legislative Session. That is, if Republicans agree to play by the rules. You could say we're Livin' on a Prayer. ESA Vouchers Pass Out of Committee ESA vouchers passed out of Senate Education on a 6-3 vote today. Both Democrats on the committee, Senators Janie Ward-Engelking and Carrie Semmelroth, voted against the bill. ESA Vouchers SB 1038 diverts $45 million away [...]
A Message from the Idaho Democratic Party Chair: Let Idahoans Vote
February 13, 2023Throughout history, generations of Americans have fought for the right to vote. We must be ever-vigilant when there are attempts to chip away at this right, as we see today in Idaho. With our free and fair elections strong — as demonstrated by recent audits — it is troubling to see the latest slate of voter suppression bills. Republican legislators seem intent on creating new hurdles — especially younger voters [...]
