George Will makes the argument that the way to protect free speech is to protect individuals from government intrusion.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/05/24/end_run_on_free_speech_96637.html

This well written and thought provoking article is valuable because it shows that we have "handed over" an important issue- our free speech, and let it become a "liberal"...read more

Adam's Blog:

http://www.adamsweb.us/blog/idaho-conservative-scorecard-2/

Congrats to the legislators honored for holding the line!

Dear Friend,

As Chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, I need your help. The Idaho Republican Central Committee and I realize that we can always improve how we listen to our supporters, how we communicate our message to all Idaho Republicans and how we put our resources to work as we serve Idaho.

1. What are the key strengths and beliefs of the Idaho Republican Party that we can build on? How...read more

Finally, a deal everyone can live with. House members held the line, and there will be no gas tax for the moment. They did leave the question open to discussion- long term solutions will have to be found.

Summary of the deal:

Lawmakers have agreed to take part in two task forces this summer focused on transportation. While this deal will not end the debate, even after the legislature approved roughly...read more

Representative Rich Jarvis

We have finished our work here in the Legislature. Everyone has been saying that this first regular session of Idaho's Sixtieth Legislature is probably one of the most difficult sessions in Idaho's history. This is the first time in Idaho's history that we have had two successive years of negative growth projected for General Fund revenues.

The Governor said...read more

Representative Jim Patrick

It has been a very difficult session and all of want to go home. I believe the end is near with the governor possibly willing to compromise further. I do believe we need to maintain the huge investment in bridges and roads, however the voters are simply are not able to bear the additional costs these economic times.

While the economic situation and our lack of funding...read more

The Idaho Legislature is at a standoff. House members cite the struggling economy and refuse to raise taxes. They believe that the economy may still sink lower, and are concerned that tax hikes will limit the ability of the private sector to bounce back. "We have not hit bottom, as evidenced by these preliminary April numbers," said Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, R-Oakley. "It's...read more

BY REPRESENTATIVE FRANK HENDERSON

Our economy is in trouble, and that means that some of our Idaho families are in trouble too. As we work to rebuild businesses and industry, we can't forget to lend a helping hand to our neighbors. Families, Churches and Volunteers are doing amazing work across Idaho, providing critical support to our most vulnerable citizens. Additionally, the Idaho Department...read more

By Senator John McGee (10) & Senator Chuck Winder (14)

Idaho's Legislators and Governor Otter are nearing an important mile marker on a journey critical to all Idahoans. Do we step up to the job of upkeep and maintenance of our roads or do we let a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away?

The state of Idaho is poised to issue $125 million of additional GARVEE road building bonds, which...read more

By Representative Brent Crane

The Idaho House has taken one giant step toward bringing about consistency and predictability in the election process. I was pleased to be among the overwhelming number of representatives in supporting election consolidation. Idaho has more than 400 elections every year, including school boards, supplemental levies, fire districts, and many of those elections are...read more

It might seem strange that the Legislature is considering action to declare Idaho's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. State sovereignty should be a given. Yet, it isn't. "Change" is the latest buzzword in politics; that's what President Obama campaigned for when he ran for office and since he took office in January. He wants "change" in...read more

By Representative Bob Nonini

Representative Anderson has taken the lead to address an environmental issue with far reaching consequences. Experts recently testified that Idaho water ways are facing an expensive infestation of the invasive quagga and zebra mussels if we don't take action this spring. The mussels are already causing damage in many other states. The mussels reproduce and spread...read more

By Representative Brent Crane

Given these difficult economic times, this is no time to be raising taxes - especially a 246 percent increase. It's an even worse time to be imposing a higher tax on a business enterprise.In essence, those were my reasons for opposing the proposed tax increase on beer and wine. The House Revenue and Taxation Committee held hearings on the issue last week and for...read more

Represntative Carlos Bilbao

Perhaps the Idaho Department of commerce didnt't get the memo about the states's sliding economy and the need to cut state budgets. For almost a month, legislators have been trying to make ends meet on a budget. With declining revenues coming into the state, there is little choice but to make cuts in education, health and welfare and other worthwhile programs...read more

By Reps. Darrell Bolz and Pat Takasugi (District 10) and Reps. Steven Thayn and Carlost Bilbao (District 12)

Recently, an editorial appeared in another newspaper that carried this headline: "No federal funds yet, but plan for them anyway." The editorial suggests that the Legislature should think proactively and develop a strategy to invest the dollars wisely - areas that "will foster...read more