“Get Off Twitter, and Go Have Babies!”

Editorial by Senator Tammy Nichols, Co-Chair Idaho Freedom Caucus, District 10

This title on a Twitter/X post and video from John Stossel recently caught my eye. During this year’s session I attended a luncheon in Boise where the conversation was on our workforce versus current birth rates and how Idaho and the nation were looking. The information was interesting, but the statistics were not encouraging. 

In recent years, the United States has faced a serious issue: a declining birth rate that worries experts about our economic and cultural stability. This trend means we're not having enough babies to keep our population at replacement rates. Entrepreneur Elon Musk recently stated, "The biggest problem the world will face in 20 years is population collapse," echoing concerns shared by many. Mike Rowe, from the TV series Dirty Jobs, pointed out another problem: "For every five American workers retiring, only two are replacing them. This math is not sustainable," he said, highlighting challenges in our workforce.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that on average, each woman in the U.S. now has about 1.6 children, far below the 2.1 total fertility rate needed to keep the population stable. Economic pressures like high costs for housing, education, and healthcare are making it harder for families to afford more children, and the days of a one-income household are almost nonexistent. Many young couples are putting off having kids or having fewer because of financial worries, made worse by recent economic downturns and current “Bidenomics”.

Social changes also play a role. People are focusing more on careers and personal goals, delaying marriage and having kids later in life. These shifts in priorities are reshaping how families look across the country.

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho's birth rate of 11.8 births per 1,000 population in 2021 (12th highest in the nation) was a 29% decline compared with 16.6 in 2007 (4th highest in the nation at the time).

Despite this decline, Idaho's rate remains higher than most neighboring states such as Oregon at 9.6 (4th lowest), Montana at 10.2, and Washington at 10.8. Nationally, birth rates have decreased by 23% from 14.3 per 1,000 population in 2007 to 11.0 in 2021. 

Idaho's birth rate, like many states across the United States, is facing challenges in keeping up with the population replacement level needed for long-term stability. The current birth rate in Idaho, 11.1 births per 1,000 total population annually, is a crucial factor and below what is needed in maintaining a stable population.

Addressing the declining birth rate isn't just about numbers—it affects our future workforce, social programs, need for immigration, and community strength. Conservatives argue for proactive steps to support families, keep our economy growing, and preserve our cultural values for generations to come.

As states like Idaho grapple with these challenges, the debate continues on how to best address the demographic shift while preserving the values and opportunities that define the American experience. By prioritizing policies that empower families and strengthen economic foundations, we aim to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.