Idaho Legislature Scores Big Conservative Win: Budget Reform Passes!

Moving forward, Idahoans can expect more oversight of their tax dollars.

We had a huge conservative victory this week in the Idaho legislature!

A key focus of this legislative session has been the debate surrounding government spending in Idaho. Over the past four years, spending in Idaho has increased by 54%. The legislature thoroughly reviewed only 19% of the total spending for years before budgets were finalized. Things are about to change.

Due to the increased number of conservative legislators elected two years ago, the leadership of the Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee initiated substantial budget reform this session. This could lead to considerable savings for taxpayers like you.

In the House.

On Wednesday, the House voted on budget reform, which passed 38-31. Moderates from the Main Street Caucus colluded with Democrats opposing the reform. However, the Idaho Freedom Caucus and their conservative allies remained firm, ultimately winning the vote. Subsequently, on Thursday, the House ousted its majority leader, Megan Blanksma. Many Republican caucus members criticized her leadership, accusing her of siding with dissenters rather than the majority of the Republican caucus.

Those in RED voted with the Democrats AGAINST budget reform and for continued waste, fraud, and abuse in the Idaho government.

In the Senate.

Last week in the Senate, Democrats and some moderate Republicans teamed together in an attempt to reverse these budget reforms. The Idaho Freedom Caucus, alongside our conservative allies, worked diligently to convince Senate members to support the reforms. Finally, on Friday, the first budget reform bill was heard on the Senate floor, passing with a resounding vote of 28-7.

All Republican Senators backed the new process, ensuring Idaho’s taxpayers reap the benefits. In contrast, every Democratic Senator opposed the budget reforms, voting against them unanimously.

A victory for the taxpayer.

Budget reform is a huge victory for conservative governance. The success of the Idaho Freedom Caucus and our conservative allies proves we can put together a winning coalition to unite Republicans to achieve victories.

Last week, the Idaho Capital Sun published an article contrasting Senator Herndon's perspective on the budget changes with that of the governor. Here's what the article had to say about the governor:

"One unintended consequence Governor Little sees is it could be more difficult to pass the line items and new budget requests because the maintenance budgets are separated and the line items are isolated.”

The article also summarized Senator Herndon's stance as directly opposite, stating, "I want to see the trend come back to normal,” Herndon said. “We cannot cut taxes unless we cut spending. That’s the bottom line.”

“I suspect in future years agencies will be much more thorough in justifying their line item requests when they realize they will get a little more attention,” Herndon said.

Read the full article here.

This win in the Idaho Legislature proves the strength of conservative values. With strong Republican support led by the Idaho Freedom Caucus, we've passed budget reform. This means better management of taxpayer money, exposing waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensuring transparency and accountability. This victory emphasizes the importance of smart spending. Moving forward, Idahoans can expect more oversight of their tax dollars.

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Here are some ways you can help the Idaho Freedom Caucus:

Get to know these public members and support their work. Back Row, left to right: Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld–District 24; Rep. Tony Wisniewski–District 5; Rep. Joe Alfieri–District 4; Rep. Mike Kingsley–District 7; Rep. Dale Hawkins–District 2; Sen. Scott Herndon–District 1. Front Row, left to right: Rep. Jacyn Gallagher-District 9; Rep. Heather Scott (Co-Chair)–District 2; Rep. Elaine Price–District 4; Sen. Tammy Nichols (Co-Chair)–District 10; Sen. Brian Lenney–District 13; Sen. Cindy Carlson–District 7.

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Thanks for joining us in the fight to keep Idaho free. Idaho is worth defending!