Out with the Old, In with the New—Embracing Fiscal Sanity Over Rubber-Stamp Politics

Editorial from Senator Brian Lenney, District 13

Out with the Old, In with the New—Embracing Fiscal Sanity Over Rubber-Stamp Politics

Editorial from Senator Brian Lenney, District 13

Senator Brian Lenney, District 13

As Nampa's straight-talking Senator and a member of the Idaho Freedom Caucus, I've been tasked by the people of Nampa to bring change to the Statehouse. As you're likely aware, 2022 marked a turning point. Idahoans across the state ousted many of the old guard, paving the way for an era of genuine fiscal responsibility and transparency.

But before then? Our legislature, especially in the Senate, was following a zombie-like obedience in handling state spending, mindlessly letting the budget swell by billions each year. Yes, it was our self-proclaimed “conservative” legislators who green-lit the largest spending increases in Idaho's history during the “pandemic!” And many were sent packing as a result of their fiscal imprudence.

Now, with the Senate sporting many new conservative faces, we're geared up to set things on the right track. Along with the Idaho Freedom Caucus, I'm pushing us away from the old reckless spending and steering us towards serious financial scrutiny, transparency, and accountability.

That’s why we’ve been on the receiving end of vehement opposition, criticism, and relentless attacks by establishment politicians, because they want to keep you in the dark about the real pandemic: Idaho's addiction to federal money. Over 40% of our budget is made up of federal chains funds. This absence of strategic foresight became glaringly evident when we accepted a massive $22.9 billion from the federal government during the COVID crisis, further burdening future generations with federal debt.

The 2022 election mandate was unmistakable: Idahoans want a legislature that's smart with their money. Let's not forget, our Senate hasn’t killed a spending bill on the floor since 2019! Well hopefully, that's about to change, with the Idaho Freedom Caucus at the forefront of this seismic shift.

We're asking the hard questions and making decisions for the people of Idaho, not the political elite, bureaucrats, and lobbyists. Yes, the challenges ahead are substantial, with deep-rooted interests and the old guard in our political system resistant to change. But we’re more than ready for this battle.

Our commitment is driven by the critical importance of Idaho's financial future and sovereignty, which are simply too important to ignore. So we’ll stay the course, relentlessly push for transparency, and remember: we're doing this for the people of Idaho, not headpats from the Governor.

Together, we're going to turn things around in Idaho. We’re starting a new chapter of smart, transparent, and accountable governance. We've got a clear mandate for change, and we remain unwavering in our fight to give Idahoans the fiscally responsible government they deserve.

Brian Lenney is Nampa’s Senator for District 13 and a proud member of the Idaho Freedom Caucus.

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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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