WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON
Idaho’s fate feels tenuous.
More extreme views are seeping into law. Bills that would never have gotten a hearing before, are making it out of committee.
From fears of gov’t inserting vaccines in food to requiring a birth certificate to enter a bathroom. Bills to eliminate absentee voting to SJR101 that would decimate Idahoans checks on state gov’t through initiatives and referenda. I see bills on the horizon for militias and guns on campus.
Extremism is taking its toll on local government and heretics are now attacking libraries, advocating book banning through vexatious litigation.
Harmful bills continue to advance, like H71 that punishes parents and doctors for supporting kids who are trying to find their way in a complicated world, seeking some counseling, medical support, and comfort as they navigate a culture that isn’t very accepting of gender differences. And H75 that allows counselors to reject clients based on their own personal values, a bill that the counselors have loudly denounced as unethical and harmful.
This can’t be Idaho! And we can’t let Idaho become this.
It has never been more important for reasonable and compassionate Idahoans to band together. We must denounce hate, extremism, ignorance and misinformation. We must call out controlling and oppressive laws and fight against the nanny state that Idaho is becoming. Continue to write to politicians and share letters to the editor, and send letters of support to our teachers and counselors. Let’s fill the darkness with our light and push back against ignorance and oppression.
I’m with you and will continue to fight with all my strength to protect our rights to be who we are and live the lives we choose.
ADDRESSING OUR PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE
I have been working with Dr. Scott Smith and Dr. Ted Epperly, along with many other stakeholders to create meaningful pathways for a medical residency for physicians who are refugees in the United States. Listen to this short introductory hearing explaining the program. This is a creative and effective way to increase the number of practicing physicians in the state (something drastically needed) while we connect families resettling in our country to their communities. Everyone wins!
HOME VISITING
I was honored to meet with Lisbeth Gutierrez along with her daughter. She is a mother, NFP Graduate and member of the Community Advisory Board for Southwest District Health NFP. When I worked on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to support funding for Home Visiting Programs because they provide support for new families and lead to better health and community outcomes!
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence-based home visiting model that serves Idaho families through programs located at Central District Health, Southwest District Health, and Panhandle Health District. NFP helps new parents set a strong course for their families by partnering first-time parents with a nurse home visitor who visits with the family beginning in pregnancy until the child turns age 2. Through our proven services, NFP helps families have better pregnancy outcomes, improved child development, and better economic self-sufficiency. You can read more about NFP in Idaho on this fact sheet.
SECURE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents from AARP Idaho during their annual lobby day at the Idaho Capitol. Like most Idahoans, property taxes and the growing burden on homeowners was a top concern. I am committed to finding common sense bipartisan solutions that will allow Idahoans to stay in their homes and age in place with dignity. It’s always a delight to meet with engaged and educated voters while discussing issues of common interest.
Guess Who is On This Week’s Democratic Debrief?!