As the legislative session continues in Boise, I am grateful for the feedback I have received from residents in Oneida County.  I am particularly grateful for the support and kindness from new Oneida County friends who have visited me  at the Capitol or reached out with words of encouragement.  It is my honor to represent Oneida County in the Idaho State Senate.

This week, I have worked to advance legislation I have drafted and sponsored regarding “ESG” standards.  “ESG” stands for environmental, social, and governance.  Recently, we have seen Idaho institutions attempt to use subjective ESG standards when deciding who wins Idaho bids and who earns Idaho contracts.  For example, one government institution planning to build a public building in Idaho decided to award a construction company with more ‘diversity’ and environmental friendly policies instead of choosing the most qualified, least-cost contractor.  Unfortunately, this awarding of public contracts and bids using “ESG” standards hurts Idaho businesses and costs Idaho taxpayers more than necessary; it produces waste and an uneven playing field – it’s not good for Idaho.  I am hopeful that passage of this bill will keep a straight-forward public bidding process that awards good public-works contractors based on competitive cost bidding.

Much of the work the Legislature has taken up this year is due to the terrible inflation we are experiencing in Idaho.  Inflation in the Pacific Northwest has outpaced the national average and Idaho families feel the effects of inflation every time they buy basic goods.  The inflation we are experiencing is, in large part, the result of federal energy policies and federal spending advanced by the Biden administration.  However, state legislators are looking to lower taxes and make other adjustments to help Idahoans.  I continue to pursue property tax and ‘circuit breaker’ legislation that will reduce the property tax burden.

Again, I welcome your input.  During the session, you can reach my office at (208) 332-1327.  My email address is [email protected] .

Sincerely,

Kelly Anthon

District 27, Idaho State Senate