It is my honor to represent Oneida County in the Idaho State Senate.  My wife, Joelle, our kids and I have been overwhelmed with the friendship and support we have received from so many of you in the Malad area.  Thank you.  We are dedicated to doing what’s right for the people in our community. 

The legislative session is in full swing now in Boise and I hope to publish periodic updates to make sure I am communicating well with Oneida County residents.  I am currently serving on the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee and the Senate State Affairs Committee.  I have also been fortunate to be elected again by my Republican colleagues as the Senate Majority Leader.  My office number in Boise is (208) 332-1327.   Your feedback is important to me.

Idaho faces challenges that have been made by our greatest successes.  Over the past several years, Idaho has delivered major income tax cuts, ‘red tape’ reduction, and provided conservative solutions to state problems.  As a result, Idaho is ranked number one in the nation in economic momentum.  We are said to be the least regulated state.  Our ‘rainy day’ accounts are full, jobs are plentiful, and we operate on a balanced budget.  However, with this success, we have attracted a lot of growth.  Idaho continues to see historic population growth as people flock to well-situated states like ours.  

With this growth, we will have challenges.  One growth-driven struggle in Idaho is increasing property taxes particularly for homeowners.  New homes and residents have driven home prices and local government costs upward resulting in higher property taxes.  The most vulnerable like widows, the blind, and disabled veterans who have traditionally relied on the state’s property tax relief program to stay in their homes were recently disqualified from the program when their home values exceeded artificial state limits forcing many to choose between paying property taxes or affording their monthly prescription medicines.  This is a situation playing out not only in Oneida County but all over the state.  To provide relief, I have drafted a piece of legislation that I will introduce this week in the Senate to amend the law, fix the problem and keep people in their homes.  I am also working with colleagues on more sweeping property tax reforms to reflect the changes in home prices we have seen in our communities and the resulting tax burdens.  

As the session continues, please let me know if you see other issues that need to be addressed.  I look forward to hearing from you and ask for your help in keeping me moving in the right direction.