Legislative Update - Week 13

The session wound down this week with a few long days. We came on and off the House floor multiple times on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The few final budgets remaining were debated and passed during that time. We’ve motioned on the 87th legislative day to recess without pay until April 10th. That will give the Governor his required time to sign or veto the bills that have made the way to his desk. 

This has been another year for me to learn much, continue to build relationships with so many fine legislators, and see some encouraging legislation passed. House Bill 542, International Physicians bill, is one I am particularly proud to have seen signed into law last month. It is a creative solution to attract more well-trained physicians to our fine state and improve overall healthcare access. I appreciated hearing many stories of internationally trained physicians who could potentially fill holes in our current physician workforce, with the passage of this bill.

While I never got to debate or vote on the bill myself, it was still disappointing to see S1245 regarding pesticide labeling, fail to pass. Our Idaho-based ag and manufacturing industry needs this legislation to help Southeast Idaho families involved in the mining and processing of elemental phosphorus. In addition, so many of our Idaho ag families help feed our nation. Without the passage of this bill, it will become much more likely that our ag producers are forced to buy all their pesticide product from China. That will place our food security and national security at risk. I was disappointed that so many legislators were won over by arguments from radical environmentalists that prefer to shut down domestic production of our entire agricultural system, where currently one American farmer feeds over 160 U.S. citizens My heart was full this Wednesday as I glanced into the gallery during the pledge of allegiance to see one of our Idaho State Police saluting the flag, as we recited the pledge together. It has been one of the great honors of my life to represent the fine people of southeast Idaho. I am running for reelection, as I believe there is more work we can do to keep Idaho thriving. 

In the interim, I am working on legislation that would modernize the prior authorization system and reduce regulatory burden on our local physicians and healthcare workforce. I will continue to work on policy that incentivizes more physician workforce to train or relocate in Idaho. 

I have an idea for a bill that will improve citizen access to multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.

In addition, I will work on legislation that moves our public schooling toward an outcome-based funding model. I will also continue looking for ways that our high school students can find and participate in apprenticeships that move them to rewarding and in-demand careers. And I would dearly like to reduce instances of
youth vaping. 

Thank you, again, for all of you back home who reached out during the session with ideas, concerns, and real-life instances of legislation affecting you and your families. I am deeply grateful to live in this incredible state, in our divinely appointed nation, doing my small part to serve Idaho families.