Legislative Session 2025 Week #6--Rep. Josh Wheeler

Another President’s Day full of deep reflection. We honored 7 former legislators who have passed away in recent years. I’m always impressed at the broad range of people who serve in the legislature, and the many ways they have given back to their families and communities. A local elementary school choir performed an excellent number called “Stories in the Snow”, which certainly left me thinking of home. 

We passed a bill out of the Health & Welfare committee this week to require insurance coverage of early cancer screening for women at high risk of breast cancer. It was educational and looks like it will serve to save our state and communities on some serious expenses, by catching diseases earlier and providing for lower cost, more effective treatments. 

There was also a very robust debate in the Health & Welfare committee about updates to Idaho’s statutes regarding childcare facilities. There is a push to standardize across the state, and simplify the regulations dealing with daycares, both professional and in home. It is an important conversation to have, and I believe we will find a strong Idaho solution through this conversation.

I was disappointed to see HB138 advance off the house floor this week. Its supporters claim that it will reform and improve our Medicaid Expansion program, which was called for by more than 60% of Idaho citizens in an initiative back in 2018. However, the bill sets up 11 conditions that must be implemented by 2026 or the Medicaid Expansion will be repealed. Most of the conditions have already been demonstrated to be unachievable, and so the bill is not a reform, but a repeal. I hope the legislative process will move us to a better solution rather than repeal.  

It was exciting to have a few of my bills move forward in the process this week. My concurrent resolution calling on cities to encourage youth entrepreneurship and not to charge them permitting or licensure fees received universal support in Committee. I’ve also got some bills that streamline electrical licensing and building inspection processes which were able to move out of committee. 

I feel that I have learned so much in this first couple months of my second term. As always, I deeply value the communications and feedback that I receive from those of you back at home. Thanks for your hard work, and the great communities you maintain at home.