American education is dying. Public universities across our country are becoming nothing more than an extension of high school, where students go to check off a box on their resume rather than receive a meaningful education. The staff and administration at these universities have begun to view the i| Idaho Freedom
REVISION (August 21, 2025): Due to inconsistent reporting between the Division of Financial Management and Legislative Service Office, this article has been updated. The article now reflects the data that was provided by the LSO following the article's publication. For several years, the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) has been sounding warnings about Idaho's excessive spending […]| Idaho Freedom
I have, so far, sent one and only one recommendation to the Idaho Legislature’s new DOGE task force that is supposed to be on the hunt for efficiencies in government. I could send more, but I wanted to offer something that checks all the boxes for legislators who want to: Make government more eff| Idaho Freedom
Since our last article, criticism of the proposed transfer of the Ford Idaho Center (FIC) to the College of Western Idaho (CWI) has escalated monumentally. Nampans are speaking out to express their disapproval — and they are not being quiet about it. At the August 11, 2025, “listening” town hall| Idaho Freedom
In what may well be the most extraordinary act of unsolicited civic generosity on this side of the Treasure Valley, Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling and the Nampa City Council are contemplating the “conveyance” of the Ford Idaho Center (FIC) to the College of Western Idaho (CWI) — no appraisal, no payment,| Idaho Freedom
Last week’s kickoff of the Idaho DOGE Task Force highlights the need to rein in Idaho’s spending growth. It’s a tall order. Since 2019, the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s Spending Index has been the only yardstick for measuring the impacts of individual agency appropriations bills. And necessarily, the votes on these bills by legislators provide the […]| Idaho Freedom
Ask any good conservative in Idaho politics, and they’ll tell you Idaho’s budgets and government growth are out of control. They’re right. Now, throw in the biggest buzzword in politics for the last six months (the start of President Trump’s return to power), “DOGE.” Of course, that’s shorthand for the Department of Government Efficiency (headed […]| Idaho Freedom
On July 15, 2025, the Boise City Council approved the FY26 budget, which included a 7.6% property tax increase — ignoring the financial strain on residents. As one of the few voices opposing this budget, I’m dismayed by the council’s disregard for taxpayers and the chorus of speakers who showered praise on the council, mayor, […]| Idaho Freedom
NOTE: This op-ed has been edited by the author to ensure it adheres to the guidelines of our 501(c)(3) organizational status. Sophistry is the use of fallacious arguments with the intent to deceive. Critics will use sophistry to make an argument when the facts do not support their position. We see this all too often […]| Idaho Freedom
Want to know what happens in an Idaho Freedom Foundation team meeting? Here’s a glimpse. The question was asked, “If Argentina can cut its government and spending by 28% in one year, why can’t Idaho do that or more?” Without missing a beat, “The answer is ‘cowardice,’” rang out from one (unnamed) freedom fighter. And […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we finish our Pride in America series by honoring a duelist, frontiersman, populist, war hero, statesman, and patriot: Andrew Jackson. Well before Jackson ascended to the Presidency, he earned renown as one of the nation’s first military heroes. During the War of 1812, Jackson rallied a force of several […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Norman Rockwell, an artist whose work didn't just illustrate America, but helped define its soul. For decades, his captivating images on the covers of the Saturday Evening Post chronicled the idealized spirit of American life, capturing moments of everyday joy, […]| Idaho Freedom
Normally, we at the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) don’t weigh in on federal legislation that does not directly impact Idaho. However, any massive Congressional omnibus bill with tax and spending provisions is bound to impact Idahoans. We would like to bring to the attention of our readers a few key points for consideration. And perhaps […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring renowned inventor Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison, born in 1847, spent the early years of his life in Milan, Ohio. At the age of seven, his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, to seek better fortune in the lumber business. As […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution, James Armistead Lafayette. James Armistead was born into slavery in c. 1748 and spent the early years of his life working on a plantation in Virginia. He was owned by William […]| Idaho Freedom
Could Idaho’s government run out of money? That might be a reasonable worry based on your first reading of a recent article highlighting how Idaho’s General Fund revenue was $141 million behind legislative projections for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25, ending June 30, 2025). We are told to be concerned because Idaho taxes won’t catch up. […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. From at least 1783, Thomas Jefferson had eyed an opportunity to send men east of the Mississippi to not only explore more of the continent but also to determine if a direct passage […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Stephen Decatur. Stephen Decatur (1779–1820) was one of the early heroes of the United States Navy — a bold and principled figure whose legacy has come to symbolize courage, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to American sovereignty. Rising to fame during […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring one of the famous freedom fighters of the 19th Century, Harriet Tubman. The woman history knows as Harriet Tubman was actually born as Araminta Ross in c. 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was born into slavery, and as a […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Ludwig Von Mises. “Every socialist is a disguised dictator,” warned economist Ludwig von Mises. He understood the risks well, as he was forced to flee the Nazi occupation of Europe and immigrate to the United States in 1940. A gifted […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring the legendary Texas Ranger, John Coffee Hays. Hays was born in Tennessee in 1817, but would find his true purpose after finding his way to the vast Texas frontier. He was appointed captain of a company of Texas Rangers at […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring renowned economist Thomas Sowell. Thomas Sowell was born in North Carolina in 1930. He was one of five children whom his mother raised alone after his father’s death. In 1939, the family moved to Harlem, New York City. He attended […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Henry Clay, who was once described as the “beau ideal of a statesman.” Known as the “Great Compromiser,” Clay’s statesmanship was instrumental in preserving the integrity of the Union throughout the contentious period of antebellum America. Clay first demonstrated his […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Thomas' life began in humble circumstances in rural Georgia, where he was raised solely by his grandfather. Though he was surrounded by segregation and poverty, he rose above his conditions through sheer determination, leading him […]| Idaho Freedom
On Wednesday, Idaho Freedom Foundation president Ron Nate issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s Decision to uphold a Tennessee state ban on transgender youth surgeries: “Today is a landmark decision for not only our state, but our nation. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee state law banning trans surgeries […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Pat Buchanan. If President Donald Trump has an intellectual antecedent and mentor, it is journalist Pat Buchanan. In fact, it would be harder to think of a post-WWII journalist who has had more influence than Pat Buchanan. Buchanan’s roots as […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Grover Cleveland. Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, holds a unique place in American history as the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms (1885-1889 and 1893-1897). A Democrat during a time when the party […]| Idaho Freedom
As we survey the rioting, looting, burning of vehicles, assaults on local and federal law enforcement, waving of Mexican flags, and the burning of American flags in Los Angeles, we might breathe a sigh of relief. We don’t live there! But illegal immigration is not confined to any one state, and more importantly, Idaho must […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison. Today, Madison is most known for his arguments in defense of the federal government. This view has led to a misunderstanding of Madison’s thought as being confined to his more favorable presentation of […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Austrian School economist Murray Rothbard. Murray Rothbard famously quipped, “It is no crime to be ignorant of economics … But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father whose bold vision for self-governance laid the very foundation of the American experiment. Among the most well-known of America’s Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President […]| Idaho Freedom
Happy Pride Month — not. Once again, it’s that time of year when business logos change to rainbow colors, shops and restaurants hang transgender flags in their windows, and celebrations of sexuality and “gender identity” sweep the nation. American society has been inundated with gay pride parades, drag queen shows, and LGBTQ+ protests for the […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring one of the United States’ Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams. Born in 1744 in Massachusetts to a Congregational reverend and his wife, Abigail Smith was known in her early years for generously tending the poor and sick. She was not formally […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring a pivotal figure credited with making all men equal: Samuel Colt. Samuel Colt’s legacy intersects two defining features of American identity: a tradition of arms rooted in the Second Amendment and an instinct to conquer the frontier. His creation of […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Phyllis Schlafly Esq., a fierce advocate of traditional family values in the 20th Century. Schlafly was born August 15, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a scholarship to Maryville College but only attended for a short time before transferring […]| Idaho Freedom
Property tax is one of the most pressing policy issues in Idaho right now. Almost everyone agrees that property taxes are too high, and most conservatives see them as morally wrong altogether. This is not just a partisan issue either — lowering property taxes crosses party lines. Over the past several years, many homeowners have […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring a general who shaped a continent, halted communism’s spread, and challenged a presidency: Douglas MacArthur. After serving in the Battle of Veracruz, World War I, and World War II, MacArthur was appointed head of the United Nations Command during the […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring William F. Buckley, Jr. For over three decades, William F. Buckley was one of the leading public intellectuals of the Conservative movement. Buckley first gained notoriety with the publication of his book, “God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736 — the second of nine children — to prominent parents, John and Sarah Henry. Not to be outdone, he would go on to have seventeen children of his own, fifteen […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of our national heritage, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring James Monroe, whose presidency embodied the principles of America First. James Monroe was among the most successful and popular statesmen of his era, holding the honor of being the last of the Founding generation to serve as president of the […]| Idaho Freedom
In celebration of the brave people who have built our nation, we continue our Pride in America series by honoring Thomas Paine. John Adams once observed that the real American revolution was "the radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affection of the people." This revolutionary character, which cherishes liberty above all else, is […]| Idaho Freedom
Our first figure for our Pride in America series is the most obvious, but most deserving, choice. Today, we honor George Washington as the Father of Our Country. Washington was truly a great man in history for not only what he accomplished, but also what he chose to do with those accomplishments. At the start […]| Idaho Freedom
The Joint-Finance Appropriation Committee (JFAC) reviewed continuous appropriations during the recent Spring Interim Meeting. Continuous appropriations are funds that have no set appropriation and are off-budget and perpetually expended - unless some other action is taken by the Legislature. In practical terms, this means there is no annual appropriation and, historically, no review of these […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Legislature has adjourned, and lawmakers are returning to their districts, mostly with the exuberant message, “Guess what, Idaho? We saved you $292 million this year!” In response, you might ask, “Okay, but how much did you spend?” The jolting news for Idaho families is that the reported total government spending in Idaho is […]| Idaho Freedom
Among the most important triumphs of the 2025 legislative session were the steps taken to advance educational freedom. After years of stubborn resistance from the education establishment, Idaho joined the ranks of conservative states with a meaningful school choice initiative thanks to the leadership of several key lawmakers. In response, the Idaho Education Association christened […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Freedom Index (IFI) is an objective measure of how well legislators vote according to the principles of freedom and limited government. The index calculates the percentage of times each legislator votes for legislation with positive ratings and votes against legislation with negative ratings. We rate legislation on a strict, objective set of standards, […]| Idaho Freedom
If it hasn’t occurred to you yet that reining in government spending is probably the single most important policy objective (after sealing our borders from invasion) for conservatives, it should. We all experienced how the excessive spending under the Biden Administration ignited inflation and drove the federal debt over $36 trillion. Is it just a […]| Idaho Freedom
The 2025 Idaho Freedom Index (13th edition) is ready to order. Of course, that means some legislators go to their social media pages to proudly post their scores, while others attack the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Many people post their legislators’ scores and give “atta boys,” while others are dismayed at their representation. And, yes, some […]| Idaho Freedom
An Idaho Legislative Session may have over 600 bills considered, with more than 300 actually passed into law. Historically, with so many bills, it was easy for legislators to return home after the session was over to tell their constituents about only the wonderful votes they cast. A comprehensive picture of the legislator’s performance was […]| Idaho Freedom
Idaho still has a budget problem. Despite significant progress on the spending front in the 2025 legislative session, the biggest government program with the biggest budget in Idaho’s history, Medicaid, went unscathed. Overall, the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Medicaid budget appropriation was $5.25 billion, 37% of the $14.1 billion state appropriation for all programs in […]| Idaho Freedom
Are you tired of winning yet? The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) isn’t. The Idaho legislative session ended a few days ago, and by most measures, it was one of the most conservative sessions in recent history. We had some big wins (tax cuts, school choice, health freedom, immigration reform, etc.). But we also suffered some […]| Idaho Freedom
Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate issued the following statement regarding Gov. Brad Little signing Senate Bill 1198, the Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act: This evening Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1198, effectively eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and offices from the state's higher education system. This decision follows the […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
House Bill 475 — Public Schools, Central Services, Appropriations FY26 (-2) The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: House Bill 472 would protect Idahoans from most vaccine mandates. It is a replacement bill for Senate Bill 1023, which the governor vetoed. Rating: +1 NOTE: House Bill 472 is a replacement bill for Senate Bill 1023 (2025), which the governor vetoed. Senate Bill 1210 (2025) is another replacement bill, but it is significantly weaker. House Bill 472 is […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: House Bill 471 would require the Ada County Highway District to hold partisan primary elections starting in 2026. Rating: +1 Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: House Bill 470 would require state agencies to identify long-vacant positions; it would also require agencies to report reimbursed travel costs. Rating: 0 NOTE: House Bill 470 is a substantially weakened version of House Bill 413 (2025). Compared to its predecessor, House Bill 470 gives an agency one year rather than six months to […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1212 would repeal and replace Idaho's campaign finance laws in a manner that grows government and limits free speech. Rating: -4 NOTE: Senate Bill 1212 is related to House Bill 442 (2025), House Bill 399 (2025), and House Bill 308 (2025). Senate Bill 1212 provides for the same small increases in campaign contribution limits found […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1211 would make Ivermectin available without a prescription. Rating: +1 Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market? Senate Bill 1211 would create Section 37-135, Idaho Code, to allow […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1210 as amended is a replacement bill for Senate Bill 1023, which the governor vetoed. Rating: +1 NOTE: The purpose of Senate Bill 1023 was to amend Idaho's "Coronavirus Stop Act" to protect individual medical freedom against most vaccine mandates. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 1210 introduces several significant compromises compared to its predecessor, which would leave […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
House Bill 468 — Industrial Commission, Supplemental FY26 and Appropriations FY26 (-1) The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1199 would add several exemptions to the Idaho Parental Rights Act that allow minors to receive medical care without parental consent. Rating: -4 NOTE: The Senate Amendment to Senate Bill 1199 is reflected in the bill's rating and analysis. Does it violate the spirit or the letter of either the United States […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
We at the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) are used to the slings and arrows that come with pushing for a smaller government — really pushing for it, not lip service. That means actually reducing the growth of government spending or, better yet, reversing it. Most elected officials, when prompted, will claim to be fiscally responsible, […]| Idaho Freedom
Today, Gov. Brad Little vetoed Senate Bill 1023, the Medical Freedom Act. The act would not only have ensured that Idahoans maintain autonomy over their healthcare decisions, free from government or corporate overreach, and enshrined vital medical rights, but would also have prohibited vaccine mandates from ever occurring again. This bill garnered significant support among […]| Idaho Freedom
Kids should not have to be subjected to sexually and politically charged flags and banners in their junior and senior high school classrooms. They should not be punished for expressing support for traditional family values in school assignments, and they certainly should not have their trauma-induced gender dysphoria “affirmed” by teachers and school administrators. As […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1198 eliminates and prohibits all DEI related offices, initiatives, programs, and employees within public institutions of higher education; it also prohibits bias reporting systems, mandatory DEI related coursework, and discriminatory practices in admissions and employment decisions. Analyst Note: Senate Bill 1198 is effectively the same as Senate Bill 1048 introduced earlier […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1186 would obliterate donor privacy in Idaho for all donations over $1,000 that are even tangentially related to political speech. Rating: -5 Does it violate the spirit or the letter of either the United States Constitution or the Idaho Constitution? Examples include restrictions on speech, public assembly, the press, privacy, private property, […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1184 would expand the circumstances under which abortion (including late-term abortions) could be legally performed. Rating: -2 Does it violate the spirit or the letter of either the United States Constitution or the Idaho Constitution? Examples include restrictions on speech, public assembly, the press, privacy, private property, or firearms. Conversely, does it […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: House Bill 457 would clarify that animal adoption fees charged by a local government or nonprofit are service fees and therefore not subject to sales and use taxes. Rating: +1 NOTE: House Bill 457 is the same as House Bill 263, As Amended in the Senate Does it directly or indirectly create or increase […]| Idaho Freedom
Bill Description: House Bill 440 would clarify compensation and benefits for the board members of special taxing districts. Rating: 0 NOTE: House Bill 440 is the fourth iteration of the bill this session, following House Bill 423 (2025), House Bill 411 (2025) and House Bill 343 (2025). Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease […]| Idaho Freedom
The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied […]| Idaho Freedom
