End of the Line

The 67th Legislature comes to a close

It’s been a great two years for the District 14 Republican Central Committee. This group was organized after the primary elections in May 2022, electing Sen. Steven Thayn as chairman and Steve Bender as vice chair. Our committee has seen tremendous success, beginning with huge victories for Reps. Ted Hill and Josh Tanner and the reelection of Sen. C. Scott Grow.

All three of LD14’s Republican legislators have done great work in the Capitol these past two years. Sen. Grow is the chairman of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and used his influence to reform the way our Legislature passes state budgets. Rep. Hill carried many important bills, including mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl as well as making sure biological boys use the boys bathroom in schools. Rep. Tanner also worked on JFAC, working hard to trim state budgets and keep more of your money in your pocket.

Sen. C. Scott Grow

LET ME BEGIN WITH A FEW PERSONAL NOTES

The passing of my mother near the end of the session was a reminder of why we do what we do.  I enjoyed a wonderful childhood here in Idaho.  I hope to preserve the values that made Idaho what it is, so that my children and grandchildren can live in the same healthy environment that I enjoyed.

My dad, a World War II veteran, is still alive at age 96. He and my mom were able to visit with veterans at the fairgrounds in Emmett just a few weeks ago.  In addition to visiting with them, Dad proudly displayed his World War II army uniform and helmet. 

I had the privilege to meet at the Capitol with groups of elementary students from various schools.   They toured the JFAC meeting room and learned something of the process we use to balance Idaho budgets each year.

In a meeting with a group of Spanish-speaking parents, I was able to dust off my Spanish as we discussed some concerns they have regarding their children.   The family values demonstrated by this group are admirable.

Read the rest of the newsletter here.

Rep. Ted Hill

The 2024 Legislative year is complete. There were many tremendous successes. Key bills were passed that Idahoans wanted and needed.

I was one of the House sponsors that led the Mandatory Minimums for Fentanyl Trafficking Bill (HB506). This bill was one of the most important and contentious bills of the entire session and was a fantastic victory for the people of Idaho.

I also was the House leader for the Compelled Speech Bill (HB538) that the Governor just signed. This will protect Teachers and other public employees from being forced to recognize gender pronouns that don't correspond to the biological sex of that individual.

I was the co-sponsor for 2nd Amendment Bill SB1275 that protects employers from being liable if they allow employees to conceal carry. The person carrying is responsible at all times.

Read the rest of the newsletter here.

Rep. Josh Tanner

Dear friends,

The 2024 legislative session is done. It was my honor to represent the citizens of Eagle, Emmett, and all of Gem County in the 67th Idaho Legislature.

I am incredibly proud of the work we did in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) to bring more accountability and responsibility to our state budget.

Coming into this year, our budget was out of control. Appropriations were massively increasing, year after year, going up by 67% from 2019-2024. Much of this was driven by federal Covid spending.

I’m happy to report that we managed to cut that increase to only 1.7% for fiscal year 2025. It’s a huge step toward true fiscal responsibility in Idaho. With federal Covid funds beginning to expire, it’s important for us to scale back agency budgets rather than replace those funds with Idaho tax dollars.

Read the rest of the newsletter here.

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District 14 Republicans met for our final regular meeting of the year on Thursday night. We heard from candidates for Ada County Commissioner as well as some Gem County candidates too. Many precinct committeemen are running for reelection, while others are stepping aside to allow newcomers to participate.

Our next meeting will be May 30, 2024, at the American Legion / VFW Hall in Emmett. This will be our reorganization meeting, where the new PCs who were elected in the May 21 primary come together to elect new leadership and prepare for the state convention in June. Remember that PCs are elected by their Republican neighbors, so make sure to vote on May 21 and don’t forget to find your PC candidates on your ballot!

LD14 is a special district. It is home to Governor Brad Little and Attorney General Raúl Labrador. The treasurer and secretary for the Ada County GOP as well as the Idaho GOP state treasurer come from LD14. The new PCs who will take office next month will have big shoes to fill, but I’m sure they will rise to the task. LD14 will continue leading the way, and the best is yet to come.