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Idaho Legislature & Politics — Standing Alone on the Island of No. Why saying “no” to endless spending may be the most important duty of all. By Idaho Senator Glenneda ZUIDERVELD (03/04/26)
From Sen. Zuiderveld’s articulate and heartfelt introduction:
The Lonely Island of No
Saying “no” is not easy, especially when you are the only one saying it. It can be a lonely place to stand, out on what sometimes feels like the Island of NO.
In the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), my Democratic colleague Senator Wintrow consistently warns about what she calls a revenue crisis. While we may disagree on many solutions, I respect consistency. But the alarm I believe we should be sounding is different.
The real warning bell is not just a revenue crisis.
It is a spending crisis and a federal dependency crisis.
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Quotes of the Week — Benjamin Franklin
“When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
“I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means… I think the best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it.”
We urge you to read the entire article — it’s not just a warning for Idaho, but for all states and the federal government. But for those who want a quick summary, here you go…
Summary (ai assisted, edited; image from article)
The Lonely Island of No
Saying "no" isolates, especially when you are alone.
Democrat Senator Wintrow warns of revenue crisis.
Sen Zuiderveld, acting as a watchman warning of storm, instead sees spending and federal dependency crises.
Idaho Governor Little ordered 3% holdback for FY2026 excluding K-12 due to missed revenues. (We believe K-12 should be cut too!)
Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) passed rescissions: additional 1% cut or FY2026 (total 4%), and 3% plus 2% for FY2027 (total 5%).
Squeaked through the Senate 18-17, now in House.
Failure requires reopening budgets, extending session.
Legislature's job: appropriate dollars, balance budget. (Idaho cannot print money like the federal government can do.)
Idaho spending grew 60% in six years. 43% budget from federal government, much via Health and Welfare.
Idaho applied for $1B Rural Health Fund; funds are temporary, like ARPA. (We objected strongly to this funding. See Related link below.)
Legislators push for Article V Convention to balance the federal budget while accepting federal debt funds ($38T+).
Are We Breaking our Oath of Office?
We’re in a serious historical moment. Does raising taxes and expanding entitlements break oath? (We believe it does.)
No constitutional duty exists for broad health/welfare programs in U.S. or Idaho Constitutions.
US Constitution "General welfare" is not a mandate for specifics like Medicaid.
Idaho constitution requires limited institutions and public education, not sweeping entitlements.
Closing Thought
Should government's role be as a permanent charity or should it follow principles of free self-governing people? (Of course, we believe the latter — government ≠ charity.)
Health and Welfare workgroup expressed need to fund expanding entitlements for able-bodied.
Zuiderveld says: "we are either entitled or enslaved."
Hardworking Idahoans who work 60+ hours without benefits should not fund the able-bodied.
Related
NO on S1264 - Rural health transformation: substack.com/@bige47/no…
Idaho Legislature 2026 Bills to Support or Oppose: tinyurl.com/yc2jpkeh
