Op-Ed: Building a Better Idaho: Cutting Federal Ties for a Stronger Future. By Idaho State Representative Heather Scott, LD 2 (01/02/25)
Rep. Scott explains:
Over the past decade, we’ve had two governors who, while managing Idaho’s day-to-day affairs, often had to tip their hats to the federal government to keep the funds flowing. And what did we get in return? Common Core, gas tax hikes, COVID dollars with strings attached, boys in girls’ bathrooms, and DEI initiatives—all neatly tied to federal dollars.
So, with a new federal administration and a more conservative Idaho legislature, what steps can Idaho take? Rep. Scott has some excellent suggestions, copied below and edited slightly for brevity:
Take Back Our Lands: Our forests, rivers, and rangelands belong to Idahoans, not federal bureaucrats. Only Idahoans will assure that these lands will never be sold to the highest bidder to pay for federal debt.
Cut the CFRs: Federal codes and regulations (CFRs) have crept into Idaho’s administrative rules. Return to state-driven solutions.
Review and Revise Agency Policies: Streamline, simplify, and ensure Idaho’s agencies are serving Idahoans, not federal interests.
Shrink the Bureaucracy: Fewer agencies mean less red tape and more accountability.
Reclaim Local Control of Schools: Idaho must return power to local school boards and offer parents real choices. Abolishing the Federal Dept. of Education will be a good start.
Reduce Federal Reliance: Federal funds are tempting at first but often come with strings attached and are more costly in the long run. Relying on the federal government means losing state sovereignty.
Free Up Small Businesses: Reduce burdensome laws and occupational licensing, which hold back entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Explore Hard Money: Return to a gold and silver standard.
