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Idaho Legislature: Hunger Games…Under the Dome-the Boise Capitol-is its own arena. By Senator Glenneda ZUIDERVELD (03/02/25)
Senator Zuiderveld exposes the “Hunger Games” culture of control and intimidation that is occurring "Under the Dome" in Boise's Capitol building.
(We’re hearing similar stories from others who presented and support good bills that are being blocked in committee.)
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Game One: To Reform or Not Reform? Medicaid Expansion Safeguards
The Medicaid budget in Idaho has exploded from $403 million in FY2021 to a massive $1.36 billion for FY2026.
The House passed H138, a bill to keep Medicaid sustainable for those who truly need it. Unfortunately, the chairwoman of the Senate Health & Welfare committee is holding this bill in her drawer. Why? Are we witnessing backroom intrigue and betrayal of voters’ trust?
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Game Two: Grocery Tax Repeal: Will Idaho Citizens See Tax Relief at the Register—Or Any Tax Relief at All?
More intrigue as JFAC debates budgets based on:
Inflated revenue forecasts (instead of limiting spending to what’s needed, not what’s available to spend)
Ongoing power struggle over how tax relief should be delivered — property tax cuts, income tax reductions, or repeal of the grocery tax
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Game Three: Intimidation and Compliance: Have We Learned from History?
This perhaps is the worst, as Senator Zuiderveld faces comply, or face consequences ultimatums. She wrote:
If I speak out, I am warned that my fellow legislators won’t work with me.
If I keep voting No, I am told it creates more work for others.
If my name is on a bill, I am cautioned that it may never see the light of day in the House Chambers.
I am even warned to "be careful" because "they are watching," looking for any slip-up that could be used to justify an ethics complaint.
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In other news, Sen. Zuiderveld dedicated her (unwanted) pay increase to a beloved friend and constituents in her district who were involved in a horrific rollover car accident when they encountered black ice on Donners Pass.
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Education Action Items for Citizens
Look at the Idaho Sunshine reports showing campaign funding: tinyurl.com/3tcsbyx3
Look at Idaho Sunshine report showing lobbyists, clients / employers, lobbyist expenditures, and bills monitored):