Week Seven of the Idaho Legislative Session is Complete.
Let's talk about it.
📌 Table of Contents
Apprenticeship Idaho: Building Idaho’s Workforce the Smart Way
Idaho Department of Lands Update: Strong Results and a Focus on the Future
A Packed Room, Tough Questions, and Real Conversations: Town Hall at CEI
Running for Re-Election to Serve District 32
This week, I officially announced that I am running for re-election to continue serving you as your Idaho State Senator for Legislative District 32.
Serving District 32 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I would be honored to earn your support once again.
Since first being elected in 2020, I have worked hard to represent Eastern Idaho with integrity and common sense. As a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), I help shape Idaho’s state budget. I take that responsibility seriously. I believe government should budget the same way Idaho families do — carefully, responsibly, and with a long-term view.
My background has shaped how I serve. I was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, and earned a degree in Computer Science from Weber State University. I worked as a software engineer at Idaho National Laboratory and later owned my own software consulting business. Those experiences taught me how to solve problems, manage budgets, and focus on results.
But my greatest blessing is my family. My wife, Cheri, and I have been married for more than 35 years. We are proud parents of four children and grandparents to six wonderful grandchildren. Our roots run deep in Eastern Idaho, and we care deeply about the future of this community.
As your Senator, my focus remains clear:
Stronger Education and Career Pathways
Our students deserve opportunity. Whether through college, career and technical education, or apprenticeships, we must ensure young Idahoans can build successful futures right here at home.
Protecting Idaho Agriculture and Water
Our farmers and ranchers feed the world. We must protect water rights, strengthen storage, and plan responsibly so rural communities continue to thrive.
Responsible Government and Smart Budgeting
As a member of JFAC, I have worked to hold the line on spending and protect taxpayers. Every dollar should be accounted for. Government should live within its means.
Keeping Idaho, Idaho
Limited government, individual freedom, strong families, and safe communities — these values matter. They are worth protecting.
District 32 deserves steady leadership, conservative principles, and someone willing to ask hard questions and stand firm when it counts.
Together, we have worked to keep Idaho strong, conservative, and focused on the future. I look forward to continuing that work with you.
Bills Heard on the Senate Floor this week
Monday – February 23, 2026
Updates Idaho’s mental health statutes to ensure tribal health facilities are included under provisions governing certain detentions without a hearing.
Final Vote: 33–0–2 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Removes outdated reporting language regarding blindness determinations, cleaning up obsolete code provisions.
Final Vote: 33–0–2 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Modernizes insurance statutes relating to certain insurer investment classifications.
Final Vote: 33–0–2 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Updates and streamlines the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund Act by eliminating obsolete statutory language.
Final Vote: 33–0–2 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Clarifies foster care placement provisions to improve administration and oversight in Idaho’s child welfare system.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Prohibits bulk lottery ticket purchases in order to protect fairness and integrity in Idaho’s lottery system.
Final Vote: 30–4–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Tuesday – February 24, 2026
Clarifies statutory language regarding chiropractic authority to prescribe certain allowable drug products under Idaho law.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Eliminates vehicle registration stickers as part of modernization efforts within Idaho’s vehicle registration system.
Final Vote: 31–4–0 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Authorizes certain distilleries to qualify for liquor licenses under expanded eligibility provisions.
Final Vote: 26–9–0 (PASSED)
How I Voted: NAY
Updates statutory provisions governing the Idaho Forest Products Commission.
Final Vote: 35–0–0 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Reorganizes and updates portions of the Idaho Solid Waste Facilities Act for improved regulatory clarity.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Thursday – February 26, 2026
Revises PERSI reemployment provisions by adjusting sunset language and updating reemployment eligibility timelines.
Final Vote: 33–0–2 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Removes obsolete provisions from Idaho’s education statutes as part of code modernization.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Adds additional training requirements for foster parents to strengthen child welfare safeguards.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Revises provisions related to public benefits and verification requirements within state law.
Final Vote: 34–0–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Creates the Idaho High-Needs Student Fund to provide targeted funding support for students with greater educational needs.
Final Vote: 22–12–1 (PASSED)
How I Voted: AYE
Friday – February 27, 2026
Revises child protection statutes related to visitation and termination of parental rights.
Final Vote: 24–6–5 (PASSED)
How I Voted: ABSENT (Formally Excused)
JFAC Budget Presentations
Busy week in JFAC. This is the last week of budget presentations. We will be setting budgets every day this coming week.
Department of Water Resources
The Idaho Department of Water Resources manages one of our state’s most important resources — water. The department oversees water rights, monitors aquifers and rivers, conducts hydrologic studies, and works to secure Idaho’s long-term water future. As our population grows, protecting water supply for agriculture, cities, and industry becomes even more critical.
Its mission is to ensure Idaho’s water is managed wisely and legally, protecting existing water rights while planning for future needs.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 192.00
General Fund: $33,035,000
Dedicated Fund: $60,567,700
Federal Fund: $2,382,000
Total: $95,984,700
Soil & Water Conservation Commission
The Soil & Water Conservation Commission partners with local conservation districts to protect Idaho’s soil and water resources. The commission helps farmers and landowners implement voluntary conservation practices that reduce erosion, improve water quality, and maintain productive farmland.
Its mission is to support locally led conservation efforts that strengthen Idaho agriculture while protecting natural resources for future generations.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 13.00
General Fund: $3,263,300
Dedicated Fund: $2,385,000
Federal Fund: $9,165,000
Total: $14,813,300
Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses oversees licensing for dozens of professions across Idaho, including electricians, plumbers, healthcare providers, real estate professionals, and contractors. The division ensures licensed professionals meet required standards and protects the public from unsafe or unethical practices.
Its mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Idaho citizens while maintaining fair and efficient licensing systems.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 232.00
General Fund: $0
Dedicated Fund: $32,424,200
Federal Fund: $0
Total: $32,424,200
State Lottery
The Idaho State Lottery operates regulated games of chance and generates revenue for public schools and the permanent building fund. The lottery is fully self-funded through ticket sales and does not rely on General Fund tax dollars.
Its mission is to responsibly maximize net revenue for Idaho beneficiaries while maintaining integrity and public trust.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 68.00
General Fund: $0
Dedicated Fund: $135,211,300
Federal Fund: $0
Total: $135,211,300
Department of Fish and Game
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages fish and wildlife populations across the state. It supports hunting, fishing, habitat restoration, wildlife research, and conservation enforcement. Idaho’s outdoor heritage and recreational opportunities depend on this department’s work.
Its mission is to preserve, protect, and manage Idaho’s wildlife for present and future generations.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 550.00
General Fund: $0
Dedicated Fund: $99,714,400
Federal Fund: $73,644,600
Total: $173,359,000
Office of Species Conservation
The Office of Species Conservation coordinates Idaho’s response to threatened and endangered species issues. It works with federal agencies, state agencies, private landowners, and local communities to balance conservation efforts with Idaho’s economic vitality.
Its mission is to serve as Idaho’s unified voice on endangered species policy while promoting practical, collaborative conservation solutions.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 16.00
General Fund: $1,797,500
Dedicated Fund: $50,000
Federal Fund: $21,155,200
Total: $23,002,700
Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General serves as the chief legal office for the State of Idaho. It represents state agencies in court, provides legal guidance to government officials, enforces consumer protection laws, and prosecutes certain crimes such as internet crimes against children.
Its mission is to uphold the law, defend the State of Idaho, and protect its citizens.
FY 2027 Budget (Governor’s Recommendation):
FTP: 227.40
General Fund: $32,711,300
Dedicated Fund: $1,173,200
Federal Fund: $1,603,200
Total: $35,487,700
Senate Education Committee
Monday: Senate Bill 1317
On Monday, the committee heard Senate Bill 1317, sponsored by Senator Bertenshaw. After discussion, the committee voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation.
Senate Bill 1317 allows school districts and charter schools to voluntarily form Regional Service Centers.
Here’s why that matters.
Many districts — especially smaller and rural ones — struggle to hire specialists like school psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education administrators. These positions are required, but they can be difficult and expensive to fill.
This bill allows districts to team up and share services. Instead of each district trying to hire its own specialist, they can pool their resources.
Regional Service Centers could help with:
Special education services
Recruiting and training staff
Human resources
Technology and financial services
Local control stays in place. These centers would not control curriculum, instruction, or enrollment. Participation is voluntary. Districts choose whether to join and which services they want.
The goal is simple: reduce duplication, lower costs, and make sure students get the services they need.
Tuesday: House Bill 636
On Tuesday, the committee heard House Bill 636, co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Treg Bernt. This bill was also voted out of committee with a “do pass” recommendation and is now headed to the Senate floor.
House Bill 636 focuses on strengthening accountability and clarity within our education system. It works to ensure that policies are clearly defined, responsibilities are understood, and schools operate with greater transparency.
This bill is about making sure that everyone — from school administrators to parents — understands how decisions are made and how standards are applied.
Clear rules and expectations help schools run more smoothly. They also build trust with parents and communities.
When we improve transparency and accountability, we strengthen public education.
Moving Forward
Both Senate Bill 1317 and House Bill 636 were voted out of the Senate Education Committee this week with “do pass” recommendations.
One bill helps schools work together more efficiently. The other strengthens clarity and accountability in our education system.
Different approaches. Same goal: stronger schools and better outcomes for Idaho students.
Senate Resources and Environment Committee - Water
This week in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, we had strong discussions on four important water bills: S1304, S1305, S1306, and S1307. Each bill was presented, debated, and voted out of committee with a “do pass” recommendation to the full Senate.
Water is one of Idaho’s most valuable resources. These bills focus on protecting water rights, improving fairness, and cleaning up outdated laws.
Here’s what each bill does.
S1304 – Protecting Irrigation Easements
This bill clarifies the rights of ditch and canal owners when they are working inside an irrigation easement.
It makes clear that when maintenance or repairs are done within a valid irrigation easement, the ditch owner does not have to provide advance notice or obtain written permission from the underlying landowner.
The bill strengthens existing law to ensure irrigation districts and canal companies can access, operate, clean, repair, and maintain their systems without unnecessary delays.
In short, S1304 protects the ability to maintain irrigation systems that farmers and ranchers depend on every year.
S1305 – Fair Costs for Water Record Updates
This bill deals with water district budgets and recordkeeping.
When property changes hands, water right records must be updated. This legislation allows water district patrons to pass a resolution letting the watermaster charge a landowner the specific administrative costs tied to updating those water records.
It also allows a fixed fee, set by resolution, to cover those administrative costs related to ownership transfers.
This ensures that the people creating the extra paperwork cover the cost — not the entire district. It’s a fairness issue and helps keep budgets transparent and responsible.
S1306 – Clear Timelines for Irrigation District Decisions
This bill improves the process when a landowner asks to be excluded from an irrigation district.
Current law allows landowners to petition for exclusion. This legislation sets clear timelines for how long the irrigation district board has to review and respond to those petitions.
The updated language requires the board to act within specific timeframes and clearly accept or deny the petition.
This brings clarity and accountability to the process. Landowners deserve timely answers when they file a petition. S1306 ensures the process is orderly and predictable.
S1307 – Cleaning Up and Strengthening Water Law
This is a major code cleanup bill.
It repeals an older chapter of Idaho water law and consolidates those provisions into a more organized chapter. This helps eliminate overlap and confusion in Title 42.
The bill also strengthens protections related to water delivery. It adds clear penalties for damaging headgates or interfering with water delivery systems. It also establishes liability for the waste of water that causes damage to others.
Water law can be complex. S1307 helps simplify and modernize the code while protecting water users across the state.
Moving Forward
All four of these bills were supported in committee and sent to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation.
These measures may not always make headlines, but they matter. They protect property rights. They ensure fairness. They modernize Idaho water law. And they strengthen the systems that keep our farms, ranches, and communities running.
Water is life in Idaho. Responsible policy today protects our future tomorrow.
Idaho Military Division Budget: A Promise We Should Keep
Last week in JFAC, we once again considered the budget for the Idaho Military Division. This division is responsible for the Idaho National Guard, Emergency Management, Public Safety Communications, and now Emergency Medical Services.
In total, the division has more than 460 employees and a budget of about $116 million. Over $91 million comes from federal funds. About $9.6 million comes from Idaho’s General Fund.
The reason the budget failed to gain a majority once again came down to one small item: $190,800 set aside for education assistance for our Guard men and women.
What Happened
On Friday, February 20th, JFAC voted to hold the budget “at the call of the chair.” That meant it did not move forward at that time.
This week, on Friday the 27th, the budget came back. It did not receive a majority vote. It simply died for lack of support.
The sticking point was the $190,800 for the State Education Assistance Program.
Why This Matters
This program helps members of our National Guard continue their education. They must first use all available federal benefits. Only after those are exhausted can they apply for state assistance to help cover remaining costs.
Idaho ranks 49th in the nation for state-level education support for our Guard members.
These men and women take an oath to defend our Constitution. They leave their families and jobs when called to serve. Whether responding to wildfires, floods, or overseas deployments, they step up.
The request was less than $200,000 in a $116 million budget.
Educational assistance is not a bonus. It is part of the overall compensation package. It is part of the salary contribution. It is part of the promise we make to them when they raise their right hand and swear to serve.
I believe we should honor that commitment.
When we say we support our troops, this is one place where we can show it. I will continue to stand for keeping our promise to Idaho’s service men and women.
Idaho Steps Forward: Preparing Classrooms for the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer something off in the future — it is already changing how we work, learn, and live. The good news is that Idaho is taking smart, practical steps to make sure our teachers and students are ready.
A new initiative led by the Idaho Department of Education aims to expand AI training and support for educators across the state. The goal is simple but important: give teachers the tools and confidence they need to use AI responsibly and effectively in the classroom.
Meeting a Real Need
Across Idaho, educators are asking for more guidance on artificial intelligence. Technology is moving fast, and many districts report uneven access to high-quality training and coaching. Without clear support, AI use in classrooms can be inconsistent or slow to develop.
This new effort is designed to fix that.
The plan focuses on practical, classroom-ready approaches to AI — not theory, but real tools teachers can use right away. It also emphasizes ethics, student data privacy, and responsible use, which are critical as AI becomes more common in schools.
Building Local AI Leaders
One of the most exciting parts of the initiative is the creation of regional “AI Innovators.” These will be experienced teacher leaders who provide ongoing coaching and support to fellow educators.
Each Innovator will offer monthly professional development and one-on-one coaching to help teachers confidently integrate AI into their lessons. The program is expected to support hundreds of teachers through coaching alone, building strong local expertise that can continue long after the initial rollout.
This train-the-trainer model is a smart investment because it grows Idaho’s own in-state capacity.
Hands-On Training Across Idaho
The initiative also includes five in-person regional trainings planned for communities such as Boise, Twin Falls, Moscow, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.
These full-day sessions will focus on:
Ethical AI use
Instructional design
Assessment strategies
Classroom management with AI tools
Student data privacy
The goal is to train teachers in person while ensuring rural educators can participate through travel and substitute support.
Statewide Resources for Every Teacher
Beyond the in-person work, the Department will build a statewide online professional development course within its Canvas platform. The course will include about 15 hours of modular training and offer continuing education credits.
This means any teacher in Idaho — no matter how rural — will have access to high-quality AI training.
In addition, another cohort of educators will complete the nationally recognized “Spark the Future” AI literacy course, further expanding local expertise.
Big Reach, Smart Investment
With a focused 14-month timeline, the initiative is designed to reach educators in every region of the state. The first-year goal is to train or coach hundreds of Idaho educators in practical AI classroom use.
Just as important, the program includes strong evaluation measures to track teacher confidence, classroom use, and real student impact.
Why This Matters
AI is not replacing teachers — it is becoming another powerful tool in their toolbox. When used wisely, it can help personalize learning, support struggling students, and give educators more time to focus on what matters most: teaching.
Idaho’s proactive approach puts our state in a strong position. By investing now in training, ethics, and local expertise, we are making sure our classrooms stay modern, responsible, and student-focused.
The future of education is changing quickly — and Idaho is stepping up to lead.
President Trump’s Rural Health Transformation
Across America, rural communities are facing a health care crisis. Small-town hospitals are struggling to stay open. Clinics are short on staff. Emergency response systems are stretched thin.
That is why President Trump’s Rural Health Transformation initiative matters.
This national effort sets aside $50 billion to strengthen rural health care across the country. The goal is simple: stabilize rural hospitals, modernize clinics, expand emergency services, and make sure families in small towns can get quality care close to home.
Idaho has been approved to receive just under $1 billion over five years through this program. That is a major investment in our rural communities. These dollars are intended to improve rural hospitals, upgrade health clinics, support 911 systems, expand telehealth, and strengthen the overall health network in areas that need it most.
The need is real.
Right now, nearly half of Idaho’s rural hospitals are operating on margins of less than 1%. That means they are barely breaking even. Even more concerning, 11 rural hospitals in our state are operating with negative margins. They are losing money. When a hospital operates in the red year after year, it becomes very hard to keep the doors open.
If a rural hospital closes, the impact is immediate and serious. Emergency response times increase. Families must drive farther for care. Expectant mothers may have to travel hours to deliver a baby. Seniors may struggle to access regular checkups. Jobs are lost, and the local economy suffers.
Rural hospitals are often one of the largest employers in a small community. They are not just health providers — they are economic anchors.
Rural Health Transformation is designed to address these challenges in a smart, long-term way. It is not simply about writing checks. It focuses on sustainability. That means helping hospitals modernize their operations, improve efficiency, invest in technology, expand telehealth services, and strengthen partnerships with larger health systems. It also supports workforce development to recruit and retain doctors, nurses, EMTs, and specialists in rural areas.
Another key piece is strengthening emergency infrastructure. In many rural communities, 911 services and emergency transport systems are stretched thin. These funds can help improve coordination, equipment, and response capacity — which can save lives.
Most importantly, this effort recognizes a basic principle: your health should not depend on your zip code.
Rural Idaho feeds and powers this nation. Our farmers, ranchers, and small business owners deserve reliable access to care. They deserve hospitals that are stable. They deserve clinics that can serve their families. And they deserve emergency services that respond quickly when seconds matter.
The nearly $1 billion coming to Idaho over five years represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen rural health care. If used wisely, it can protect struggling hospitals, improve services, modernize systems, and build a more secure future for rural Idaho.
This is about fairness. It is about access. And it is about making sure that no matter where you live in Idaho, you can count on quality care when you need it most.
Apprenticeship Idaho: Building Idaho’s Workforce the Smart Way
Idaho continues to lead the way in preparing workers for good-paying careers — and registered apprenticeship is a big reason why.
A new annual report highlights how apprenticeship programs are helping employers fill critical jobs while giving Idahoans a clear, debt-free path into the workforce. The message is simple: when people can earn while they learn, everybody wins.
A Proven Workforce Tool
Registered apprenticeship has become one of Idaho’s most practical workforce solutions. These programs combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to build real skills from day one.
Most apprenticeships last two to four years and lead to nationally recognized credentials. Just as important, apprentices typically finish with little to no student debt.
The results in Idaho are strong.
In 2025, Idaho had 3,261 active apprentices across the state. Even more impressive, Idaho ranked #1 in the nation for apprenticeship completion, with a 64% completion rate compared to the 46% national average.
2025 AIC Annual Report FINAL-Up…
That’s a big deal for both workers and employers.
Expanding Beyond the Trades
While apprenticeship has long been associated with construction and skilled trades, Idaho’s system has grown well beyond its traditional roots.
Today, programs exist in:
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Information technology
Public sector careers
And other emerging industries
This expansion reflects what Idaho businesses are asking for — workers who are trained for real, in-demand jobs.
In 2025 alone, 82 new apprenticeship programs were developed statewide, supported by 282 program sponsors working with employers and educators.
2025 AIC Annual Report FINAL-Up…
Real Idaho Success Stories
Behind the numbers are real people whose lives are changing.
One healthcare apprentice shared how hands-on training helped build confidence and create a new career path after major health challenges. Another participant shifted from industrial work into a pharmacy technician role and is now planning to continue her education in healthcare.
In one powerful example, an electrical apprentice didn’t just complete the program — he went on to become CEO of the very company where he trained. His journey shows what can happen when employers invest in mentorship and young workers step up to the opportunity.
Apprenticeships are also creating second chances. Through partnerships with the Idaho Department of Correction, individuals nearing reentry are gaining trade skills that position them for stable careers after release.
Helping Employers Solve Workforce Gaps
Employers across Idaho are seeing real benefits.
Manufacturers report that high school apprentices arrive with strong technical skills and an exceptional safety mindset. Many are hired full time after graduation and quickly move into leadership or specialized roles.
In rural Idaho, a new cybersecurity apprenticeship pilot is already strengthening local IT capacity. In its first year alone, a dozen apprentices moved into cybersecurity roles, helping communities build local expertise instead of relying on outside talent.
School districts are also getting creative. One district hired its own students as IT apprentices — and then brought them on full time after graduation. That’s workforce development at its best.
The Bottom Line
Idaho’s apprenticeship system is doing exactly what it was designed to do: connect people to good careers and help employers build the skilled workforce they need.
The model is simple but powerful — earn while you learn, build real skills, and create opportunity without crushing debt.
As our state continues to grow, programs like these will play an increasingly important role in keeping Idaho’s economy strong and our workforce ready for the future.
And based on the results we’re seeing, Idaho is clearly on the right track.
How Education Is Helping Idaho’s Small Businesses
Employee turnover is one of the biggest challenges facing Idaho’s small businesses today.
During a recent workforce discussion, Bryan Matsuoka, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center in South Central Idaho, put it plainly: the problem many businesses face is churn — employees coming and going too quickly. For the roughly 300 small businesses his office supports each year, turnover can slow growth and strain already tight budgets.
For companies with fewer than 500 employees, the impact is especially tough. Large corporations often have full HR teams and deeper financial reserves. Small businesses usually don’t. When a new hire leaves after just a few months, the costs of recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity can hit hard.
But a new partnership is showing real promise.
A Fresh Approach Through the Educator Externship Program
When Bryan learned about the Educator Externship Program, he saw an opportunity to tackle retention from a different angle. Instead of focusing only on business-side fixes, the program connects educators directly with employers to better align workforce preparation with real-world needs.
That’s where Christine — a K–12 superintendent and school counselor — stepped in.
Bryan quickly noticed how effective she was.
He shared that her onboarding took less than two half-days, far faster than many new hires. From there, Christine got to work meeting directly with small business clients to understand their biggest retention challenges.
Listening to Employers
Christine met with business owners both in person and virtually. She gathered feedback through surveys and conversations, digging into a key question: What makes employees stay — and what makes them leave?
Her background in education proved to be a major asset. She understood training, skill development, and how people learn. That perspective helped uncover important gaps between what employers need and how students are currently being prepared.
One thing became clear: soft skills and job-readiness habits matter more than many people realize.
Bridging the Gap
Christine identified several areas where K–12 education can better support long-term workforce success. Skills like communication, reliability, workplace professionalism, and adaptability all play a major role in whether employees succeed and stay.
Her commitment to the project went well beyond expectations. Bryan noted that she contributed more than 300 hours and remained eager to continue the work — driven by a desire to create real value for students.
The effort also sparked strong interest from the business community. Many of the companies she worked with are now interested in visiting classrooms, and about half are exploring internships or job shadow opportunities.
That’s a big deal.
When students see real workplace expectations before they graduate, they are far more likely to succeed — and stay — once hired.
A Model That Works
The Small Business Development Center now has both immediate strategies to help clients reduce turnover and a long-term model for ongoing collaboration with educators.
This work shows something important: workforce challenges can’t be solved by business or education alone. Real progress happens when both sides work together.
By better connecting classrooms to careers, Idaho is taking meaningful steps to strengthen our workforce, support small businesses, and give students a clearer path to success.
And that’s a win for everyone.
Idaho Department of Lands Update: Strong Results and a Focus on the Future
This week in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, we heard an important update from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). The presentation gave a clear picture of how the department is managing our state’s endowment lands, supporting public schools, and preparing for future wildfire challenges.
Here are the key points Idaho families should know.
Supporting Idaho Schools
One of IDL’s main responsibilities is managing state endowment lands in a way that produces strong, long-term returns for Idaho’s beneficiaries. The largest beneficiary is our K–12 public school system.
The department currently manages about 2.5 million acres of endowment land across the state. These lands generate revenue primarily through timber sales and land leasing for uses such as grazing, minerals, communications sites, and recreation.
The results in fiscal year 2025 were impressive:
$103 million distributed to beneficiaries
Over 315 million board feet of timber harvested
Nearly 2 million seedlings planted
More than 1,500 leases actively managed
These outcomes show that Idaho’s endowment lands continue to be a steady and reliable source of funding for our schools and other public institutions.
Wildfire Preparedness Remains Critical
Wildfire continues to be one of the biggest natural resource challenges facing Idaho. IDL plays a major role in wildfire response, with responsibility covering roughly 9 million acres of state, federal, and private timberlands.
During the 2025 fire season, crews responded to 380 fires — a level well above the long-term average. Even with that increased activity, the department successfully kept the vast majority of fires small through quick initial attack.
Looking ahead, IDL is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to strengthen its fire program. The plan focuses on improving prevention, expanding response capacity, building more resilient infrastructure, increasing coordination with partners, and identifying stable funding sources.
This kind of forward planning will be essential as fire seasons become longer and more complex.
Shared Stewardship Is Delivering Results
Another bright spot in the update was Idaho’s continued leadership in Shared Stewardship — a cooperative approach that brings together state, federal, and local partners to improve forest health.
In the past year, millions of dollars were directed to priority counties, cross-boundary teams expanded their work, and new agreements were signed to increase the pace and scale of forest management.
On the ground, tens of thousands of acres in both North and South Idaho saw active treatment through fuel reduction, restoration, and harvest work. This kind of collaboration is exactly what’s needed to reduce risk and improve forest conditions over the long term.
Legislative Update: HB 511
The department also reviewed House Bill 511, which proposes an update to Idaho’s wildfire preparedness surcharge on improved forest land parcels.
Current law caps this surcharge at $40 per structure. The proposal would allow the cap to increase to $100, with the additional funding dedicated specifically to wildland fire preparedness.
The goal is to better align funding with the growing costs associated with protecting homes and communities in forested areas.
The Bottom Line
The Idaho Department of Lands is producing strong financial returns for our schools while continuing to improve forest health and wildfire readiness across the state.
Idaho is growing, and with that growth comes increased pressure on our natural resources. The work being done today — managing lands wisely, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for wildfire — will play a major role in protecting both our economy and our way of life in the years ahead.
As always, I will continue working to ensure Idaho’s lands are managed responsibly and in the best interest of the people we serve.
A Packed Room, Tough Questions, and Real Conversations: Town Hall at CEI
Last Saturday night, something good happened in Idaho Falls.
The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Town Hall at the College of Eastern Idaho, and the room was full. Lawmakers from Legislative Districts 32, 33, and 35 were all in attendance. It wasn’t a speech. It wasn’t a press conference. It was a real, face-to-face conversation.
And that matters.
When you put legislators and citizens in the same room, without filters, you get something honest. You hear what people are actually worried about. You hear frustration. You hear ideas. And you hear appreciation too.
The questions covered a wide range of topics — state budgets, education, healthcare access, taxes, public safety, and the direction Idaho is headed. Some were supportive. Some were critical. That’s how it should be.
One of the things I appreciate most about these town halls is the tone. People show up because they care. They want answers. They want transparency. They want to know how decisions made in Boise affect their families, their businesses, and their communities.
The Chamber did a great job organizing the event and making sure the format allowed for direct engagement. It wasn’t scripted. It wasn’t controlled. It was open.
Having representatives from three legislative districts in the same room also gave the discussion a broader perspective. While each district has its own concerns, many of the issues raised Saturday night affect all of Eastern Idaho — workforce challenges, healthcare stability, property taxes, and economic growth.
Events like this remind me why I ran for office in the first place. Government works best when it stays connected to the people it serves. Town halls keep that connection strong.
If you weren’t able to attend, you’ll have another opportunity soon.
The next Legislative Town Hall is scheduled for:
Friday, March 21st
7:00 PM
College of Eastern Idaho – Building 3
I encourage you to come.
Bring your questions. Bring your concerns. Bring your ideas.
You don’t have to agree with everything happening at the Capitol. In fact, these meetings are stronger when there are different viewpoints in the room. What matters is that you show up and engage.
Idaho is growing. The decisions we make today will shape the next generation. That only works if citizens stay involved.
I hope to see you there on March 21st at 7:00 PM at CEI Building 3.
