Week Six of the Idaho Legislative Session is Complete.

Let's talk about it.

Feb 21, 2026

📌 Table of Contents

A Big Week at JFAC: Where Your Tax Dollars Go

This week in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), we reviewed budgets from agencies that manage everything from Idaho’s forests and parks to public defense and elections. If you have ever wondered where your tax dollars go, this is where those decisions are made.

Here is a breakdown of what we reviewed and why it matters.

Endowment Fund Investment Board – $1,023,400

The Endowment Fund Investment Board manages investments tied to Idaho’s land grant endowments. These funds support public schools and other state institutions.

Important point: this budget is funded entirely by dedicated funds. It does not rely on General Fund tax dollars. The board manages billions in assets. When investments perform well, Idaho schools benefit. When markets struggle, revenue can tighten. Strong oversight here is essential.

Department of Lands – $78,926,300

The Department of Lands manages state trust lands, wildfire protection, oil and gas oversight, and mineral resources.

It has nearly 335 full-time employees. Funding includes:
• $11.4 million General Fund
• $55.1 million Dedicated Funds
• $12.3 million Federal Funds

Wildfire protection is one of the largest and most unpredictable costs. As fire seasons grow longer, prevention and rapid response become even more important. One key question is whether we are investing enough in prevention to reduce expensive emergency suppression later.

Department of Environmental Quality – $98,700,000

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) protects Idaho’s air, water, and land. It also oversees cleanup efforts in the Coeur d’Alene Basin and monitors Idaho National Laboratory activities.

DEQ employs 377 full-time staff. Funding includes:
• $29.1 million General Fund
• $22 million Dedicated Funds
• $47.5 million Federal Funds

Nearly half of DEQ’s budget comes from federal dollars. That means many programs are closely tied to federal rules and grants. It is important that Idaho maintains strong oversight while ensuring we protect public health and our natural resources.

Department of Administration – $32,435,000

The Department of Administration provides central services to state government. It manages purchasing, state buildings, leases, insurance programs for state employees, and printing and mailing services.

It has 139 employees and is funded primarily through dedicated funds, with minimal General Fund support. With construction costs rising, careful management of facilities and leases is critical to avoid long-term waste.

Permanent Building Fund – $72,507,000

The Permanent Building Fund supports construction and maintenance of state buildings, including colleges and universities.

This fund does not use General Fund dollars. Instead, it receives revenue from:
• A $10 tax on income tax returns
• Sales tax transfers
• Cigarette and beer taxes
• Lottery earnings
• Interest earnings

This fund shapes Idaho’s long-term infrastructure. With recent changes in lottery revenue distribution, long-term stability is something we must watch closely.

Department of Parks and Recreation – $68,700,000

The Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks along with boating and trail systems across the state.

There are nearly 199 employees. Funding includes:
• $4.2 million General Fund
• $54 million Dedicated Funds
• $10.4 million Federal Funds

Most of this budget is supported by user fees. As park usage grows, maintenance costs also rise. We must balance access, affordability, and long-term care of these valuable public assets.

Office of the State Public Defender – $83,101,000

The Office of the State Public Defender was created in 2023, this office ensures that individuals who cannot afford an attorney receive legal representation, as required by the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions.

The office has nearly 340 employees. Funding includes:
• $43.9 million General Fund
• $39.1 million Dedicated Funds

Because this is a new statewide system, costs are still stabilizing. Oversight is important to ensure efficiency while fulfilling constitutional obligations.

Industrial Commission – $22,307,100

The Industrial Commission oversees workers’ compensation, vocational rehabilitation for injured workers, and crime victim compensation.

It has 129 employees. Most funding comes from dedicated funds, including employer premiums and fines.

The Crime Victims Compensation Program can provide up to $25,000 per victim for medical and related expenses. This program offers important support while remaining largely self-funded.

Public Utilities Commission – $7,717,500

The Public Utilities Commission regulates investor-owned utilities, including electricity, natural gas, water, telecommunications, rail, and pipeline safety.

It employs 49 people and is funded almost entirely through fees collected from regulated utilities, not the General Fund.

As Idaho grows and energy demand increases, strong oversight helps ensure fair rates and reliable service.

Secretary of State – $6,005,200

The Secretary of State oversees elections, business filings, official records, and campaign finance reporting.

The office has 35 employees and is funded entirely by the General Fund.

In today’s environment, election administration remains a central pillar of public trust.

Final Thoughts

The budgets we reviewed this week cover wildfire protection, infrastructure, parks, legal defense, workers’ compensation, environmental oversight, and elections.

Some agencies rely heavily on federal funding. Others operate mostly on dedicated fees. A few depend primarily on General Fund tax dollars.

JFAC’s responsibility is straightforward but serious: ensure every dollar is necessary, constitutional, and spent wisely.

Enhancement Season Has Begun — And It Started With a Thud

Friday we began setting Fiscal Year 2027 enhancement budgets in JFAC. Enhancements are not maintenance budgets. These are the add-ons — new requests, expansions, and increases.

It did not start off great.

The first budget up was the Military Division.

This division oversees the Idaho National Guard, Emergency Management, Public Safety Communications, and now Emergency Medical Services. It has more than 460 employees and a total budget of about $116 million. Most of that — over $91 million — comes from federal funds. About $9.6 million is General Fund.

There was one small line item in the enhancement request: $190,800 for the State Education Assistance Program. This helps members of our National Guard continue their education.

Here’s the part that matters.

Idaho ranks 49th in the nation for state-level education support for our Guard members. They must first use all available federal benefits. Only after that can they apply for state assistance to help cover remaining costs.

These men and women take an oath to defend the Constitution. They leave families and jobs when called up. The request was less than $200,000 in a $116 million budget.

JFAC voted it down. I was truly disappointed.

The budget is now “at the call of the chair,” which means it can be brought back. I hope it is. If we say we support our troops, this is one place we should show it.

After that rough start, we moved forward and set several other enhancement budgets.

PERSI

PERSI manages retirement benefits for public employees across Idaho. It does not use General Fund dollars. It runs on contributions from employees and employers, along with investment earnings.

The enhancement supports administration and investment oversight. PERSI’s job is simple in concept but complex in practice: protect the retirement security of thousands of Idaho workers. Strong management matters because even small mistakes can cost millions over time.

Division of Veterans Services

This agency operates Idaho’s state veterans homes in Boise, Lewiston, Post Falls, and Pocatello. It also manages veterans cemeteries and helps veterans navigate federal benefits.

With over 400 employees and a $66 million budget, this division is a mix of state and federal dollars. The enhancements help maintain operations and services for aging veterans who depend on skilled nursing care and assisted living.

Unlike the Guard education request, these enhancements moved forward.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

This commission helps Idahoans who are blind or visually impaired gain independence. They provide job training, mobility instruction, braille education, and operate the Business Enterprise Program, which allows blind individuals to run food service and vending operations.

The budget is just over $6 million. It blends General Fund and federal dollars. The work here is practical and results-driven: helping people become self-sufficient instead of dependent.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation helps Idahoans with disabilities prepare for and keep employment. It also supports students transitioning from high school into work or post-secondary education.

With about 145 employees and a $26 million budget, most funding comes from federal dollars. The enhancements strengthen workforce participation — and that matters in a state where employers need workers.

State Tax Commission

The Tax Commission collects and administers Idaho’s tax system. It audits, enforces compliance, processes returns, and oversees property tax oversight for counties.

With 445 employees and a $56 million budget, most of it General Fund, this agency is central to state revenue. If collections are not accurate and fair, nothing else in the budget works.

Enhancements here focus on compliance and system modernization. If we expect taxes to be administered fairly and efficiently, we have to maintain the systems that make that happen.

Enhancement season is always telling.

It shows priorities. It shows where growth is happening. It shows where we are willing to invest — and where we are not.

Friday JFAC declined less than $200,000 for Guard education assistance.

Budget decisions are not about speeches. They are about numbers and votes. And every vote reveals what we truly value.

We have just begun setting FY27 enhancements. There are many more to come.

Stay tuned.

SB 1247: If Taxpayer Dollars Pay the Bill, We Should Verify the Hire

This week I voted YES on Senate Bill 1247, also known as the Idaho E-Verify Act. I want to explain why—because this vote is about something most Idahoans agree on: taxpayer-funded jobs should go to people who are legally allowed to work.

What SB 1247 Does

Starting January 1, 2027, SB 1247 requires:

Every public agency (state, counties, cities, school districts, etc.) to use E-Verify when hiring new employees.
Large private employers to use E-Verify only if they:
- have 150+ employees, and
- have government contracts worth $100,000 or more that are paid wholly or partly with public funds.

So this bill does not target small businesses. It’s mainly about government hiring and big contractors who take large public contracts.

What E-Verify Is (and what it’s not)

E-Verify is a federal online system. When someone gets hired, the employer already has to fill out the federal I-9 form. E-Verify checks that same information against federal records and returns a result.

Most of the time it’s fast. Nationwide, E-Verify runs tens of millions of checks each year, and the vast majority of workers are confirmed as eligible almost instantly or within a day.

And just as important: Idaho is not making immigration decisions here. This bill keeps those final determinations with the federal government. Idaho’s role is simply: “If you’re hiring for taxpayer-funded work, use the verification tool.”

Why I Voted Yes

1) It’s basic stewardship.
If you’re spending public money, you should be able to tell taxpayers you followed the law when you hired people. This bill draws a bright line: public jobs and major public contracts should meet a clear standard.

2) It protects Idaho workers and honest employers.
Most employers try to do the right thing. But when one company cuts corners, they can underbid the companies that play fair. That’s not right. SB 1247 helps level the playing field—especially for businesses that already follow the rules.

3) It’s a measured approach—not a sledgehammer.
The bill doesn’t slam the brakes overnight. It starts in 2027 to give agencies and contractors time to prepare. It also aims at the areas where Idaho has the strongest responsibility: public hiring and big public contracts.

4) It includes due process and “fix-it-first” steps.
If an employer isn’t in compliance, the Department of Labor must give written notice and a chance to correct the issue before going to court. And if a court finds a knowing violation, the law focuses on compliance going forward—probation, reporting, and accountability.

What About the Concerns?

During floor debate, even supporters admitted something important: E-Verify isn’t perfect. It can be fooled by identity fraud, and it doesn’t solve every problem—especially in industries like agriculture and construction where the bigger issue is the lack of a workable federal guest-worker system.

I hear that. I take it seriously.

But here’s where I land: Idaho doesn’t have the power to fix federal immigration law. What we can do is make sure public dollars are handled responsibly. SB 1247 is a step in the right direction while we keep pushing Congress to do its job.

The Bottom Line

SB 1247 is a common-sense rule:

If taxpayers are paying for the job, the employer should verify the hire.

That’s why I voted yes.

💧 The Water Above Us: Why Cloud Seeding Matters for Idaho’s Future

Next week, the Idaho Senate will consider Senate Bill 1269, a bill dealing with Idaho’s cloud seeding program. I support this bill, and I want to explain why.

If we are serious about protecting Idaho agriculture and making sure we have enough water for the future, cloud seeding must be part of the solution.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

Let’s start with the basics.

Cloud seeding does not create storms out of thin air. It only works when a storm is already moving through. During the winter months, small amounts of silver iodide are released into storm clouds in high mountain areas. These tiny particles help snowflakes form more easily so that more of the moisture in those clouds falls to the ground as snow.

That snow builds our snowpack.

And in Idaho, snowpack is like money in the bank.

When it melts in the spring and summer, it fills our reservoirs, supports irrigation, recharges aquifers, and keeps rivers flowing when we need them most.

Why It Matters So Much

Idaho’s economy runs on water.

Farmers and ranchers depend on it. Cities depend on it. Hydropower depends on it. Recreation, fish, wildlife, and businesses all depend on a stable water supply.

Cloud seeding helps us squeeze a little more out of the storms we are already getting. Studies and long-term operations in the West have shown measurable increases in snowpack in seeded basins. That additional snow can translate into hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of extra water in a good year.

That’s real water — without building a new dam, without flooding new land, and without fighting over existing rights.

In a state where every drop matters, even a 10–15% boost in snowpack can make a difference.

Is It Safe?

This is one of the most common questions I hear.

The material used in cloud seeding is silver iodide. It has been used for decades in western states. It is released in very small amounts. Research in areas with long-standing programs shows no harmful buildup in soil, water, or food chains.

Cloud seeding has been studied for years. It is not new, and it is not experimental.

It is a practical tool that has been refined over time.

What Senate Bill 1269 Does

Idaho already has a cloud seeding program. This bill does not create something new. Instead, it strengthens the structure around it.

The bill clearly defines cloud seeding in state law. It requires public meetings so citizens can ask questions and offer input. It requires regular reporting on operations, environmental considerations, and results. Operators must document when and where seeding occurs and what methods are used.

In short, it increases transparency and accountability.

It also does not create new spending. It simply improves the framework for a program that already exists.

Why This Is a Must for Idaho Agriculture

We are facing real water challenges. Aquifer levels matter. Reservoir storage matters. Snowpack numbers matter.

If we want to keep Idaho agriculture strong for the next generation, we have to be smart and proactive. Cloud seeding is one of the few tools available that can safely and responsibly increase natural water supply without taking water away from anyone.

It works within Idaho’s long-standing water rights system. It supports recharge efforts. It helps stabilize reservoir levels. And it gives our farmers and ranchers a little more certainty in an uncertain climate.

Cloud seeding is not magic. It is not a cure-all.

But it is a practical, science-based tool that helps Idaho make the most of the storms we already receive.

Water is life in Idaho.
And sometimes, the smartest thing we can do is make better use of what falls from the sky.

Don’t Gamble with the Constitution — There’s a Better Way

While I share your frustration with Washington, D.C., and hold a deep reverence for our Constitution, I want to be transparent with you about why I do not support calling for a Convention of States. My opposition isn’t based on theory or talking points. It’s based on what I have witnessed firsthand regarding power and lack of restraint right here in Idaho.

I am deeply concerned that a Convention of States would inevitably turn into a “runaway convention.” Supporters often argue that rules and limits would keep the process focused, but my experience in local and state politics suggests otherwise.

In 2023 and 2024, I watched as a small group of party insiders in Legislative Districts 32 and 33 chose to override the will of thousands of voters. Despite clear election mandates, these committees used internal rules to launch investigations and censure sitting legislators. The censures weren’t about ethics violations. They were about votes the district leadership simply didn’t like. Even though there were bylaws and procedures in place, those processes did not stop the people in power from pushing past their intended authority to exert control.

I saw this same pattern repeat at the 2024 Idaho Republican State Convention. When I stood up to speak about the practical, fiscal realities of higher education funding, I wasn’t met with a debate on the facts. I was met with shouting and attempts to silence dissent.

These experiences taught me a vital lesson. If we cannot reliably control a county committee or a state party convention with established rules and structures, we cannot expect to control a national constitutional convention. Once a Convention of States is called, it sets its own rules and answers to no higher authority. There is no referee. There is no “undo” button if things go wrong.

The Founders made changing the Constitution difficult for a reason — to protect it from factions and the heat of the moment. I do not oppose a convention because I distrust my fellow conservatives. I oppose it because I understand human nature. When people are given power without real brakes or accountability, history shows they will push as far as they can.

I’m not willing to gamble our nation’s founding document on the hope that a national convention would be different. The risk is simply too great.

A Resolution I Have Real Concerns About

This week, House Concurrent Resolution 25 will have a public hearing in Senate Judiciary and Rules.

HCR 25 serves as an official application for Idaho to call a “Convention for proposing Amendments” under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, limited to proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment. The Statement of Purpose explains that it recognizes the national debt as a threat and applies for a convention, with the application remaining active until December 31, 2033 .

I agree that the national debt is a serious problem. I agree that we need fiscal restraint. But I have real concerns about using the convention process to get there.

Even though HCR 25 says it is “limited” to a Balanced Budget Amendment, once a convention is called, there is no clear constitutional enforcement mechanism that guarantees it stays within those limits. That uncertainty is what gives me pause.

There Is a Better, Safer Path

Let me be clear: I believe we must address the national debt. Our country is now more than $38 trillion in debt. That kind of spending is not sustainable. It puts future generations at risk.

That is why I am introducing a separate memorial in the Senate State Affairs Committee that calls on Congress to use its own authority under Article V to propose a Balanced Budget Amendment through the traditional process — proposed by Congress and ratified by the states.

This approach:

Uses the established, time-tested amendment process
Keeps clear guardrails in place
Avoids opening the entire Constitution to unintended changes

We can push for a Balanced Budget Amendment without risking a runaway convention.

We can demand fiscal responsibility without putting the whole Constitution on the table.

I know many good conservatives support a Convention of States because they are tired of Washington ignoring them. I understand that frustration. I feel it too. But frustration should not lead us to take a step we cannot undo.

The Constitution is the foundation of our republic. It deserves caution. It deserves wisdom. And it deserves leaders who are willing to slow down and think through the consequences.

As this debate moves forward, I will continue to speak honestly about the risks and the alternatives. I welcome your thoughts, your questions, and your engagement.

This is too important to get wrong.

Bringing Clarity to Irrigation District Exclusions – Senate Bill 1306

Water matters in Idaho. It supports our farms, our families, and our economy. That’s why the rules around irrigation districts must be clear and fair.

This Wednesday, I am scheduled to present Senate Bill 1306 before the Senate Resources and Environment Committee. This bill focuses on something simple but important: making sure the process for a landowner to be excluded from an irrigation district is clear, timely, and fair to everyone involved.

What Is the Issue?

Under current law, a landowner may petition to be excluded from an irrigation district. If excluded:

The landowner no longer receives water from the district.
The landowner no longer pays district assessments.

The district board reviews the petition and may grant or deny it. There are valid reasons a petition might be denied, including:

The petition is incomplete
The landowner does not meet the legal requirements
There are unpaid assessments
The exclusion would create a fragmented service area

The concern comes from the current timeline. If a hearing is not held within 150 days, the petition can be considered granted by default. That can happen even in cases where a hearing may not be necessary, or when the petition does not meet the legal requirements.

That creates uncertainty for both landowners and irrigation districts.

What Senate Bill 1306 Does

Senate Bill 1306 improves the process by:

Requiring the board to issue a written decision within 150 days.
Requiring that a hearing must be requested by the petitioner if they disagree with the board’s decision.
Setting clear timelines for when a hearing must be scheduled.

This bill does not remove anyone’s rights. Landowners can still petition. Boards can still grant exclusions when appropriate. And if there is disagreement, the petitioner can still request a hearing.

What this bill does is remove confusion and prevent decisions from happening by accident simply because a deadline was missed.

Why This Matters

I believe strongly in property rights. I also believe in stable and responsible water management. Senate Bill 1306 balances both.

Clear timelines protect landowners.
Clear procedures protect irrigation districts.
Clear law protects everyone.

This is a common-sense update that strengthens due process and ensures decisions are made based on facts — not technicalities.

I look forward to presenting Senate Bill 1306 on Wednesday and will keep you updated on how the committee responds.

ISBA Day on the Hill: Strong Leadership, Bright Future

Monday, February 16, 2026, the Capitol was filled with school board members and superintendents from across Idaho for Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) Day on the Hill.

This is an important day. School board members are local leaders. Many of them serve as volunteers. Superintendents carry enormous responsibility. Together, they help guide budgets, support teachers, protect students, and shape the future of public education in their communities.

Day on the Hill gives them the opportunity to meet directly with legislators, share what’s working, and talk honestly about the challenges they face.

I had the chance to visit with superintendents and school board members from District 91 and District 93. We talked about real issues — funding pressures, staffing challenges, student achievement, and preparing kids for a fast-changing world.

But we also talked about progress.

There are great things happening in our schools. Innovation is taking place in classrooms. Leaders are finding creative solutions. Students are being prepared not just for graduation, but for careers and life beyond school.

It truly feels like Idaho public education is moving onward and upward.

I was also honored to speak to school board members from across the state in the Lincoln Auditorium. I shared about my AI bill and why I believe Idaho should lead in responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in education.

AI is not about replacing teachers. It is about giving teachers better tools. It is about helping students learn critical thinking skills. It is about preparing young people for jobs that are evolving every year.

I fielded a couple of thoughtful questions. What impressed me most was the mindset in the room. These leaders want to do this the right way. They care about student privacy. They care about safety. And they care about preparing Idaho kids for the future.

Here is my biggest takeaway from today:

These men and women are awesome.

They care about your kids. They are working hard to give them the best education possible. They are balancing budgets, managing expectations, and constantly looking for ways to improve outcomes.

Public education is not standing still in Idaho. It is adapting. It is improving. And it is being led by people who truly care.

When local school leaders and legislators communicate openly and work together, Idaho students win.

It was a great day at the Capitol — and an exciting time for Idaho education.

Strong Support for Idaho’s Forests and Public Lands

Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, Senator Mark Harris presented two important pieces of legislation: House Bill 502 (H0502) and House Joint Memorial 9 (HJM 9).

Both measures received strong bipartisan support in the House. H0502 passed 66-1-3. HJM 9 passed 69-0-1. Even more encouraging, both passed our Senate committee unanimously.

That kind of agreement does not happen by accident. It happens when legislation is thoughtful, practical, and clearly in Idaho’s best interest.

House Bill 502 – Improving Efficiency for Idaho’s Forest Industry

H0502 focuses on the Idaho Forest Products Commission.

This bill moves certain administrative rules (IDAPA 15.03.01) directly into Idaho Code under Title 38. In simple terms, it places the rules into one clear, permanent location in statute instead of keeping them separately in administrative rule.

Why does that matter?

Because it improves clarity, efficiency, and transparency. When laws are easier to find and understand, businesses and citizens benefit. The bill also makes technical updates and clarifies how the commission operates, including officer positions and assessment procedures.

Importantly, this bill does not raise fees or create new financial burdens. The fiscal note clearly states there is no impact on the state’s General Fund or any dedicated or federal fund.

Idaho’s forest industry is a major part of our economy. It supports rural communities, provides good-paying jobs, and helps us responsibly manage our natural resources. H0502 strengthens the structure behind that industry without increasing costs.

That is smart, responsible governance.

House Joint Memorial 9 – Protecting Orderly Federal Land Management

HJM 9 sends a clear message to Congress.

It asks Congress to reaffirm the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) as the primary authority governing federal land management and land exchanges.

Why is this important?

Idaho has millions of acres of federally managed land. These lands are often mixed together with state and private lands. For decades, FLPMA has provided the system for managing those lands in a predictable and orderly way.

However, a recent legal decision originating in Idaho threatens to disrupt that long-standing framework. If Congress does not act, it could create uncertainty and chaos in land exchanges and management across the West.

HJM 9 urges Congress to act quickly to reaffirm FLPMA’s authority and maintain stability in land management.

This memorial does not cost Idaho taxpayers anything. The fiscal note confirms there is no financial impact.

This is about predictability, stability, and protecting Idaho’s ability to responsibly manage land for recreation, conservation, timber, mining, energy, and community development.

A Good Day for Idaho

When you see votes like 66-1-3 and 69-0-1 in the House — followed by unanimous support in committee — that tells you these measures are grounded in common sense.

H0502 strengthens Idaho’s forest industry framework.
HJM 9 protects orderly land management across the West.

Both are pro-Idaho. Both are practical. Both show that when we focus on responsible policy, we can come together.

I look forward to these measures moving forward as we continue working to protect Idaho’s economy, natural resources, and future.

Idaho Stands Up for Students with Disabilities – HJM 11 Moves Forward

House Joint Memorial 11 (HJM 11) is a strong and important message from Idaho to Washington, D.C.

This week, HJM 11 passed the House with a vote of 40-28-2. It then passed the Senate Education committee with unanimous support except for one vote against it. That is strong momentum. The memorial now moves to the full Senate floor for debate.

So what does HJM 11 do?

HJM 11 calls on Congress and the President of the United States to finally keep a promise made nearly 50 years ago.

In 1975, Congress passed what is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That law guarantees that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. When the law was passed, Congress committed to paying up to 40% of the cost of educating students with disabilities.

But here is the problem: the federal government has never met that 40% promise.

According to the memorial, federal IDEA funding in Idaho is currently around 12% — far below the promised level. That shortfall shifts the burden to states, local school districts, and ultimately to property taxpayers.

HJM 11 respectfully urges Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40% level. It encourages Idaho’s congressional delegation to support mandatory and sustained increases in funding until that goal is reached.

This is not about creating a new program. It is about asking the federal government to honor its commitment.

The memorial also directs the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide an annual overview of how IDEA funds are used in Idaho and where additional federal support could strengthen services. That means accountability and transparency right here at home.

The fiscal note makes it clear: this memorial has no impact on Idaho’s general fund. It simply sends a formal message.

Why does this matter?

Because when the federal government underfunds a federally mandated program, Idaho taxpayers pick up the tab. When Washington falls short, our local school districts feel the pressure. Fully funding IDEA would relieve that pressure, reduce strain on property taxes, and allow schools to focus more resources directly on students.

Most importantly, this is about kids.

Students with disabilities deserve the support they were promised. When we invest in these students, we strengthen our communities. These young people grow up to be part of Idaho’s workforce, our neighborhoods, and our future.

HJM 11 is a responsible, reasonable, and respectful request. It is bipartisan in spirit and grounded in fairness. Idaho is simply asking Congress to keep its word.

As this memorial heads to the Senate floor, I look forward to a thoughtful debate. This is about doing what is right for Idaho families, Idaho schools, and Idaho taxpayers.

Idaho is speaking with a strong voice.

Now it is time for Washington to listen.

When Government Cuts Go Too Far: A Plan to Restore Critical Behavioral Health Services Without Raising Taxes

About six months ago, the Department of Health and Welfare eliminated several behavioral health programs. At the time, it may have looked like a budget decision on paper.

Today, we are seeing the real-world results.

Sheriffs are seeing it in their jails.
Hospitals are seeing it in their emergency rooms.
Law enforcement and EMS are feeling it on the streets.

And tragically, three people have died after these services were removed.

That is not an abstract policy debate. That is real.

The programs that were cut were designed to stabilize people before they reached a crisis. Without those services, individuals don’t simply disappear from the system. They end up in jail, in the ER, or in situations that spiral out of control.

County jails were never meant to function as mental health facilities. Emergency rooms are built for emergencies, not long-term stabilization. When early intervention goes away, the most expensive and least appropriate parts of the system carry the burden.

On paper, cutting programs can look like savings. In practice, the costs shift.

Counties absorb higher jail costs.
Hospitals shoulder uncompensated care.
First responders are stretched thin.
Families carry the consequences.

That is not fiscal responsibility. That is cost shifting.

Over the past several weeks, I have been working directly with providers across the state — the people delivering care every day. Together, we have been building a plan to restore key behavioral health services and get them operating again.

Here is the important part: this plan does not rely on General Fund dollars. It does not raise your taxes.

Instead, it focuses on better use of existing funding streams, federal matching opportunities, and restructuring services so that dollars are spent where they actually prevent crisis.

This is about stabilizing people earlier, reducing pressure on jails and hospitals, and protecting both lives and taxpayer dollars.

Behavioral health is not a niche issue. It affects public safety, local budgets, emergency response systems, and families in every community. When we ignore it, the impact spreads quickly.

Three deaths are three too many.

When we see consequences like this, we have a duty to act. Not with anger. Not with finger-pointing. But with a clear plan.

We can restore these services. We can reduce strain on counties. We can protect Idaho taxpayers. And we can do it responsibly.

That is the path I am working toward.

Idaho can be both fiscally disciplined and compassionate. We do not have to choose between the two.

Honoring a Life of Service: Idaho Senate Memorial Service

Today, February 16, 2026, the Idaho Senate paused its regular business for something far more important.

We gathered to remember four people who gave years of their lives in service to Idaho:

Carl Crabtree
Wayne Kidwell
Reese E. Verner
Jeannine Kay Wood

The Senate chamber was quiet. There is something humbling about sitting at your desk and realizing that the people we are honoring once sat there too. They debated bills. They cast votes. They stood up for their districts. And now we carry that responsibility forward.

Senator Carl Crabtree

Carl Crabtree was a strong voice for rural Idaho. He understood agriculture, education, and the importance of local communities. He worked hard and cared deeply about the people he represented. Carl was steady, thoughtful, and always prepared.

Senator Wayne Kidwell

Wayne Kidwell brought passion and principle to the Senate. He believed strongly in the Constitution and in protecting individual liberty. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew where he stood. He served with conviction and courage.

Senator Reese E. Verner

Reese Verner represented Canyon County with dedication. He had a heart for people and a desire to serve. He understood that public service is about listening first and leading second.

Senate Secretary Jeannine Kay Wood

Jeannine Wood may not have cast votes on the Senate floor, but she played a vital role in keeping the Senate running. The Secretary of the Senate is the institutional memory of this body. Jeannine served with professionalism, kindness, and excellence. Many Senators relied on her wisdom and guidance.

A Beautiful Tribute

During the memorial, Ms. Hailey Upson sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Her voice filled the chamber. The arrangement was beautiful. It was reverent, powerful, and deeply moving.

There are moments when politics stops and perspective takes over. Today was one of those days.

Public service is not about headlines. It is about sacrifice. It is about long hours away from family. It is about making hard decisions and standing by them. The men and women we honored today understood that.

Each of them leaves behind family, friends, and communities that loved them. They also leave behind a legacy of service to the State of Idaho.

As I sat in the chamber today, I was reminded that the seats we hold are temporary. The responsibility is real. And the impact we make will one day be remembered by others.

May we serve with the same dedication, courage, and integrity that they showed.

It was a meaningful day in the Idaho Senate.

And it was an honor to be there.

Kevin Cook

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?