I want to see courage in our political leaders.
That’s my wish for the 2022 Idaho Legislature that kicked off this week. What does a courageous Idaho leader look like? Look for the person who stands up to speak the truth.
If last year is any example, I am sure this year’s Legislature will offer our political leaders plenty of chances to show their mettle. Certainly, many will rise to the challenge. But among the ruling party, far too few have stepped forward.
So far, Gov. Little has recommended addressing our maintenance backlog on state buildings, fixing dangerous and old bridges, funding some education priorities, and cutting taxes. Good for him. I thank the governor for kicking off the conversation.
Yesterday, a $600 million income tax cut was proposed, endorsed by Gov. Little. Obviously, the GOP majority will have a tax cut if they want a tax cut. At this point, I hope that same majority will have the courage to consider alternative ideas. Speaker Bedke should talk about why he thinks a tax cut that most greatly benefits the wealthy is more important than the broader benefit delivered with a food tax cut. That’s a good discussion to have. Everyone eats. Everyone pays food tax. Also, legislators explain why they believe an income tax cut is superior to tackling property taxes. I am sure plenty of homeowners would want to hear that discussion.
Right now, there’s a lot of jockeying for position since everyone in Boise is running for re-election, or at least has their favorites they are pushing to win. There’s no shame in standing up and trying to be heard above the clamor. Getting noticed is an important part of getting elected. But in a politician, that’s not courage.
What I want to see are people standing up for Idaho families on the issues that matter today, now. I want to see leaders who have the courage to say no to nonsense.
Last year, far too few stepped forward to block Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s “task force” designed to malign and intimidate public school teachers. As a parent, believe me, I am very concerned about what my children are taught in school. But no one in the Capitol was ever fooled by that blatant political ploy. Leaders, like Speaker Bedke, should have the courage and character to use their power to stop that kind of crass posturing. The Lt. Gov. should not be allowed to organize witch hunts on the people’s time with the people’s money.
It’s not easy to stand up to power. If courage were easy, we wouldn’t value it so highIy. Unfortunately, courage has become too hard for many of Idaho’s elected leaders. But, at this point in the session, we can still hope.
So, thanks ahead of time for our elected leaders who have the courage to speak the truth. I appreciate them and celebrate their commitment to honest public service. May the courageous few succeed, and may Idaho families be better for it.