1. What legislation are you most proud of passing this session and why?
I am most proud of passing House Bill 521. This legislation provides the largest state investment in school facilities totaling $125 million and approximately $1.5 billion over 10 years. At the recommendation of the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District, I worked to get plant facilities included in the use of the funds directed to the School District Facility Fund and increase the sales tax revenue going into the fund by $25 million in fiscal year 2025. This will help school districts with paying down school bonds, levies, and plant facilities levies. Because of the enactment of House Bill 521, Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25 will receive approximately $43 million and has announced they will not ask the community to vote for the bond to restore Highland High School.
2. What legislation are you most disappointed that failed to pass this session and why?
I am disappointed we failed to restore a Presidential Primary election date for Idaho voters. Overall, we had a very successful legislative session by responsibly investing in school facilities, workforce, roads, bridges, water and other infrastructure while providing $60 million more in tax relief. We did all this while leaving a budget surplus and passing one of the most conservative budgets in years. We are once again a top 5 state for economic strength and are proof that conservative spending works.
3. What will you be working on in the interim for the session next year?
I will be working on several issues during the interim, including a follow up to House Bill 708, which I helped write and sponsor, and passed this session. House Bill 708 prohibits the state from creating a corporation that is not expressly authorized by the legislature. This will help the state have greater accountability with the expenditure of funds and prevent the state from incurring liabilities dealing with closely associated entities. I will also continue working to restore a Presidential Primary by encouraging all stakeholders to get together and figure out the best date to consolidate a single primary election date with the Presidential Primary on the ballot.