We have the power to solve our problems

Idaho is facing one of its most challenging years. We don’t have the funds to continue business as usual, so we must literally revolutionize government – finding more cost-effective ways to deliver services and eliminate those not at the core of government’s purpose.

This means embracing reforms to public education and health and human services. It means finding ways to do more with less.

However, not all of our problems can or should be solved by government.

This week in his State of the State address, Governor Otter said, “It just got too easy when government seemed to have a lot of money to say, ‘Let’s start this program’ and ‘let’s start that program.’ And that’s precisely what happened. Ladies and gentlemen, I have to tell you that, not only at the State level but at the federal level as well, those days are over.”

Earlier he declared, “The solutions we seek are in our towns, our neighborhoods and around our kitchen tables.”

As Idahoans we should answer our Governor’s call by acting at home for the betterment of our community, whether that means donating to the local food bank or volunteering in the schools.

This year Idaho state government will again shrink in size and scope, but with the help of our churches and civic organizations we can expand the support we offer to our neighbors in these troubled times. We have the demonstrated ability as individuals to come together and locally address many of the difficulties we face.

As your State Senator for District 1, one of my duties is service as Vice-Chairman on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) that has the primary responsibility for writing Idaho’s budget.

For the first time, JFAC will be holding two meetings this year at the Capitol to listen to public testimony concerning proposed funding levels for next year. On January 21, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. the Committee will provide an opportunity for individuals to testify (for up to three minutes each) on education budget issues; and on January 28, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on issues relating to Health and Human Service agencies budgets. These public hearings are an excellent opportunity to have a direct voice in the process and I encourage those able to make the trip to Boise to do so.  Recognizing that is a long way to travel, the proceedings are now available via the internet at www.legislature.idaho.gov and comments can be sent to idleginfo@lso.idaho.gov .

I believe the most important difference I can make as your State Senator this year will be in helping to pass a budget that will embrace the need to reshape a smaller, more efficient state government while taking care of those core services state government provides: education, public safety, and a safety net for our most vulnerable populations – the elderly and disabled.

I am open to and would appreciate any suggestions about how to best accomplish this task.

Remember a government “of the People, by the People” requires your participation. Please share your ideas about the proper role of government and your priorities for this year’s budget by calling me at 1-800-626-0471 or emailing skeough@senate.idaho.gov.