Issue Updates from the 2016 Session
Education The legislature began on January 11, 2016. The strengthening economy allowed the Legislature to address areas of vital interest to Idahoans such as the state’s public education system. Public schools received its second consecutive 7.4% increase in funding. The K-12 budget was increased by 7.4% and higher education received an increase of 8.0%. Increases
Medical Care in Idaho
Medical Care in Idaho Introduction It is important to remember the Legislature has not now nor in the past abandoned making provisions for medical care to uninsured Idahoans. Indeed, Idaho initiated a process to handle this in the early 1980’s. However, this program, Medicaid and all medical programs such as the expansion of Medicaid now
Idaho Health Exchange Update
IDAHO HEALTH EXCHANGE As we discussed, the 2013 Legislature created an Idaho based Health Exchange as part of “Obamacare” rather than deferring to a federal exchange. It would be useful for you to go to the web site for the state exchange www.yourhealthidaho.org to get an idea of how it functions. There were several
Idaho Health Exchange as part of PPACA, “Obamacare”
The legislation, H 248, that created an Idaho State Health exchange, passed the legislature (even though I voted against it) and was signed by the Governor. I joined with other members of the House and proposed changes to S 1042, the governors’ original bill to create an Idaho State Health Exchange. Some of these
Medicaid
After extensive personal evaluation it appears to me Medicaid expansion will: Commit substantial increases in State spending in future years. Decrease available funds for other needs such as education, transportation, law enforcement. Add extensive costs to Idaho taxpayers. Impose additional federal requirements to current as well as new Idaho Medicaid participants. Provide no mechanism to
Open Letter to the Residents of District 21: Obamacare
It is a privilege to represent District 21 in the Idaho Legislature. I value the opinions of the people of my district on the various issues, particularly as they come to a vote. One of the issues generating attention this year is how the state should implement the federal government’s mandates contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or commonly called “Obamacare.” First, you need to understand that I have not and do not support PPACA, Obamacare.