The sting of November 5th is present and remains. Many feel a struggle to look forward and have an inability to develop a vision forward. in some cases, the devotion to serve and help create positive change has burned down to a smolder. The impact will soon outweigh the recent defeat that set the course for so many. A lack of engagement will only speed up the pace in dismantling our institutions.
In the throes of defeat, it might feel as though all motivation is gone. Allowing defeat to consume and become the lens through which everything is observed quickly leads to complacency. Complacency leads to stagnation and decline, and the duration of complacency increases the likelihood of risk. This is the reality that must be considered. People’s needs will not reduce nor go away, nor will their desires. Idahoans need to be ready and observant as the next legislative cycle approaches.
Some big-ticket items are on the list for our representatives to consider. Education has continued to be a hot button and will be this session as the reality of vouchers is closer than ever. The proposed model is complicated, and there are many examples across many states that show it is costly and negatively impacts education funding. It certainly does not address teacher wages or our dilapidated buildings. There is also evidence that a voucher program does not increase student achievement. Idahoans showed they could use aligned decision-making to shoot down ranked-choice voting, and they should use that same energy to defeat school vouchers.
The other item is how easy our representatives will make a bid for “state control” over our public lands. Once in their hands, the legislature, with Governor Little looking on, will sell our lands to the highest bidder. Our way of life is rooted in our access to hunting, fishing and camping. We should not allow them to pillage our resources.
Engagement is the start, but we need motivated and encouraged citizens to achieve the level of participation necessary to halt the fight to tear down democracy. The children of Idaho need a consistent education system that will be available for their entire education journey. Property taxes continue to be challenging for many Idahoans who have lived on their land for many years and now face bills that may uproot them, forcing them to leave their homes. The Medicaid expansion that most Idahoans approved through a ballot process must remain. Costs continue to soar; seniors and veterans should not have to choose bills over health.
Lack of care will not remove dissatisfaction or fear. Engagement, action, and a plan will shift the defeat from the hope. Use the New Year to shed frustrations and build a relationship with your representative to bring the change that will allow Idaho to be the continued treasure it is to each.
Dan Barker, Master of Human Resource Management, is a leadership and management consultant. He is the chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.