IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, January 5, 2018 — The Bonneville County Democrats have released their 2018 legislative priorities for the 2018 Idaho session.
“Looking at research, polls, and our own efforts to speak with Bonneville County citizens of all stripes at our own town halls, we have put together what we think should be the priorities of those who claim to represent us,” said Miranda Marquit, the Chair of the Bonneville County Democrats.
Priorities include a focus on a livable wage, conserving our federal lands and preserving public access to those lands, more comprehensive and affordable health care options, and education funding. The Bonneville Democrats are also supportive of continued to efforts to expand protections to LGBTQIA+ and repealing the current non-compete law that puts Idaho workers and small businesses at the mercy of rich and powerful corporate concerns.
“Part of the interest in education funding is an effort to decouple it from the sale of state lands,” said Marquit. “We still lag behind most of the country in education funding, and it doesn’t make a lot of sense to tie part of our children’s future to getting rid of lands that are such a part of our outdoor heritage.”
Marquit also pointed to efforts to get Medicaid expansion on the ballot. She acknowledged that the effort isn’t one spearheaded by Democrats, but that she and members of the Democratic Central Committee are supportive.
“Honestly, I think it’s great that passionate citizens, many of whom aren’t involved with a traditional political party, are working to make their voices heard about one of the fundamental issues of our time, especially since our legislature has been kicking the can down road for years,” Marquit said.
She also called out Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s executive order to add plans to the state exchanges.
“These proposed plans don’t meet basic requirements and the move is basically a red herring, much like some of the other half-measures proposed in recent years, to avoid expanding Medicaid at all costs,” Marquit said. “Despite overwhelming approval by Idaho’s citizens to takes steps on affordable healthcare, our legislators and other policymakers insist on presenting inadequate plans and expect us to believe they will actually solve the problem.”