Categories
Bob's Words of Wisdom

Fool Me Once, Shame on You; Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me

The Gem State Patriot would like to commend Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld for her efforts in exposing the influence that today’s lobbyists play in the critical decisions being made in our government that affect all Idahoans. She is a true conservative who is not coerced because of lobbyists donations and continues to tell the truth about […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Conservatives Are Correct to DOGE and Vote Down Enhancement Budgets

This article courtesy of the Idaho Freedom Foundation Conservatives in the Idaho Legislature have a rare opportunity to flex their muscles and cut years of bloat out of government budgets. Many Idahoans love how the Trump administration employs a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and want to see the overspending stopped and reversed here at […]

Categories
Podcast

The Battle for Liberty in Idaho

School Choice and Medical Freedom A Conversation with Sen. Christy Zito & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer The Idaho legislative session is winding down with mixed results for conservatives. While a historic school choice bill passed, it falls far short of what’s needed, and the Medical Freedom Act awaits the governor’s signature […]

Categories
Podcast

Beyond the Budget

How Idaho’s Legislature Prioritizes Growth Over Tax Relief A Conversation with IFF President Ron Nate & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer The Idaho legislative session has entered its March sprint to the finish line with a troubling pattern that should concern every taxpayer in the state. My recent conversation with Idaho Freedom […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Op-Ed: The Chickens and the Eggs

This week, a legislative committee held a hearing on a bill that would have allowed more Idaho families to raise backyard chickens. While the bill ultimately failed to advance to the floor, it was yet another example of how Idaho families are responding as inflation continues driving grocery prices through the roof. Here in Idaho, […]

Categories
Podcast

The Legislature’s “DOGE” Proposal: A Facade of Government Efficiency

A Conversation with IFF President Ron Nate & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer The term “Doge” has become a political buzzword since President Trump announced the Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk at the helm. Now Idaho politicians are attempting to capitalize on the concept’s popularity, but their proposal fundamentally misunderstands […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Op-Ed: Article V Convention Fails in Idaho

The Idaho House overwhelmingly rejected House Concurrent Resolution 10, aimed at petitioning Congress to call an Article V Convention of States. This is a decisive victory for Idahoans by safeguarding America’s Constitution. The resolution failed by a significant margin, 44 nays to 26 ayes. This rejection occurred despite Convention of States promoters who have spent […]

Categories
Bob's Words of Wisdom

“Kill Bill”

No, Kill Bill is not about the movie but about how our legislature is hamstrung by a group of committee chairmen who hijack good bills and make sure they are never voted on. This is nothing more than a legislative veto and should no longer be tolerated. This is not a one-off but a consistent […]

Categories
Podcast

A Closer Look at Failed Priorities and Wasteful Spending in Idaho

A Conversation with IFF President Ron Nate & Tea Party Bob Podcast Notes by Bob Neugebauer The Idaho legislative session is approaching its conclusion, and the results are profoundly disappointing for fiscal conservatives. My recent conversation with Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate exposed how legislative leadership is deliberately blocking critical reforms while pushing wasteful […]

Categories
John Livingston

It’s Not Too Late for Audits

In a Feb. 6th Newsweek report by Martha McHardy cited below, the progress made in the 11 States that are initiating DOGE-like programs to cut waste and State government inefficiencies, is reviewed. Since January I have been making a siren call for such a program in Idaho. The problems with the LUMA accounting and reconciling […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Citizens Should be Concerned About the Rise of Corporate Lobbying in Idaho

As President Donald Trump and DOGE push for reforms at the federal level, many large corporations are shifting their influence and strategies to the state level. This shift is particularly evident in Idaho, where corporate lobbyists and industry associations are playing an increasingly dominant role in funding and influencing legislators to shape legislation. Legislation that […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Labrador Letter: Finally, REAL School Choice!

Dear Friends, After several years and several attempts, Idaho finally has a law supporting real school choice. As with most all legislation, it’s not perfect, but it’s a good start for something that plays an outsized role in our state – meeting the educational needs of our kids. Education has never been effective as a […]

Gem State Patriot News