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Opinions / Op-eds

The Wave

Legislators may campaign as true conservatives but once elected they usually drift towards the establishment deep state. Surprisingly the reason is psychological. The 1984 Olympics were in town and my brother had Olympic soccer match tickets at the Stanford Stadium. Having “attend an Olympic event” on my bucket list, I enthusiastically accepted the invitation. The […]

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Opinions / Op-eds

Op-Ed: The Medical Freedom Act

Bodily autonomy is perhaps the most fundamental natural right we have. Without control over what goes into our own bodies, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” become impossible. The Idaho Legislature has passed a bill guaranteeing that right to every citizen, and it now awaits Governor Brad Little’s signature. Senate Bill 1023, the Medical […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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