LITTLE: We can do better

I know more about Washington County than I do Washington, D.C. Incredible natural assets, world-class recreation, rich history and hard-working people are some of the reasons Idaho is the fastest-growing state, with increasing job opportunities and rising wages.

I am a native of Emmett and my wife Teresa was raised in Weiser. Our two sons grew up not far from my childhood home and my family continues to manage our cattle ranch. Teresa, our sons, their wives and I all went to school here in Idaho and we hope our five grandchildren, who are seventh-generation Idahoans, continue that proud tradition.

My family has seen the successes of the past and the strengths of the present. Yet, we are only scratching the surface, and that’s the basis of my campaign for Governor: We can do better.

I am grateful for Idaho’s conservative foundation, and excited by our increasing economic diversity and prosperity. We are a state with prudent fiscal policies and a culture that values self-reliance, independence and common sense.

As Governor, I want to challenge the comfort of our preconceived notions, our predetermined outcomes and our institutional perceptions about Idaho’s path forward. I have spent much of my adult life doing exactly that, in business and in government. I’m ready to apply what I’ve learned to Idaho’s future.

One of the challenges to embrace is that achieving the “American dream” is not a singular vision for all our citizens. There are more than 1.7 million American dreams right here in Idaho, each as different and as vital as the next. Government should facilitate and enable those dreams, not dictate and guarantee them. State government should protect and defend the rights of all Idaho citizens to pursue their own version of the American dream, in their own way.

As Governor, I will grow an economy that will help keep our children here. It has become all-too common for our youngest generations to be raised and educated here, but move away for job opportunities. I appreciate having our two sons back in Idaho and I want the same opportunities for you, too. We need to create a new generation of qualified and well-educated young people who are ready to compete in the workforce to make Idaho stronger.

We must address the rising cost of healthcare, and lower its financial burden on Idaho families. It isn’t happening back in Washington, D.C., so it is imperative that we rip back control from the federal government to remain competitive. It’s time for an Idaho solution on healthcare.

We must invest taxpayer dollars more wisely, carefully and sustainably, by consistently pushing back against federal overreach. Our state government must be more nimble, flexible and responsive. It means leveraging our ability to move at the speed of business while remaining on the cutting edge of public policy. It means encouraging and cultivating the innovative spirit of our people, communities and organizations.

Unlike the federal government, Idaho embraces a model that fosters growth, not hinders entrepreneurs. I will lead a state government that enables the free market to bring jobs and prosperity to our state, eliminating burdensome taxes and regulations that stifle economic and job growth.

The conservative Republican leadership of this state did a great job eliminating waste and balancing the budget during the economic downturn and continues to look for ways to save taxpayers money every year. This conservative budgeting has led to continued surpluses. However, still more can be done.

As Governor, I will cut Idaho’s income tax by $350 million. I will take a comprehensive approach to taxes, including eliminating the sales tax on groceries once and for all. I will cut unemployment taxes for our job creators, and raise the personal property tax exemption to $250,000. I will keep investing in priorities like education, while ensuring Idahoans keep more of their hard-earned money.

To tackle the future challenges on issues like education, infrastructure and information security, we must step up our efforts to build a more skilled workforce, reward innovation in achieving our goals, and hold government more accountable. That includes keeping taxes fair, simple, predictable and competitive, while keeping regulations minimal, reasonable and responsible.

Teresa and I are motivated in this campaign by the best reasons I can imagine — our grandchildren. We want them to have the opportunity to strive for their own vision of the American dream right here in Idaho. With your help, we can do better.