IACI declares support for stay-home order

The Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry issued the following statement regarding Gov. Brad Little’s stay-home order.

• • •

The Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI) is Idaho’s largest business organization representing employers advocating for economic opportunity. The mission of IACI is to provide leadership, collaboration and education in the development and implementation of effective public policies, supported by its members, to achieve economic growth and progress through entrepreneurship and free enterprise. It is in that vein that we support Governor Brad Little’s administration and leadership in these difficult times.

It is no small feat to lead in a time of great uncertainty. Balancing the needs of societal health, liberty and prosperity are an ongoing challenge for any Governor at any time. These days are not just any time. Some would want the Governor to completely relax every suggested restriction. What they forget is the component of consumer confidence that plays large in Idaho’s economic future.

If restrictions were to be removed too quickly, and the virus was to spread like wildfire through the population, then consumers would pull back drastically and for a longer period of time. We support the Governor in not bending to political pressure, but putting people before politics and making decisions based on science. A deliberate methodology with specific benchmarks to ensure a safe environment for Idahoans to not only return to the work force, but also return to participation in their communities, is the right approach.

There are no magic pills. There are no magic wands. There is no blueprint. However, in listening to the expertise of epidemiologists, professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and economists, the Governor is making the most informed decisions for Idaho in a manner that respects the law, health and safety of the state, the rights of all citizens and the urgent need to move business forward. We would assert that no current Governor in the nation has done more leading up to where we are for creating economic opportunity. We believe he has earned all Idahoans’ trust in his judgement in uncertain times.