Speaking with the Speaker

During a conversation with The Press, House Speaker Scott Bedke, said something with which many Gem State residents can agree.

"We live in the greatest state in the nation," said Bedke, R-Oakley.

He said Idahoans are "conservative, we're pragmatic and we’re problem-solvers."

Bedke discussed a few key issues people are paying attention to this legislative session.

House Bill 443 passed with a 55-14 vote and is now in the Senate. If passed, the bill would eliminate leadership premiums, which include a cumbersome process and administrative fees for varying levels of monetary recognition for teachers. It would expand teacher compensation packages so teachers can participate in the state insurance program.

Bedke supports the bill and voted in favor of it.

"I think all Idahoans are pretty invested in their kids and grandkids getting a good education, and that starts with a good teacher," Bedke said. "If we are to have good teachers, we have to compensate them fairly."

To retain good teachers, Bedke said Idaho needs to be competitive not only in salaries, but also in benefits.

He also voted for a $600 million tax cut package that includes $350 million in rebates for 2020 income tax filers and $250 million in ongoing tax cuts for people and businesses. HB 436 was approved in the House and is now in the Senate.

"It lowers income taxes for all Idahoans and then takes the surplus we have that we won't have every year and gives that back to Idahoans who paid income taxes," he said. "The bigger picture is we always need to be about creating a positive business climate, and we've been successful in doing that.

"Our policies leading up to all this, including this, have created a climate where businesses from the largest to the smallest can prosper."

On the subject of growth and taxes, Bedke said nobody likes to pay property taxes.

Everybody loves the prosperity, "but you and I and others on a fixed income should not have to bear the burden," he said.

Smart growth will be a top priority for Bedke, a candidate for lieutenant governor.

"What we don’t understand, and what all homeowners resent, is the fact they're having to pay for growth," he said. "We need to have a serious discussion on impact fees. The check you write every year can’t get bigger than ‘insert your number here.’"

Bedke is vying against Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird. The two tangled last year about the House Ethics Committee's recommendation to censure Giddings and take away one of her committee assignments.

The censure came from an ethics complaint filed against Giddings in May 2021 for revealing the identity of a 19-year-old legislative staff member who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, of rape.

In November, House members voted 49-19 to censure Giddings for conduct unbecoming of a legislator.

In his Press interview, Bedke chose not to skewer his opponent but rather to focus on his accomplishments. Bedke is the longest-serving speaker in Idaho's history. He was elected as speaker in December 2012.

He prides himself on "problem solving the Idaho way."

"I have a track record of getting results, not just rhetoric," Bedke said. "Talking with folks has been a great experience for me. I hope to get my message out and encourage people to look at the results I've had through the years and they can make an informed decision."