LEGISLATORS: Don’t actually represent us

So Idaho, how are our legislators doing? Are they making our lives better? Here are a few things that I, and a majority of Idaho residents are concerned with.

We want fully funded schools for all of our children. We have consistently said we do not want school vouchers.

What did we get from our Republican legislators? Underfunded schools that force us to have special elections to keep our local schools functioning, raising our property taxes. In addition, against a large majority’s wishes, a $50 million voucher system that siphons money from our local schools to subsidize private school tuition for our wealthier families.

We want women to have control of their own medical decisions.

What did we get from our Republican legislators? An antiabortion bill so restrictive that pregnant patients are advised to get LifeFlight insurance in the event of a pregnancy related medical emergency so they can be flown out of state for medical care. In addition, there is actually a bill that would make getting an abortion a felony.

We want to be able to pay less for our most basic need, groceries.

What did we get from our Republican legislators?

A continuation of tax on groceries. Granted, some are eligible for a refund, but why not just not have the tax in the first place!

We want to have open, easy access voting.

What did we get from our Republican legislators?

Closed primaries so we can only vote for Republican candidates that have been selected behind closed doors. In addition, there has been talk of restricting our ability to vote by mail.

Our legislators do not seem to be listening to we the people. We need to find legislators who will actually represent us.

CAROL TRUEBLOOD

Bayview