DISCLOSURE: Information allows us to decide

Looking toward 2026, I decided to focus on disclosure. It’s a big area so I’ll address just two examples in this letter.

The first applies to the Idaho Legislature. Last year, House Resolution 18 was introduced.  It would have required disclosure by stipulating that each bill’s statement of purpose clearly identify the lead sponsor and all other sponsors. If a bill is not the original idea of the legislator, the statement of purpose must also disclose the lobbyist, agency, or political organization that proposed the legislation.

The second area needing more disclosure are health insurance companies and the businesses they own.  Companies selling Medicare Part D insurance own mail order pharmacies and push clients to use those pharmacies. I did not know my insurance company owned a pharmacy until I did some research.

Disclosure is critical. We deserve to know who is behind a bill. Did it originate from constituents or a lobbying group?  

Likewise, we deserve to know whether our health insurance companies own pharmacies and providers. That information enables us to decide — do I spend my money to support my local clinic and pharmacy or do I send my money to an out of state corporation?

MARY OLLIE

Bonners Ferry