What Idahoans want from their legislators

As Idaho's legislative session is underway, we ask the most obvious question of all: What do the people want?

Thanks to the Mountain States Policy Center, we have a pretty good idea.

The nonprofit think tank based in Idaho recently released its 2026 Idaho Poll, which surveyed 600 registered Idaho voters about their hopes and goals for the Legislature and what they want legislators to focus on. Here are some of the findings, as reported by MSPC:

 • A reform-minded electorate: Nearly half of voters say Idaho is headed in the right direction, but a majority believe reducing regulations and improving the business environment would do more to improve the state than expanding government programs.

 • Overwhelming support for transparency: Large majorities support measures requiring advance public notice of legislative hearings, more transparent disclosure of gas taxes at the pump, and stronger transparency requirements for public school spending.

 • Strong appetite for tax relief and guardrails: Voters favor automatic income tax reduction triggers when revenues exceed expectations and support requiring a legislative supermajority to raise taxes. Property and income taxes top the list of taxes voters would most like to see reduced.

 • Education concerns paired with accountability: Most voters rate Idaho public schools as fair or poor and support policies that expand parental options and improve transparency, rather than simply increasing spending.

 • Housing affordability as a top concern: An overwhelming majority view housing affordability as a serious problem, with broad support for regulatory reforms such as allowing accessory dwelling units and speeding up permitting approvals.

 • Stable approval of state leaders: Idaho’s governor, Legislature, and U.S. senators maintain net-positive approval ratings, signaling an electorate open to constructive policy leadership.

No doubt, Gov. Brad Little and our legislators have an array of challenges ahead. As The Press has already written, a balanced budget through reduced spending is a must. But citizens, per this poll, have other priorities, including the big three: education, housing and tax relief.

We note that "overwhelming support for transparency" was also cited, and we would love to see improvement in that area. Too often, it seems hearings are held that few know about, which defeats their purpose. Too often, it seems bills are passed with little notice, and the next thing we know, they are on the governor's desk awaiting his signature.

No, we don't expect to be notified of every bill, but we would love to hear more from our legislators. There are a few legislators who are very good about responding to our queries and requests for comment, and we appreciate that, as do those they represent. But, unfortunately, many do not. We have gone entire sessions without hearing from some legislators — and that could very well be because they are simply too busy.

Moving forward, we hope our elected leaders do their best, put the people first and continue to make Idaho a great state to call home.