A 43% Lawmaker Pay Increase? Idaho Deserves Better Priorities

Why Idahoans Deserve a Government Focused on Service, Not Salary

The recent proposal to raise lawmakers’ pay by 43% signals a troubling direction for Idaho’s government—one that appears out of touch with the priorities and principles Idahoans value. As someone soon to join the Idaho legislature, I believe this proposal threatens to transform our legislature from a part-time, citizen-focused body into a full-time assembly, detached from the realities Idahoans face every day.

Our focus should be on downsizing the size and scope of government, not inflating the paychecks of those in office. A wage increase for lawmakers contradicts conservative values and undermines the very principles that make our legislature accountable and close to the people. Conservatism is rooted in the belief that government should be small, efficient, and accountable to the people—not self-serving. Advocating for higher wages, especially for legislators, is at odds with these values, prioritizing personal gain over the sacrifices required for true public service.

I can’t deny that Idaho’s lawmakers work non-stop for the citizens, even when not in session. It’s a challenging role that requires continuous effort and carries a real financial burden. But it’s also part of the commitment each of us anticipated before running for office. We entered public service with the understanding that this work demands both sacrifice and dedication, and we should be prepared to uphold those standards without asking Idahoans to foot the bill for a significant pay hike.

Idahoans work hard for their money, and it’s our duty to protect that hard-earned income by keeping taxes low, trimming unnecessary government spending, and redirecting funds toward initiatives that directly benefit Idaho’s citizens. This includes repealing the grocery tax, which would allow families to use more of their budgets toward easing the burden of inflation we have all felt at the grocery store. Instead of increasing government costs, we need to focus on putting more money back into Idahoans’ pockets by alleviating the financial strain caused by overreach and mismanagement.

Another critical area of concern is Idaho’s small businesses. These businesses are the backbone of our communities, employing locals and keeping Idaho’s economy resilient. Yet, many small business owners are weighed down by heavy tax burdens and regulatory constraints that limit their growth and innovation. As lawmakers, our priority should be to cut red tape and reduce taxes, enabling these businesses to thrive in a free-market environment where entrepreneurship can flourish without the suffocating grip of bureaucracy.

Idaho’s families also deserve real choices in education. We should prioritize school choice policies that give parents control over their children’s education, empowering them to choose what’s best for their kids—whether it’s traditional public schools, charter options, homeschooling, or other alternatives. Idahoans understand that education should serve students, not bureaucrats.

In short, this proposed pay raise for lawmakers is a misstep. Let’s instead refocus our efforts on foundational principles: reducing the reach of government, supporting small businesses by easing their tax burden, championing school choice, and reducing the overall tax burden on Idaho families. Idahoans want a legislature that embodies their values and respects the sacrifices they make. As a representative, I intend to advocate for a government that serves the people, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, freedom, and the values Idahoans hold dear.

For these reasons, I cannot, in good conscience, support a pay increase proposal that runs counter to our state’s conservative values and places an additional burden on Idaho’s taxpayers. I will not vote in favor of a 43% pay raise for lawmakers. My commitment is to the people of Idaho, ensuring that public service remains a position of responsibility and sacrifice, not personal gain.