Excerpts from Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld’s Substack, April 6, 2025
The 2025 legislative session was nothing short of intense. Approximately 2,969 pieces of draft legislation were written. Of those, 1,036 became RSes (Routing Slips), and an additional 342 saw changes, amendments, or engrossments. More than 75% of this total were formally introduced as bills, resolutions, memorials, or proclamations.
Budget Truths: What the Numbers Really Say
You’ll hear a lot about budget cuts this year—and yes, it’s true that some reductions have been made. But the full picture tells a different story. In fact, this budget could have been nearly $500 million higher than it is now.
What’s important to understand is that we didn’t actually reduce the budget from last year. The state’s total budget has increased—from $13.9 billion in FY 2025 to $14.1 billion in FY 2026. While Idaho’s population continues to grow, it’s not growing nearly as fast as our spending. This number doesn’t include the $400 million being held by the government for whatever unforeseen expenses they deem necessary, rather than returning it to the taxpayers. You could have received an even larger income tax cut or full grocery tax repeal.
Excerpts from Sen. Christy Zito’s Substack, March 23, 2025
When we signed the Budget Pledge, we committed to a few simple principles:
- Fully fund maintenance budgets
- Hire no new employees
- Cap budget growth at 1.2%
- Stop taking federal money with strings attached
Those aren’t just talking points. They are a roadmap for real fiscal discipline in a state where the budget has grown 55% in just five years.
We don’t have to pass every budget just because it made it out of committee. If we’re serious about DOGE, it starts with saying NO to runaway spending and YES to sustainable, accountable government.
The Idaho Way shouldn’t look like Washington, D.C.
Ask nearly anyone at the Capitol—this year was more conservative than last. Why?
Three reasons:
- More conservative legislators,
- More conservative legislation,
- And more conservative votes in both chambers.
That’s not a coincidence. That’s the result of elections.
