Debt Deal Passes House
It will probably be the most consequential vote this Congress. The debt ceiling deal agreed to by President Biden and GOP Speaker McCarthy passed the House Wednesday night. On Thursday night it sailed through the Senate and now awaits Biden’s signature.
Among many details, the key item was extending the debt ceiling another $4 trillion.
The bill had overwhelming bi-partisan support (314-117) but also had bi-partisan opposition. Idaho Rep Simpson voted for it while Rep Fulcher voted against.
How does the public feel about the debt ceiling?
The recent Rasmussen poll shows the majority were against increasing the debt.
Foreign Born Workforce Expanding in Idaho and US
Recent data from the Department of Labor shows that foreign born labor is increasing across the US. This article by ZeroHedge provides a deep dive on the subject and points to net job losses since Covid from native born workers. The KIVITV article quotes industry leaders saying the numbers are probably higher than the Labor report.
Little Reneging on Education Funding?
The activist group Reclaim Idaho is upset with Governor Little for reneging on his commitment for funding K-12 education. A change in funding from enrollment-based to attendance-based is at the heart of the issue. The math is complex but the activist group is making its claims that education will be shorted $115 million based upon projections by a state budget analyst.
Health and Welfare and Attorney General Feud Continues
Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) Director Dave Jeppesen complained about the exodus of legal support since Raul Labrador became Attorney General. DHW has had 6 out of 8 attorneys quit or be fired by the AG.
Labrador pointed out that no other department has had similar complaints and that they are working to fill the vacancies.
Earlier this year, the Attorney General’s office began an investigation into DHW over the funding of early youth development programs. The back and forth is certain to continue as the investigation proceeds.
County Funding Data from State Controller’s Office
The Idaho Voter has referenced the transparency tools provided via the Idaho State Controller’s Office that delve into income and spending at state and many local levels. Citizens can access these tools for free to see where Idaho tax dollars are coming from and going to. Recently, the Controller’s Office tweeted about County revenue - a portion of the information shows in the above graph.