From the Idaho Gang of Eight Substack, Mar 02, 2026
As of March 2, nearly 500 pieces of legislation have been introduced in the Idaho Legislature. More are being filed daily as we approach the March 9 transmittal deadline.
That pace should give us pause. Not because lawmaking is wrong. But because every law carries consequences.
Legislation is not neutral.
Every new law builds something. It must be administered. Rules must be promulgated. This costs money. And over time, that means government growth.
Over the past six years, Idaho’s state budget has grown by roughly 60 percent. Nearly 40 percent of Idaho’s budget comes from federal funds, borrowed dollars from a federal government more than $38 trillion in debt.
This didn’t happen overnight. It happened one session at a time.
The Gang of Eight Budget Pledge calls for slowing that growth and restoring fiscal discipline. But discipline does not begin in JFAC. It begins when we decide whether a bill should exist at all.
If nearly 500+ policy bills are necessary in a single session, we should ask why.
Success is not measured by how many bills we pass. It is measured by whether those laws limit government, protect freedom, and keep Idaho free from federal control.
Visit MVLA PAC endorsement page to view ALL Magic Valley candidates for the May GOP Primary election.
Vote Tuesday, May 19.
