This past legislative session has shown just how poorly the Idaho legislature represents its constituents.
Three bills in particular showed students in Idaho that they are not represented in the legislature. Those bills are House Bill 124, which was passed and signed into law, HB 222, which was not passed but had support from District 6 legislators, and Senate Bill 1008, which also did not pass but was sponsored by Sen. Foreman.
HB 124 prohibits the use of student ID cards as a form of identification for voting. The main argument from the bill sponsors and supporters is that the process for getting a student ID is not reliable, and the risk of voter fraud is more likely with this form of identification. The passing of this bill prompted several students in Boise to sue the state.
All three District 6 legislators, which includes Moscow, voted in favor of the bill.
HB 222 allocates $1 million in funding to the University of Idaho. The funding would be used to cover security costs after the Moscow homicides but was voted against by Sen. Foreman, while our other two District 6 legislators voted in favor. The bill still passed, but the opposition by a legislator of a district with a large student constituency shows that the interests of his constituents are not a priority.
UI’s ASUI showed their gratitude to the legislators that supported the bill, and their frustration with those that voted against it.
SB 1008 would amend already existing laws to make it easier for guns to be carried on campuses across the state. Students at UI were not in support of this bill, yet Sen. Foreman was still the sponsor.
Lauren Young, president of the College Republicans at UI, said, “I didn’t see it as a necessary thing on campus. Campus already has really good policies when it comes to gun laws.”
Sen. Foreman did not respond for an interview.
There were many other pieces of legislation that impact Idaho students this session.
HB 24 would expand the Idaho Launch program to high school graduates, starting with the class of 2024. This program makes $8,500 available to eligible students to be used to fund their education.
Sen. Foreman and Rep. Mitchell of District 6 voted against the bill, while Rep. McCann voted in favor.
“Obviously I have my own biases so I can’t speak for every demographic on campus,” Young said. “But coming from my own, I think they did a good job, especially on House Bill 24. I know not everyone from our district voted yes on it. But I think it’ll be a good thing for our state and give opportunities for those who don’t see regular college as a fit for them.”
While Young had good connections with Reps. McCann and Mitchell this session, she did not have the same level of contact with Sen. Foreman. Young also acknowledged that Foreman has voted against some measures like the launch grant scholarship.
All in all, our state legislators need to do a better job of representing their constituents. Specifically in District 6, our senators and representatives need to listen to the student body and support legislation that reflects the interests of year-round citizens as well as students.
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