Summary Bob and Ron discussed various issues related to Idaho’s government, including the state of the State speech, the 44-page report on the state budget, and the ongoing lawsuit involving a big city coffee shop and Bsu. They also discussed the issue of government waste, wildfires, the concept of stabilization funds, and the importance of maintaining conservative values in Idaho politics. Additionally, they touched on the Idaho Launch program, the influence of lobbyists, the state of education in Idaho, and the potential for private schools to introduce new ideas and improve outcomes. Bob and Ron discussed various issues related to Idaho’s government, including the state of the State speech, the 44-page report on the state budget, and the ongoing lawsuit involving a big city coffee shop and Bsu. They also discussed the issue of government waste, wildfires, the concept of stabilization funds, and the importance of maintaining conservative values in Idaho politics. Additionally, they touched on the Idaho Launch program, the influence of lobbyists, the state of education in Idaho, and the potential for private schools to introduce new ideas and improve outcomes. 00:00 Governor’s Speech and Medicaid Expansion Bob and Ron Nate, president of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, discussed Governor Little’s state of the State speech and the 44-page report on the state budget. Ron criticized the Governor’s speech as 90% platitudes about big government and programs, with only 5% substance. He pointed out that the Governor’s spending outpaced tax relief, and that the state was spending over a billion dollars a year on Medicaid expansion. Ron emphasized the need to repeal Medicaid expansion, control government spending, and not view tax cuts as a cost to the budget. 4:10 Lawsuit and Budget Concerns Discussed Bob and Ron discussed their dissatisfaction with the ongoing lawsuit involving a big city coffee shop and Bsu, which is expected to cost over 5 million dollars due to the university’s “woke” approach. Ron criticized the university for promoting a victim-oppressor mentality and allowing students to dictate actions, leading to the coffee shop’s banishment. He also expressed concern about the financial burden on taxpayers. Bob suggested that the legislature should cut the school’s budget by 5 million dollars to cover the costs, but both agreed that this was unlikely due to the governor’s proposed 16.9% increase in spending. They concluded by expressing disheartenment at the lack of change in the legislature over the last 15 years and the need for alternative solutions. 09:05 Government Waste and Conservative Approach Bob and Ron discussed the issue of government waste in Idaho, specifically focusing on the 2024 report on government waste. They highlighted examples such as the hiring of a poet for the city of Coeur d’Alene and the high-performance Idaho State police cars. Ron emphasized the need for a more conservative approach to government, with lower taxes, limited government, and school choice. He also mentioned the growing number of conservatives in the legislature and the need for them to align with the people’s sentiments. Bob brought up the issue of homelessness in California, which Ron attributed to poor management by the state’s governor. 13:19 Wildfires, Preparedness, and Immigration Issues Ron and Bob discussed the issue of wildfires and the lack of preparedness in their area. Bob shared his personal measures to prevent fires, such as removing trees and installing a water supply. They also discussed the problem of wildfires in California and the potential impact on insurance rates. Ron emphasized the importance of rugged individualism and private charity, expressing concern about the government’s role in welfare programs. They also discussed the issue of illegals in Idaho, with Ron supporting a bill to prevent public benefits from going to illegals and encouraging legal immigration. 18:00 Idaho’s Stabilization Funds and Spending Bob and Ron discussed the concept of stabilization funds in Idaho’s government. Ron explained that these funds, which have accumulated to over a billion dollars, are meant to maintain government services during economic downturns. However, Ron expressed his concerns about these funds, stating that they prevent necessary cuts in government spending during difficult times and prioritize the interests of state employees over those of struggling Idaho families. Bob questioned the need for such funds given the state’s economic prosperity, and Ron agreed, suggesting that the funds are more about protecting government jobs than providing necessary services. They also discussed the proposed 22% pay raise for legislators and the potential for conflicts of interest in voting on spending increases. 24:11 Idaho’s Conservative Shift and Governance Bob expressed his concern about the increasing conservatism in Idaho, which he believes began around 2000 with the rise of Little, the former head of the Ayaki group. He criticized Little’s management style, suggesting that he relies on cronies rather than hands-on management. Bob also criticized the proliferation of government agencies in Idaho, arguing that the legislature should provide oversight. Ron agreed with Bob’s concerns, recalling his own experience in the legislature where he felt that the governor’s influence was too strong. However, both expressed optimism about the growing conservative representation in Idaho, with Ron noting an increase in conservative senators and representatives. 28:72 Conservative Values and Grassroots Efforts Ron and Bob discussed the importance of maintaining conservative values in Idaho politics. Ron emphasized the need for voters to stay informed about their legislators’ actions and to hold them accountable to their campaign promises. Bob shared his experience of winning a precinct committeeman election by engaging with voters in his neighborhood, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts. Both agreed that educating people about proper principles and conservative values is crucial to maintaining Idaho’s conservative stance. They also expressed concern about the potential for Idaho’s politics to become more liberal, as seen in other areas like Meridian. 33:14 Idaho Launch Program Criticized Bob and Ron discussed the Idaho Launch program, which they described as a corporate welfare program masquerading as a support for high school graduates. Ron criticized the program, stating that it was a result of cronyism and the marriage of corporate interests with government. He pointed out that the Workforce Development Commission, which determines in-demand careers, was comprised of industry leaders who had financially supported the Governor. Ron also mentioned that he was removed from a committee meeting for his criticism of the program. Bob agreed with Ron’s assessment, noting that when government and business collaborate, they often collude for mutual benefit. 37:07 Lobbyists, Liquor, and State Mandates Bob and Ron discussed the influence of lobbyists in Idaho’s Capitol and the role of the state in the liquor business. Ron, a registered lobbyist for a nonprofit organization, highlighted the contrast between lobbyists who work for corporate interests and those who work for citizens. They also discussed the state’s constitutional mandate to promote temperance and sobriety, which Ron argued is contradictory to running liquor stores. Bob expressed his concern about the state promoting cancer through the sale of alcohol. They also touched on the issue of state employees receiving raises before elections, which Bob suggested could be a swing vote in the state. 45:05 Idaho Education System’s Challenges Discussed Bob and Ron discussed the state of education in Idaho, focusing on the lack of school choice and the need for competition to drive innovation. They criticized the current system, which they believe is unsustainable and perpetuates a model of dependency on government. Ron highlighted the potential for private schools to introduce new ideas and improve outcomes, but expressed concern about the resistance to change from the education establishment. They also discussed the potential for virtual learning and the need for radical changes in the education system. Both agreed on the importance of organizations like the Idaho Freedom Foundation in promoting change and fighting against the current system.…