Idaho Budget Growth: Where’s the Conservative Governance?

In this episode of the Idaho Pulse, host Bob Neugebauer and Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate discuss several key issues facing Idaho’s government, including the controversial flag display at Boise City Hall that violates state law. They analyze Attorney General Raul Labrador’s strongly worded letter to the mayor and question why Governor Little hasn’t taken more direct action to enforce state law.

The conversation shifts to Idaho’s government spending, with Nate revealing that despite claims of being one of the most conservative states, Idaho’s budget has grown by over 55% in five years, reaching approximately 14.4 billion dollars. They compare Idaho unfavorably to states like Mississippi and Tennessee that are working to eliminate property taxes, while Idaho continues to see property tax increases. Nate explains how natural revenue growth could have eliminated property taxes entirely if spending had been controlled.

Nate distinguishes between productive efficiency (doing things right) and allocative efficiency (doing the right things), arguing that Idaho fails on both counts with its 189 government agencies. They discuss how the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s upcoming Freedom Index will reveal that 73 of 105 legislators fail on the spending index, with many so-called Republicans ranking among the worst spenders. The conversation concludes with an examination of lobbying influence on legislative decisions and how these relationships often prioritize special interests over taxpayers.

Chapters with timestamps

03:23 Idaho Flag Controversy Bob and Ron discuss Attorney General Raul Labrador’s letter to Boise’s mayor regarding flag displays at City Hall that violate state law. They examine the lack of penalties in the current statute and predict the legislature may add consequences next session. Ron criticizes the mayor’s defiance and Governor Little’s lack of action to enforce state law.

08:23 Idaho’s Growing Budget Crisis Idaho has experienced 55% budget growth over five years with this year’s budget reaching approximately 14.4 billion dollars. Ron details how the legislature has ignored continuous appropriations and continues growing spending beyond inflation and population growth. They compare Idaho unfavorably to other states working to eliminate property taxes.

16:23 Economic Efficiency in Government Ron explains the difference between productive efficiency (doing things right) and allocative efficiency (doing the right things). They discuss how Idaho’s 189 government agencies represent poor allocation of resources and how the private sector utilizes resources more effectively than government through the profit motive rather than power acquisition.

24:23 Tracking Legislators’ Spending Records The Idaho Freedom Foundation’s upcoming Freedom Index will reveal that 73 of 105 legislators fail on the spending index. Ron shares that the five worst spenders are all Republicans involved with budget committees. They discuss how lobbyist influence corrupts the legislative process through relationships and campaign contributions.

31:23 Lobbying and Campaign Finance Bob and Ron examine how lobbyist relationships influence legislative decisions, with personal connections and financial support creating disproportionate voices for special interests. They discuss campaign finance reform proposals that could inadvertently strengthen political action committees at the expense of individual candidates and citizens. They note emerging conservative organization