You’d hope Idaho lawmakers would give people a leg up. Here’s how they keep them down | Opinion

Idaho government is doing its best to keep you poor

Gov. Brad Little should have vetoed House Bill 545, which will ensure Idaho’s working poor remain not just poor but also at imminent risk of outright homelessness. Idaho stubbornly clings to a federal minimum wage of $7.25, unchanged since 2009 despite huge increases in both rents and cost of living generally.

It’s Orwellian double-speak for Moscow Rep. Brandon Mitchell to prohibit cities and counties from capping rents or requiring landlords to accept federal housing vouchers because “we need to have as many properties in the state as we can, and that’s what brings prices down for affordable housing.”

Who put Mitchell up to this undemocratic and inhumane legislation? Has he ever visited and spoken with residents at any of the Moscow area mobile home parks affected by his bill? I knew people in the now-vacant Syringa Park and have friends at Appaloosa, Palouse Hills, Abiel and Woodland Heights (formerly Valhalla, for us old-timers). These are hard-working people largely in the service economy, as well as veterans, disabled and older folks and kids.

Chris Norden, Moscow

Thanks for contributions of immigrants and refugees

This letter is a meager expression for my immense gratitude for all of the immigrant and refugee workers in the United States. Additionally, it is to honor the 6 immigrant workers in Baltimore who lost their lives while laboring when the bridge collapsed.

I often hear from people in the workforce that people just don’t want to work. My experience working with immigrants and refugees conflicts with that notion. For over 15 years, I taught English to non-native English speakers who were either immigrants (papered or not) and recently arrived refugees. They related the conditions of their entry-level, often labor-intensive jobs. From my point of view, they were not taking away jobs from native-born people of the United States but rather doing work that other more privileged persons didn’t want to do.

Economist Steven Rattner of Morning Joe pointed out that immigrants have helped to push U.S. growth since the pandemic by adding millions of new workers to the labor market. As native-born workers have aged into retirement, immigrants have taken their places and “been essential to America’s post-COVID labor market recovery.”

Ruth Merrill, Boise

Bishop should oust Nichols

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Lori Bishop as a candidate for the Idaho Senate from District 10. In this turbulent political climate, Lori stands out as a thoughtful and dedicated advocate for the people of Idaho.

I have been close friends with Lori for almost 20 years, and I have watched with admiration as she has supported her family, her church and her community in countless ways. I have benefited greatly from her research into political issues and her wise advice about how to be a force for good in the world.

Lori’s passion for education has been clear to me through her volunteer work in the classroom and in support of public education funding. I especially admire that she isn’t just concerned about her own children’s success but instead works tirelessly in support of the right of all Idaho’s children to have a solid public education.

I believe Lori Bishop has the integrity, vision, and determination needed to represent the interests of Idahoans effectively. Her commitment to work for the good of all Idahoans is inspiring and much needed. I urge my fellow Idahoans to join me in supporting Lori Bishop for Senate.

Jennifer Black, Eagle

Crapo should revive the Child Tax Credit

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo holds a unique power in his hands at this very moment. He holds the standing and seniority in Congress to halt the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, a bill set to benefit the families of 16 million children in the U.S. through the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Idaho is well acquainted with the complexities of child care. From the lack of availability of providers, to the ever-soaring and fluctuating costs, a post-pandemic world has not improved the accessibility of child care for low-income Idaho families. With child care being a critical service to the health of Idaho’s economy, the continued support and expansion of the CTC is vital.

This policy, which contributed to the reduction of child poverty by 46% in 2021, and that Crapo voted to expand in 2017, is coming to the end of its opportunity to become even more impactful for low-income families next year. So, how will Crapo use his powers? Let Crapo know that Idaho appreciates his dedication to the U.S. tax system and is in strong support of the good a CTC expansion will do for Idahoans.

Savannah Slater, Boise

Congress should support cancer screening

Despite the current political climate, Congress has a rare opportunity to ensure America’s seniors have access to the latest cutting-edge cancer screenings. The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has strong bipartisan support and enough cosponsors to pass both the House and Senate. Our own Senator Mike Crapo is a top champion for this bill and Idaho’s senior community is grateful to him for his hard work. The bill would ensure the Medicare program is able to cover these cutting-edge cancer tests, empowering physicians and patients with an incredible new tool in the war on cancer. MCED tests can detect more kinds of cancer earlier, providing better treatability and likely lower costs. Almost

percent of cancer diagnoses are among people 65+. There is no reason to delay on this important legislation passed for America’s seniors without delay.

Lisa Hansen, Meridian