Idaho Leads the Way
by Senator Brent Hill
This week we celebrate the birth of two great governments: the United States of America and our own State of Idaho. On July 3, Idaho will commemorate its 119th year as the 43rd state of the Union that will be 233 years old the day following.
Although Idaho is the nation’s 13th largest state, we represent less than one-half of one percent of its population. That gives us room to take advantage of the wealth of natural resources and scenic beauties found within our borders. We enjoy over 2,000 lakes and more river miles than any other state. Idaho’s Hells Canyon at a depth of 7,900 feet, is the deepest river gorge in North America, exceeding even the Grand Canyon. We lead the nation in the production of products from potatoes to trout.
But Idaho’s real leadership is in its people—people dedicated to preserving the principles upon which this nation was founded. That fact was recently confirmed by a study released by Virginia’s George Mason University entitled, “Freedom in the 50 States—An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom.” The study ranked the American states based on their public policies affecting individual, social, and economic freedoms. It considered factors such as tax burdens and government spending, levels of regulation, private property rights, gun laws, public education, court decisions, etc. By summing the economic and personal freedom scores, Idaho comes out the fourth freest state in the United States. It achieved this ranking due to its excellent financial policies and moderate levels of regulation and paternalism. Even our sister states recognize Idaho as a land of freedom.
Idaho’s fiscal policies have provided a large measure of security to its citizens, even during these tough economic times. Idaho’s Constitutional requirement to balance its budget each year has left us with the second-lowest debt per capita in the country. While other states are clamoring to find resources to service their large debt loads, Idaho continues to dedicate its revenues to providing services to its citizens. While other states have had to cut public education by large amounts, Idaho held its cuts to only 3.4%. While other states have raised taxes to meet its obligations, Idaho continues to have the lowest tax burden per capita of all its neighboring states—and that’s taking into account all taxes, fees, and licenses, including taxes on income, sales, property, and fuel.
The worldwide recession we are coping with has not bypassed Idaho, but the provident attitudes of our citizens have softened the blow and offer great hope for recovery. An analysis done by Moody’s Economy.com finds that “Idaho could be one of five states to lead the country out of recession.” It predicts that “Idaho’s business-friendly climate – including low business costs – and state government’s prudent handling of its recession-induced revenue declines will help contribute to the rebound.”
These are very difficult economic times. Many of our friends and neighbors have lost their jobs and some have lost their homes. In the Idaho tradition, we will reach out to those who have been injured. We will give more, volunteer more, and love more. And we will continue to lead as a shining example to the rest of this country and to the world.
As we celebrate the birth of this great nation, we can also give thanks for a great state.
There’s truly one state in this great land of ours,
Where ideals can be realized.
The pioneers made it so for you and me,
A legacy we’ll always prize.
(Idaho State Song)