Moves by the Idaho Republican Party show it wants to destroy public education | Opinion

Public education

The Idaho GOP and its overlord, the Idaho Freedom Foundation, are committed to the destruction of public education.

They push very partisan members to school boards and college boards.

North Idaho College’s board has driven it to the point that there is a high probability that it will lose accreditation.

In 2022 the Ada County Republicans pushed an extreme slate of four candidates for the College of Western Idaho Board. The voters rejected the slate saving CWI for now.

They want to launch a voucher program that would siphon $360 million per year by 2025 away from public education. They say this will provide for parental choice. However, we know that the parental choice argument is a smokescreen as they are quick to deny parental choice for health care for trans gender kids.

They push House Bill 58 under which school districts would only be allowed to run bond issues and supplemental levy elections during the May primary election and the November general election when races for partisan offices take place. Supplemental funding is vital for school districts given the low level of funding from the State. Eliminating the two election dates will make obtaining funding much more difficult.

Steven D. Simpson, Boise

Library books

I grew up in a home that didn’t just like books but cherished them. As a young girl, I went to the library weekly to check out books. As a pre-teen, I continued to do so. As a teen, I continued to do so. As a college student, I continued to do so. As a professional adult, I continue to do so. The Meridian Library has provided me with a consistent flow of information, enlightenment and exposure. My literacy has far-reaching benefits for me and others in helping me understand things outside my own experience. It has exposed me to the spectrum of human emotions through text both fictional and nonfictional.

I can easily say that the Meridian Library is my favorite place in town — it offers something that no other establishment can. I believe in the power of literature in its ability to keep society well-rounded and emotionally intelligent. I believe in the individual right to select the books in which I feed my mind. In total, I find immense joy in the fact that I have the whole world at my fingertips through the 14 digits of my Library card. I want everyone to have this gift.

Breanna Kerfoot, Kuna

Outlawing vaccines

As a native Idahoan, I’m repeatedly shocked, astounded and embarrassed by our Idaho Republican-controlled legislature. Far-right Republicans in this state claim to be staunch supporters of small government and individual freedom UNLESS it goes against their view of what’s appropriate. Then they want to legislate everything to control us and limit our choices.

Very personal decisions between health care providers, individuals and families are being criminalized. The latest insult to our intelligence and personal choice comes from Sen. Tammy Nichols and Rep. Judy Boyle who don’t want any Idahoan to be able to receive an mRNA vaccine. Really? Forgive my amazement, but that is my personal choice — not yours!

Unfortunately, I am certain these legislators and their like-minded colleagues will never get to work on the real issues Idahoans face. They will continue to waste time and resources pushing their personal agendas and claiming to represent “Idaho values.” They will do much more harm to us than good in their pursuit of controlling our choices. I hope the moderate Republicans in our legislature and in our state government will keep these extremists from hijacking the state I call home.

Shannon Page, Boise