Dear Friends and Neighbors of Oneida County,

The first two weeks of the 2025 Idaho legislative session have been both productive and dynamic. As your representative in the Idaho State Senate, I am writing to share with you a summary of the work that has taken place thus far and offer insights into what is to come.

This year I am serving on the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee and the Senate State Affairs Committee.  I have also been honored to have been elected by my Senate colleagues to serve as the Senate President Pro Tempore. 

The Governor delivered his “State of the State” address on January 6, 2025.   This speech allows the Legislature each year to hear the Governor’s policy priorities and budget proposals.  From this ‘kick off’ event, the work begins. 

The initial two weeks have been occupied by the review of Idaho administrative rules.  This important process provides a ‘check and balance’ that allows the legislative branch to assure that the executive branch of government does not overreach its authority.  The process is quite unique to Idaho and enshrined in the Idaho Constitution.  Last year, the Legislature reviewed 2,221 pages of rules that affect Idahoan’s lives every day to make sure they are consistent with Idaho law.  If we find something is not right, the Idaho Senate has the power to reject these rules that are created by the state’s bureaucracy. 

We have also started work on setting the state budget – another requirement of the Idaho Constitution. The early budget hearings have provided an opportunity for legislators to review the Idaho economic outlook, assess our tax situation, and determine if tax funds are being allocated wisely. As always, we must balance the need for critical services with the goal of maintaining fiscal responsibility. In the coming weeks, discussions will intensify, and I will be looking closely at how this budget will impact Idahoans, especially those in our community.  

Tax cuts will be a front-and-center issue again – especially as Idahoans struggle with inflation and high interest rates.  Tax cuts are one tool the Legislature has to battle these problems.  In the past decade Idahoans have received more tax cuts per capita than any other state.  I expect more tax cuts this year including property tax, income tax, and grocery sales tax relief.  Putting more money back in the hands of our Idaho families helps battle inflation, keeps the government from growing unnecessarily, and fuels a healthy economy.

Education remains one of my top priorities. Over the first two weeks, I have been working closely with my colleagues on measures to improve the state’s public K-12 education system, as well as increasing access to higher education and technical training programs. I have voiced strong support for efforts to reduce administrative burdens and provide additional resources for our public schools, particularly in rural communities like ours.  School choice is a prominent topic this year and I expect it to have some movement this year – providing more funding options for parents to pursue a variety of education options without taking away funding from public schools. 

As we move into the next weeks and months of the legislative session, I will continue to advocate for policies that benefit our district.  I welcome your feedback. My wife and I are grateful for all of the support we have receive from District 27.  It is truly an honor to represent the good, hardworking people of Oneida County. 

Thank you for your trust.

Sincerely,

Senator Kelly Anthon

Idaho State Senate, District 27