Idaho State Representative District 6B Choose 1
Idaho House of Representatives members serve a 2-year term and are responsible for translating the public will into public policy for the state, levying taxes, appropriating public funds, and overseeing the administration of state agencies. These responsibilities are carried out through the legislative process — laws passed by elected representatives of the people, legislators.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
208-310-2922
Campaign Website
http://www.kathydawesforidaho.com/
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I hope to bring some balance to the legislature that has gone too far with government overreach in recent sessions. I want to collaborate with legislators across the aisle to introduce and pass legislation that will 1) make Idaho a safe, welcoming place for all people, free of discrimination, 2) provide businesses with an educated workforce, 3) adequately fund our public schools and school facilities, 4) support voting and initiative rights for all Idahoans, and 5) provide services and resources for families in order to prevent ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I strongly believe that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that the legislature should focus more on providing services that help Idaho families.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
I have actively participated in several Latah County organizations and local chapters of state and national organizations for many years. I was a founding member of several organizations and served on the Latah County Parks Board for 13 years. I am a retired Jr. High Science teacher and had my own business as a scientific illustrator. These experiences have allowed me to recognize community needs and work to meet those needs using my skills as a creative problem solver.
For several years, I have watched the Idaho legislative sessions, studied bills, and testified both for and against bills in committee hearings. I also participated in a successful effort to get a resolution about ACEs passed in 2022.
I am ready to serve as a legislator.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
The legislature must fulfill its constitutional duty to fund public education adequately without raising property taxes through constant school bonds and levies. As a former teacher, I can address the need to support modern facilities, excellent teachers, and creative instructional opportunities. I oppose any efforts to take away public funds for the use of private or religious schools.
Other challenges include funding programs and services for Idaho families: childcare, foster care, mental and physical healthcare, and affordable housing. I support the Community School concept: public schools providing services and support for students and families that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the local communities.
4. Would you support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications and allow for medical and family decisions regarding continuation of that pregnancy. Please explain your response.
Yes. Criminalization of doctors providing healthcare is dangerous for all patients, doctors, and communities. Idaho already lags behind in per capita physicians and we are losing physicians due to the threat of criminal liability.
All Idahoans, including pregnant women, should have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their healthcare. I support individual liberty and freedom in healthcare and family planning and believe these decisions should be private, made in consultation with a trusted physician, and not made by the legislature.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
I believe that the current focus of my opponent and the supermajority legislature is not in step with the majority of Idahoans.
Idaho, like the rest of our nation, is very polarized, resulting in animosity and extremism.
I am a trained moderator and ambassador for the national organization, Braver Angels. Its mission is to “bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.” My focus is “Bringing Idahoans Together” to talk to each other with respect, find common ground, and work together to solve, or prevent, problems to help our Idaho communities thrive. That is what I believe is the job of the Idaho legislature.
Biographical Information
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate has not yet responded.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
Candidate has not yet responded.
4. Would you support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications and allow for medical and family decisions regarding continuation of that pregnancy. Please explain your response.
Candidate has not yet responded.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
Candidate has not yet responded.