Campaign Phone
208-283-4010
Facebook page
www.facebook.com/aliforidaho
I initially ran for office four years ago while working in the nonprofit sector. I saw firsthand how the state has an important role in addressing the housing challenges so many people face. During my time in the Legislature, I helped kickstart Idaho’s Workforce Housing Fund with $50 million. With it, developers created 1,100 units. Now that the fund has been expended, I will work to help it gain additional investments. I have also worked to pass three bi-partisan bills that help protect consumers and better serve people who are homeless or housing insecure. I hope to continue developing state-centered solutions to support communities’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
After ten years of working mostly in the nonprofit sector, I have learned to study both sides of every issue and engage stakeholders and partners in my decision-making. Having spent three sessions in the Senate, I have built strong relationships with legislators and have a demonstrated track record for passing bi-partisan legislation that tackles some of our state’s most pressing issues. I also take this role very seriously as an attorney: through representing veterans, the accused, people experiencing homelessness, and indigenous populations, I’ve seen how impactful the policy-maker’s role is, particularly at the state level.
One challenge is extremism in the Legislature, which has made it hard to focus on kitchen-table topics that actually affect Idahoans. I hope to continue to be a voice of reason and find ways to work on common-sense solutions to our most pressing issues. Population growth continues to strain our housing, transportation, and other infrastructure such as water, and I will continue to work with stakeholders to find solutions there. Our public schools also continue to struggle and the facilities money we recently secured won’t go far to meet our billions of dollars in deferred maintenance and needed construction. I will continue to strongly advocate for our public schools and their need for help at the state level beyond supplemental levies.
Yes, I would absolutely support doing this. It is unbelievable to me that women in Idaho can be forced to go through with a pregnancy that endangers their lives. Doctors are being forced to make impossible, dangerous decisions, and as a result, they are leaving the state. We need maternal care providers to be able to practice freely and without fear of criminal repercussions. I believe in every woman’s right to choose, but making exceptions for women’s health and safety is a move we must make at the bare minimum.
From growing up in rural Idaho, to working for the U.S. government and the nonprofit sector, I've learned the power of working with people from all types of backgrounds to get things done. Our state is facing many challenges right now, and I have enjoyed working with folks in our Capitol to tackle them. I hope to continue to bring my sincere desire to collaborate, strong policy background, and bias for action into the Legislature to address our highest-impact issues. There is simply no more time for drama; we have to find ways to work together to get things done to address issues that matter.
Campaign Phone
(208)571-4608
My primary goal is to repeal the state grocery tax. Idaho is the only state in the Western United States with a total sales tax on groceries. In addition, Idaho’s 6% grocery tax is the second highest in the country, with Mississippi being the only state with a higher grocery tax of 7%. As you know, grocery tax disproportionately hurts those who can least afford it. I live near WinCo, and seeing so many people’s shopping carts leave with so few items saddens me. Even though a grocery tax credit is available, those who don’t make enough to file taxes would not get the credit – and may not even know a credit exists! I believe we can cut enough of the waste in spending to make up for the $240 million collected from the grocery tax.
My greatest strength is that I have been an adult for 60 years. I have had many leadership roles and successfully raised a family of six. I have ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who motivate me to make this world a better place to live. So many of my life experiences have prepared me to serve the State of Idaho as a Senator. In that time, I closely observed what worked and what didn’t in the state government. I see what it takes to accomplish things while avoiding the short-sightedness that often happens with less experienced candidates.
One of the significant challenges Idaho faces is the financial burden caused by non-citizens, including the loss of taxes normally paid by the employer and employee. As a candidate, I am committed to addressing this issue and finding fair and just solutions for all Idahoans. It is unfair to those who are legal citizens to have their tax dollars go to helping non-citizens with their needs for medical care, housing, and basic life necessities. My years of experience and conservative perspective give me the wisdom to represent Idaho citizens in dealing with this urgent issue.
I support the current Idaho State law, which makes exceptions for life-threatening pregnancy complications. I have always respected life and the law. If changes are to be made, they should be made through the legislative process.
I believe I understand women and their issues because I have been married to the same woman for over 60 years and have raised and supported three daughters. Michele is a 340B Compliance Coordinator. Wendy is the Director of a Rehab facility. Jennifer is a Master Certified Professional Photographer.
Five years ago, my wife died after surgery but was revived and now has a movement disorder that confines her to a wheelchair. We have become closer, and I love the opportunity to help and serve her.
Please see my web site: LD16Senate.com
