The Idaho Democratic Debrief: January 29, 2021

The Idaho Democratic Debrief: January 22, 2021

“Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage” – by Sen. Stennett, Rep. Toone, and Rep. Davis

A hundred years ago, in 1920, the United States came out of the First World War and celebrated a new decade and a changing world. The world was recovering from the Spanish flu pandemic, the automobile industry was beginning to take off, and Americans wrestled with Prohibition. The country was undergoing drastic changes in industry, culture, politics, and so much more. The most important event that happened 100 years ago, however, was likely women’s suffrage.

The 19th amendment was passed in August 1920 and added to the U.S. Constitution. Idaho was ahead of the curve and was the 4th state in the nation to grant women the right to vote, which was passed by a Senate Joint Resolution in 1896. Women have been influential throughout Idaho’s history, but this year we are celebrating the contributions that Idaho women have made to our state for the last 100 years.

The first Idaho Women’s Suffrage meeting happened in November 1895 with plans to convince the state government that women deserve equal suffrage. Fast forward to 1899 and Idaho elected its first three women to the Idaho legislature (in the House). District 26 is represented by three women in the legislature (one Senator and two representatives). There are currently 3 Idaho legislative districts that are represented entirely by women in the statehouse. Both the House and Senate Democratic leaders are women. We know that our positions and our work would not be possible without the work of our ancestors. Women’s suffrage activists fought for nearly 100 years to earn the right to vote. Before the Civil War even began, women’s suffrage reformers were fighting battles across the country to convince governments, politicians, and citizens that women deserved a say in their representation.

After decades of work, Congress finally voted to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In the November election that year, over 8 million women across the country voted for the first time ever. Idaho played an early role in passing women’s suffrage, and we have an important role to play in our nation’s future. There are women across the state in leadership positions in government, academic, industry, and so much more. However, the Idaho legislature’s gender demographic is still only about 30% female. We have a responsibility to foster women leaders and celebrate their accomplishments.

In commemoration of this momentous accomplishment, several of us women legislators, women leaders, and the Idaho State Treasurer are unveiling a silver medallion at the end of September embossed with 5 Idaho women veterans who served during wars in different military branches. There will be a celebration of these extraordinary women and all women veterans and the silver medallion will be available to purchase.

Our state inherited the perseverance and heart of the generations of women before us. The District 26 representatives are honoring their work by fighting for a better future for every Idahoan. As the saying goes, “we stand on the shoulders of giants” and we hope you’ll help us lift up the next generation of Idahoans. In 100 years, we want our families to be celebrating the accomplishments that we made thanks to the work of the women’s suffrage movement.

“One thing you can do right now to improve Idaho’s future” – by Sen. Stennett, Rep. Davis, and Rep. Toone

2020 is an unprecedented year. Although residents of South-Central Idaho continue to face hardships that defy imagination, our communities have proven their resolve through a heroic commitment to stand together in this time of need. 2020 will surely be seen as a major historical juncture for years to come. Lost amidst all of this year’s turmoil, however, has been another era-defining moment: the 2020 Census.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a proper census be conducted every ten years. This once-in-a-decade survey of the American people will be the foundation for the next ten years of life in the United States, deciding the size and strength of our congressional representation, federal funding, and private commerce. Every person counted in the census in Idaho is worth $1,473 in federal dollars and resources back to our state. The census is an opportunity for every Idahoan to take their future in their hands and make a meaningful, positive, and concrete investment in our communities.

Now, and in the past, we are being and have been undercounted and underrepresented. Last census, 2010, it was estimated that Idaho was undercounted by 35,000 people, most under the age of five. Currently, in Gooding and Lincoln Counties, nearly half of residents have yet to complete the 2020 census. In Blaine and Camas Counties, the situation is even worse. Only 37 percent of Blaine County residents and just 29 percent of Camas County residents have responded to the current census. Compare this to a 78 percent response rate in Ada, 69 percent in Twin Falls or 74 percent in Bonneville and it quickly becomes clear that we are getting the short end of the stick. Reversing this setback is vital for the future of our communities.

We need to increase our census turnout for three reasons. First, the census determines how many tax dollars the federal government will return to Idaho as grant money and public funding. While federal programs can sometimes seem like bureaucratic abstractions, federal funding has serious, on-the-ground effects here in Idaho. Ten percent of public education budgets come from the federal government. Idaho’s Medicare and Medicaid funding are dependent on census numbers, and youth federal nutrition programs are based on census data. Last year, over a third (34.7 percent) of all Idaho’s state spending came from federal funds and grants. The more people respond to the census, the more federal dollars become available to provide public goods here in Idaho.

Second, a proper census turnout will be a boon for local businesses. Especially in our age of big data and smart industry, the census drives commercial decisions that range from where a company will invest capital to where they will open a new factory or office. Arming local Idaho companies with accurate data will make us more competitive against out-of-state and foreign firms. Census results will also fuel the next decade of research at Idaho universities, which produce the high-skilled young people and the breakthrough discoveries that are increasingly vital to our economic growth. By filling out the census, you can lift the next decade of Idaho jobs and industry.

Third, this year’s census will draw legislative districts for the next ten years. Since there is roughly one congressman or woman for every 720,000 U.S. citizens, a strong Idaho turnout could potentially earn us a third congressional representative. Additionally, state legislative districts will be drawn based on census numbers, if we have poor turnout our legislative district could change substantially.

The census takes less than ten minutes to complete, is safe and secure, and it does not include questions about citizenship or immigration status. In fact, it’s against the law ($250,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison) to share any census data.

For those of you who have yet to complete the census, you still have time, but not much. The Census Bureau will accept census submissions until September 30th of this year. So, don’t wait, go online to 2020census.gov, or call 844-330-2020 (844-468-2020 Spanish) and be sure to get counted!

For every census filed, South-Central Idaho gets more federal funding, more economic growth, and more representation. It is now in your hands to shape the next decade of our shared future.