Advocacy Update March 2024

Dear Readers,

As we navigate the 2024 legislative session, dynamic leadership changes, budget deliberations, and the influential role of the business community shape the landscape. Despite evolving circumstances, we commend our legislature for its dedication to addressing challenges and prioritizing the well-being of our state and economic prosperity.

• Key education issues, such as Idaho Launch and the Governor’s request for school facility maintenance, are two of the Chamber’s priorities. We urge our members to engage with legislators, expressing support for Idaho Launch to ensure high school graduates can benefit from this grant.

• Healthcare remains a crucial focus, with topics including Medicaid expansion, reproductive health rights, and hospitals’ tax status being actively discussed. Our Healthcare Industry Board recently conveyed its priorities and concerns to the Policy Committee, and the Chamber emphasizes that strong healthcare infrastructure and high-quality school systems are fundamental to workforce recruitment and retention. We are committed to collaborating with healthcare leaders to ensure the three pillars of healthcare - access, affordability and quality - are attainable realities.

• Legislation impacting unemployment insurance is under consideration, including measures to stabilize the unemployment fund (which would create a positive impact for the business sector) and legislation to modify the maximum duration of benefits, with potential implementation costs outlined by the Department of Labor.

As the Policy Committee continues to review legislation, explore my new Advocacy Update blog on our website (boisechamber.org/advocacy-update) for coverage of current city and state government affairs topics. To stay up-to-date on current legislation and discussions, tune in to our live Legislative Update Episodes, sponsored by Optum Idaho, every other Tuesday on our social media platforms.

Stay well, Tori Thomas