Standing Strong Against More Government Waste

A Message from the Gang of Eight

With over 650 pieces of legislation considered, we’re (hopefully) in the final stretch of the session.

Last week, we voted on some noteworthy bills—here’s a closer look at two that raise serious concerns.

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H364 – DOGE Task Force: A Bureaucratic Smokescreen

H364 claims to promote government efficiency, but in reality, it adds another layer of bureaucracy. Instead of eliminating waste, it creates a redundant task force with no real authority—just more meetings, more reports, and no meaningful results.

Why H364 is a Bad Idea

🔹 Lawmakers Should Already Be Doing This. The legislature has the authority to review agency operations, budgets, and regulations, making a separate task force unnecessary. Instead of creating another government entity to "study" inefficiencies, lawmakers should take direct action to eliminate them.

🔹 Government Policing Itself Doesn’t Work. The task force is made up entirely of legislators—the same people who fund, regulate, and oversee agencies. There’s no independent oversight, just more insiders protecting the status quo.

🔹 Another Bureaucratic Money Pit. The task force will meet just twice a year unless co-chairs call for more meetings—and members will receive legislative compensation. It will create three subcommittees focused on writing reports rather than driving real reform, and its final recommendations have no binding authority—just more political talking points.

🔹 A Fake Fix for a Real Problem. Idaho doesn’t need another task force—it needs action. Taxpayers deserve solutions, not another committee that exists just to exist.

The Bottom Line

H364 isn’t about cutting waste—it’s just a hamster wheel, spinning in circles and going nowhere. Idaho taxpayers deserve action, not more bureaucratic busywork.

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H378: A Political Trap Disguised as Transparency

H378, the so-called "Transparency in Legislative Travel" bill, passed the House 47-22 last week—but not without controversy. When debate began, many lawmakers left the floor seemingly to avoid voting. Rep. David Leavitt issued a “call of the house” to force everyone back. After a brief recess, the House adjourned without voting. The bill was finally brought back on Thursday—this time with zero debate—and passed.

So what’s wrong with HB 378? A lot.

1. Government Overreach & Privacy Violations

The bill requires legislators and candidates to disclose private travel details—including who paid for it and their address—even when the trip has nothing to do with their campaign. We already have campaign finance laws for political travel. This bill goes too far, violating privacy for lawmakers and the individuals covering travel costs.

2. Creates a Two-Tiered Transparency Standard

If a legislator pays for their own travel, they don’t have to report anything. But if someone else helps cover the cost, they must disclose everything.

Rep. Clint Hostetler (D24) called this out:

“To me, this creates kind of a transparency caste system, right? If you can afford it, you don’t have to be transparent. But if you can’t afford it, or someone else pays — all of a sudden, you’re liable for transparency.”

This isn’t transparency—it’s a double standard that unfairly targets some lawmakers while letting others off the hook.

3. More Bureaucracy, More Costs, No Clear Justification

Supporters claim the bill’s reporting system will cost $5,000, but a similar proposal (H320) had a $10,000 price tag. The sudden drop in cost raises questions, yet no explanation has been given. Meanwhile, this bill adds new layers of red tape for both legislators and the Secretary of State’s office—for something already covered under campaign finance laws.

4. Discourages Lawmakers from Learning & Engaging

Many legislators attend policy conferences to bring back strong conservative ideas to Idaho. We also connect with lawmakers from other states to share insights, learn from their successes, and avoid repeating their mistakes.

H378 makes that harder. It forces public disclosure of travel sponsors, opening the door for political attacks and discouraging lawmakers from engaging with policy experts. That could have a chilling effect on collaboration with groups that provide valuable insights.

Idaho shouldn’t isolate itself from good policy discussions just because someone wants to play “gotcha” politics.

The Bottom Line

Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen (D32) defended the bill by saying:

“The only currency you have in this building is your integrity.”

But integrity isn’t about red tape or political targeting. If transparency were really the goal, why aren’t agency heads and executive officials held to the same standard? Why does this bill create different rules for different lawmakers?

H378 isn’t transparency—it’s a political weapon.

Where the Gang of Eight is Taking a Stand

These two bills stood out last week, but there’s plenty more happening. Members of the Gang of Eight have been holding the line on spending, defending taxpayers, and pushing back against corporate favoritism. Here are some of the issues they’ve been focused on:

Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld (D24) calls for a more responsible approach to water funding. She supports investing in water projects but voted against adding $30 million in ongoing funding since $243 million from previous allocations remains unspent. The issue isn’t a lack of money—it’s government delays. Rather than throwing more taxpayer dollars at the problem, she’s pushing for a one-time allocation and a reassessment next year. She breaks it all down in her latest Substack update. Subscribe here.

Representative David Leavitt (D25) knows that standing firm isn’t always easy in a legislature that often takes the easy way out. He recently voted against an enhancement budget for the Division of Veterans Services—not because he opposes veterans (he is one) but because he refuses to expand government irresponsibly. With $1 billion in potential taxpayer savings at stake, he prioritizes long-term, responsible budgeting over decisions that feel good now but create financial burdens down the road. He shares more in his latest Substack post. Read it here.

Senator Joshua Kohl (D25) is fighting against S1124, a bill that would shield utility companies like Idaho Power from liability when their equipment sparks wildfires. This bill makes it even harder for victims to seek damages, granting utilities near-total immunity while shifting costs onto homeowners and counties. Senator Kohl helped defeat it once, but corporate lobbyists are working to bring it back. Stay informed by subscribing to his Substack.

We’re getting close to the finish line, but there’s still plenty of work to do. We’ll keep pushing for common sense and accountability, no matter how messy things get. Thanks for sticking with us and staying informed—it really does make a difference.

In Liberty,

Senator Christy Zito, District 8
CZito@senate.idaho.gov

Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda

Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho

Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FThompson@house.idaho.gov

Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler

Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon

Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve

Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @leavitt4idaho

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