Judy Ferro

3 days ago | idahopress.com | Judy Ferro

If you missed the AOC/Bernie Sanders rally in Boise a week ago, look up “Bernie in Idaho” on Youtube. Knowing what people said is good, but feeling the impact of those words on over 12,000 people is empowering. As U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “Community is the strongest tool we have.”Democracy was the keyword of the night. After decades of being represented by Republican legislators who equate democracy with mob rule, my heart glowed a little each time the word was cheered.

1 week ago | idahopress.com | Judy Ferro

With the 2025 legislative season over, a number of political writers have treated us to a rundown of just what was — or was not — accomplished. Chris Cargill, CEO of Mountain States Policy Center, gave possibly the most favorable review. “The 2025 legislative session may go down as one of Idaho’s most significant. Lawmakers did the hard work to provide additional tax relief and increase education choice.”Republican Jim Jones, a former Idaho Supreme Court justice, summarized the session this way.

3 weeks ago | idahopress.com | Judy Ferro

The target day for the legislature to adjourn came and went March 21 without much notice. Committees and both houses discussed and voted on bills just like every other day. In fact, bills 22 were submitted in the Senate and 42 in the House between March 21 and March 28. Half are appropriations for items being added or expanded in 2026. About 20 other bills deal with ongoing issues like urban renewal, infrastructure districts and campaign finances.

1 month ago | idahopress.com | Judy Ferro

I wish that everyone who’s feeling discouraged about current political developments could have attended one of the town halls the Idaho Democrats hosted during the recent Congressional recess. Two former Idaho representatives — Ralph Stallings and Larry LaRocco — started the March 15 sessions in Nampa off with insight and wisdom, but they were just the icing on the cake. Many attendees were there to be heard and their energy seemed to flow through the crowd.

1 month ago | idahopress.com | Judy Ferro

Is “Everyone is welcome here” a good policy for all schools or the slogan of a political party? A sign in a West Ada school room has gained national attention since a sixth-grade teacher was told to take it down. A local Facebook post set off debate by claiming “Everyone is welcome here” is as political a slogan as “Make America Great Again.”I can see how someone might get that idea.