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In a recent interview with Neal Larson from Newstalk 107.9, Senator Jim Risch addressed a range of pressing domestic and international issues, specifically focusing on the SAVE Act and the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict following “Operation Epic Fury.” Regarding the SAVE Act, a bill intended to mandate voter identification and ensure only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections, Senator Jim Risch characterized the measure as a “common sense” initiative with broad public backing. However, he noted that Senate Democrats remain unified in their opposition to the legislation.

Senator Jim Risch also addressed internal Republican dynamics, acknowledging that some members of his own party have expressed reservations about the bill due to concerns over states’ rights. Risch stated that while states like Idaho maintain high election standards, he believes federal action is necessary to address what he described as significant fraud issues in other regions. He noted that former President Donald Trump has been applying pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass the act, though he admitted that currently, the bill lacks the necessary votes to clear the Senate.

Shifting to foreign policy, Senator Jim Risch provided an assessment of the U.S. military strikes against Iran. He asserted that “Operation Epic Fury” successfully dismantled Iran’s naval and air defenses, leaving the regime’s airspace vulnerable. Risch warned that despite these military setbacks, the Iranian leadership remains ideologically stubborn. He identified the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s final strategic tool, noting that any disruption there would likely cause a spike in global energy prices and impact U.S. public opinion.

Concluding his remarks, Senator Jim Risch distinguished between the Iranian government and its population. He estimated that roughly 70% of Iranians are under the age of 35 and largely favor a shift toward a Western-leaning democracy. However, he noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains a significant barrier to regime change through its use of force to suppress dissent. While Risch declined to provide specific military details regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he maintained that keeping the waterway open remains a critical priority for the United States.

In an interview with Neal Larson on Newstalk 107.9, Idaho State Senator Kevin Cook characterized the current legislative session as unusually arduous, citing a significant revenue shortfall as the primary source of friction among lawmakers. Cook noted that while many legislators support the concept of fiscal restraint in principle, those convictions are often tested when specific spending cuts impact their individual priorities or local projects.

Cook detailed the ongoing work within the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), explaining that the budget process has been bifurcated into “maintenance” and “enhancement” categories. While basic operational funding for state agencies has largely moved forward, enhancement requests—which cover growth and expanded services—remain under debate. Among the most significant hurdles remaining is the Department of Health and Welfare budget, which encompasses 12 separate budgets totaling approximately $5.7 billion. Cook estimated that enhancement budget work is roughly three-quarters complete.

To address the state’s budget gap, Cook indicated that tax increases are currently off the table. Instead, he is advocating for exhaustive searches for internal savings—a process he described as “looking under the sofa cushions”—before tapping into the state’s $1 billion rainy day fund. As part of this fiscal strategy, Cook is pursuing legislation to implement a 5% pay reduction for elected officials in both the legislative and executive branches starting in 2027, arguing that recent revenue figures suggest the state is not yet “out of the woods.”

The senator also addressed specific funding challenges at the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind. He clarified that while a new residential building was approved at a cost of $6 million, there is ongoing debate regarding approximately $108,000 requested for staffing and specialized equipment. Cook expressed concern that the new facility could not function effectively without adequate personnel to separate older students from younger residents.

Regarding his own legislative approach, Cook responded to data suggests he aligns with the minority party on 40% of partisan-split votes. He rejected the idea of tracking votes by party line, asserting that he evaluates each bill on its individual merits and constituent feedback. Cook concluded by inviting the public to attend an upcoming town hall meeting at the College of Eastern Idaho this Saturday.

Idaho Democratic Chair Lauren Necochea

Credit: Idaho Democratic Party

In a recent interview with Neal Larson on Newstalk 107.9, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea addressed what she described as an unusually contentious legislative session. Necochea attributed much of the friction to a significant budget shortfall and intensified Republican infighting, which she claims has led to a lack of investment in core public responsibilities.

Necochea argued that the state is facing a fiscal gap that the Republican supermajority has been hesitant to address. She pointed to proposed or actual funding reductions for wildfire prevention, public safety, Medicaid, and therapies for children with disabilities. To mitigate these pressures, Necochea suggested that Idaho should utilize its rainy day fund, particularly to prepare for summer wildfire costs that she expects will exceed current allocations. She also criticized the state’s new private-school tax credit policy, characterizing it as a “voucher” program that subsidizes private tuition without bringing in new revenue to cover the cost.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on tax policy. Necochea contended that recent income tax cuts have been skewed toward high-income earners while straining the state’s ability to fund essential services. She cited data indicating that households in the top 1% received roughly $20,000 in annual benefits from cumulative cuts over five years, compared to just $33 for those in the bottom 20%. Necochea further criticized the repeal of Idaho’s child tax credit, suggesting that the state should instead follow the lead of states like Minnesota, which has implemented larger credits for working families.

Regarding electoral strategy, Necochea emphasized the importance of fielding Democratic candidates in more districts to provide accountability and curb political extremism. She argued that when seats are left uncontested, Republican lawmakers are often incentivized to move further to the right to avoid primary challenges. When asked about “crossover voting,” Necochea stated her preference for Democrats to remain registered and active within their own party. She concluded by highlighting that Democratic votes have frequently been necessary to pass essential Medicaid funding, framing her caucus as a stabilizing force in the legislature.