Initiatives are essential

Having just visited a state (California) that “flipped” six congressional seats from GOP to Democrats in last November’s election – with the primary issue being health care – it was good to see that Medicaid expansion passed in Idaho’s Legislature and that Gov. Little vetoed attempts to weaken our ballot initiative process.

House Republicans weakened the Medicaid bill by removing able-bodied people who don’t meet work requirements despite the 61% of Idaho registered voters who approved the initiative without that limitation. But the Medicaid expansion will provide access to preventive health care services for an estimated 91,000 low-income residents, with the federal government covering 90% of the estimated $400 million cost.

Gov. Little vetoed bills that would make ballot initiatives nearly impossible and eliminate a way for voters to take direct action. He made the right decision, according to Democratic Sen. Grant Burgoyne, because the ballot initiatives can keep lawmakers in check. As he said, “Initiatives are the wake-up call that you have to get every once in awhile from the people.”

James W. Ramsey

Sandpoint, Idaho