Senator Camille Blaylock - District 11
What a whirlwind start to the 2025 legislative session! I can’t tell you how much of an honor it is to serve District 11 and work on behalf of our incredible community. As things get rolling here at the Capitol, I want to share some of the highlights and keep you in the loop on the work we’re doing to make Idaho an even better place to call home.
Here are some highlights from the past few weeks:
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in the Governor’s State of the State address, which you can read here. The Governor outlined a forward-thinking vision for Idaho, focusing on much-needed investments in infrastructure (because here in Canyon County, we feel the road struggles every day) and offering more tax relief to help families navigate our inflated new normal and the uncertainty in housing markets.
My first bill would make Elon Musk & DOGE proud…
Most legislators come to the Capitol looking to add to Idaho’s code—but my first bill does the opposite. Last week, I introduced the Streamlined Licensing & Inspection Act (SB1015), which repeals 19 sections of Idaho Code and eliminates 123 pages of agency rules that burden our healthcare industry. This bill reduces regulatory duplication for Idaho’s hospitals and care facilities, simplifying licensing processes and cutting unnecessary red tape. With support from the Department of Health and Welfare and healthcare providers, this legislation is a step toward making government less intrusive and more efficient.
Co-Sponsoring the Rejection of Legislative Pay Increase
I signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation (SCR101) to reject the proposed 22% pay increase for legislators. While the figures would only raise pay from $19,000 to $25,000 a year, I ran for this position knowing what the salary would be. After speaking with thousands of constituents during my campaign and hearing firsthand about the struggles families are facing with rising costs, I couldn’t, in good conscience, accept such an increase. We passed the bill out of the Senate and are now awaiting a hearing in the House.
Boise Chamber Luncheon Panel
During the first week of the session, I had the opportunity to speak on a panel at the Boise Chamber luncheon about managing growth. With Caldwell experiencing some of the highest growth in the state, I emphasized the need for policies that reduce home-building times, make critical investments in infrastructure, and encourage smart growth to preserve our agricultural lands.
Before the session began, I had the opportunity to serve on the Economic Outlook Revenue Assessment Committee. Over two days, we heard from economists and organizations invested in Idaho’s future and used their insights to project revenue for the next three years, helping guide the Governor’s general fund budget. While Idaho’s growth and rising incomes are encouraging, I offered the most conservative projection among committee members—not because I’m pessimistic, but because I believe in providing a lower number to the Legislature to spend. With national economic uncertainties and rising debt, this approach helps prioritize fiscal responsibility for our state’s future.
So far, we’ve hosted two town halls, and the turnout and discussions have been great! My district counterparts, Representative Kent Marmon and Representative Lucas Cayler, and I are committed to keeping the conversation going. We’ll be hosting town halls every 2nd and 4th Saturday during the session at 1pm at the Caldwell Library. We’d love to see you there—come share your thoughts and ask questions!
Big topics like school choice, tax cuts, and Medicaid expansion reform are generating a lot of discussion, with multiple bills being introduced and debated. I’m staying engaged, meeting with stakeholders, and reviewing the details as these policies take shape. As the session progresses, I’ll keep you updated on the latest developments and what they mean for Idaho.
Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to serve our community. The best way to reach me is by email (cblaylock@senate.idaho.gov), and I’m always happy to meet with you to discuss your thoughts, concerns, or ideas. Your input is invaluable, and I look forward to hearing from you!
|
