Idaho is without a doubt the best place to be in the world. People are moving here by the thousands because they are sick of the problems where they live and they are seeking something better for themselves and for their families. But, Idaho is not immune from government over-regulation that has affected the rest of the nation.
This past year has seen much discussion about the (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) Lake City Development Corporation (LCDC), an Urban Renewal agency. While this organization has operated under the radar for years, people are beginning to realize that something that was intended to provide housing for the less fortunate or to clean up the slums is being used here for construction of upscale housing and businesses. What many people failed to realize is the amount of our tax money that is being used for these projects.
Last year when the school M & O mil levy, the major source of school funding, was removed from property tax rolls everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But, this did two things: First, it has further insulated local schools from the local public, and Second, it has provided more breathing room for other local agencies and municipalities to increase their budgets.
Education is the key to progress. But, just spending more money on education without the development of sound educational policies will produce very little of merit. Sound education policy provides for the child through gifted educators who use proven materials and methods to produce strong academics and build personal character.
Lack of a sound educational policy affects us as a people. It becomes a circular problem: Children who do not learn to read and become responsible citizens grow up to produce more of the same children. The well-educated child functions independently and is a credit to his community; he rarely ends up a ward of the state (welfare or jail).
Our youthful criminals have much in common: Frequent drug use, broken homes, and an inability to read adequately. There are many programs to deal with these needs, but it is private groups and faith based organizations that are having the greatest success.
Idaho has rich natural resources, yet these resources are gradually being locked away through government regulation. As a state we would never pass a law making mining, logging, ranching or recreation illegal; we just make it very difficult, especially on public lands. These regulations have become so heavy that much logging, mining and farming has moved off shore to Canada, Latin America, and elsewhere, taking many good paying jobs with them.
Families are the key to any local economy. As the family goes, so goes the state. Yet, our families are under constant pressure. Divorce rates are high, even here in Idaho and each year our tax structure and other regulations make it more difficult for families.
