Idaho
Amid concerns bill would defund the Idaho National Guard, House committee shelves legislation • Idaho Capital Sun
After military officials said proposed Idaho legislation could result in defunding the Idaho National Guard, Idaho lawmakers stopped the “Defend the Guard Act” from advancing in the Idaho Legislature.
Lawmakers on the House Transportation and Defense Committee held Senate Bill 1252 in committee on a 12-4 vote on Monday. The move likely halts the bill from advancing this legislative session.
The proposed legislation would have required Congress declare war, or an invasion or insurrection, to deploy Idaho National Guard troops for active duty combat. The Senate passed the bill two weeks ago on a 27-8 vote.
Idaho’s bill is model legislation by a group called Bring Our Troops Home. No Defend the Guard bills have become law. The Arizona Senate in March 2023 was the first legislative body to pass the bill, the group’s website says.
Supporters see the bill as a way to rein in what some call unconstitutional federal war powers, since Congress hasn’t formally declared war since World War II. But critics worry the legislation could limit the Idaho National Guard, which officials say is mostly federally funded.
“If this bill were to pass, it would restrict the ability of the Department of Defense from being able to utilize its combat reserve. If the Idaho National Guard is not able to be accessed, why would they continue to fund us?” Command Chief Master Sergeant Lehi Hartwell, who has served in the Idaho Air National Guard for 23 years, told lawmakers Monday. “This bill is purported to defend the guard, but it will truly defund the guard.”
Hartwell told lawmakers he was speaking as a private citizen, and not in an official capacity.
The motion to hold the bill in committee came from Rep. Ron Crane, who was substituting for his son, Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa. After approving Ron Crane’s motion, the committee didn’t take up a motion by Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, to send the bill to the House floor, but without a recommendation on whether it pass.
“The primacy of the Constitution is important to me, and to many of us. I understand the fears of what might happen, because I think there’s a reality there as well. But we do need to make a decision on this, I believe,” Dixon said.
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Equipment, funds and pay for 5,000 Idaho National Guard personnel “are endangered by this proposal,” Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, the adjutant general of Idaho and the commander of the Idaho National Guard, wrote in a March 6 letter to a state lawmaker, previously obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun. The Idaho National Guard’s primary focus, Garshak wrote, is to train for “its federal mission of fighting and winning the nation’s wars.”
“If Idaho were to limit by state law when and if the appropriate federal authority could call on the Guard for federal combat or (Defense Support of Civil Authorities) missions, we believe Idaho would lose federal missions, equipment, and funding. The impact on funding could be as much as hundreds of millions annually,” Garshak wrote, echoing concerns he’s had over years of similar bills proposed in Idaho.
Eight people, including several officials in the Idaho National Guard, testified against the bill in committee on Monday. Many echoed concerns that Garshak has shared. They worried that the bill could risk funds and resources for the Idaho National Guard.
Five people spoke in favor of the bill. Some highlighted the toll of war.
“Patriotism is ensuring that, per the Constitution, American blood is only spilled when absolutely necessary to ensure our national survival,” said Ryan Spoon, who said he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy West Point and served five years as an officer in the U.S. Army. Spoon said 17 of his classmates have since died, including two from suicide.
Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, defended the bill in committee, saying it only limits overseas combat deployment, not overseas training. Adams has previously said he doubted Congress would defund the Idaho National Guard if the bill passed.
Adams told the Idaho Capital Sun after the committee that it’s his understanding that the bill won’t move forward this legislative session. He said work will continue on the issue.
“I heard a lot of misstatements, even from folks from the National Guard, representing the National Guard on the statute. They don’t understand this. It’ll take a bit more time for people to understand. … And so in the House, I think we’ll continue to have that discussion,” Adams told the Sun.
Idaho
Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon
There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.
Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.
Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.
Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.
Idaho Costcos
Where to find Costcos in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!
Look at those chicken tenders:
Costco Foodcourt’s New Item
It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts
Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?
Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM
Idaho
This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist
You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.
They Mock Good People of Other Faiths
I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.
Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?
Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.
Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?
Brad Little Through The Years
Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller
Idaho
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.
The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.
Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.
“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.
That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.
WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.
“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.
ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength
Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.
“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.
This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.
Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.
Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.
The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.
“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.
The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.
Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.
“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.
“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.
The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.
The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.
The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.
To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.
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