Idaho lawmakers will see an increase in their pay from $19,913, to $25,000 per yearfor the next two years.
The Citizens’ Committee on Legislative Compensation unanimously approved this increase Wednesday morning at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
The Idaho Senate president pro tem and Idaho House speaker will also receive an increase of an additional $5,000 per year to $5,500 per year, and minority leadership will receive an increase of an additional $2,000 to $2,500.
The new salary structure will take effect on Dec. 1 for the next two years, unless the state Senate and House of Representatives reject or reduce the new rates by concurrent resolution within 25 days of the legislative session, which begins Jan. 6. If the new rates are rejected, the previous lower rates will remain in effect.
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Costs for daily meals and travel expenses during the annual legislative session will remain covered under the new structure.
According to the Idaho Constitution, the Legislature “shall have no authority to establish the rate of its compensation and expense by law.” Rather, a citizens committee must establish the salary of Idaho lawmakers. The committee consists of six members who are not public officials – three appointed by the governor and three by the IdahoSupreme Court.
Committee rejects original proposal for 43% increase
The original request from Idaho Senate and House leadership and minority leadership sought a 43% pay increase for state lawmakers. This proposed pay rate would have boosted salaries to $37,801 in the coming year while eliminating some expense reimbursements, the Idaho Statesman reported.
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On Wednesday, the committee rejected that proposal.
“I think leadership has done a great job, but I just don’t think they deserve that much more compensation,” committee member Mary Hasenoehrl said.
At Wednesday’s hearing, three individuals voiced their opposition to the original proposal, beginning with American Action Fund Idaho field manager Sulamita Rotante.
“A 43% pay increase for legislators during a time of historic inflation is out of touch with what Idaho people want and the conservative values we hold true. This should be a no brainer for our elected officials,” she said. “… Legislators should be focused on cutting government spending and taxes, or cutting government spending and taxes.”
Rotante also said it was “concerning” that the committee chose to meet at 8 a.m. the day after the presidential election. Committee chairman Dennis Johnson said he is aware of the inconvenience of the timing of the meeting. However, it was not an attempt to “do this in the dark of the night,” he said, but rather it met the schedules of those who are on this committee.
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Others who spoke in opposition to the proposed pay increases included Idaho Freedom Foundation policy director Niklas Kleinworth, and District 25 Idaho House Representative-elect David Leavitt.
“I believe it sends a wrong message to our taxpayers to fund lawmaker raises,” Leavitt said. “We should be focusing on saving taxpayers money.”
Idaho Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, attended the hearing virtually on Zoom. Winder, who was defeated in his May primary election and won’t be returning to the Legislature in January, defended the proposed increases, emphasizing the need to attract younger candidates and the high cost of housing in Boise.
“In Boise, housing is very difficult to obtain, and people are actually living in hotels,” Winder said. “I can remember 10 years ago when a $100 a room was kind of the top end. Now to get a room in the downtown area or close to the capitol, you’re looking at $200 to $300 a night.” Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder, R-Boise, speaks from the Senate floor at the State Capitol building on Jan. 9, 2023. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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