Legislator's speech hits the mark

Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, said something Thursday that bears repeating: 

“You know, we talked about tightening our belts, but that is not the case. We’re not tightening our belts at all. We’re not taking a pay cut, we’re not compromising our benefits. We are tightening the belts of Idaho citizens, and the feedback from my constituents is that they are not happy about it.” 

The longtime Idaho legislator made that statement as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun during debate to kill a proposal that would impose budget cuts on health and human services programs. 

Now, we’re not saying our legislators don’t care about how budget cuts impact the very people they represent. They do, or they would not hold the positions they hold. That's likely why they were elected.  

We are saying that Guthrie makes a good point: To set the example, a show of good faith, legislators should look within.

We don’t expect them to take a pay cut or give up benefits. It’s not like they are paid extraordinary wages. Even if they did offer to voluntarily take a pay cut, it would make little difference in the long run of the state’s budget. 

Guthrie’s statement is more about recognizing that legislators have great responsibilities, their decisions have great impact, and people are looking to them for strong leadership. Their words can lead to division or unity.

Yes, the state has budget issues it must address. It must be disciplined with how it uses taxpayer funds. It needs to look closely at where money is going. Otherwise, it will continue to find itself in a financial shortfall. 

And as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun, Guthrie blamed the budget crunch on tax cuts and spending decisions approved during so-called good years when Idaho was posting state budget surpluses. 

“During the good years, it can be tempting to overspend like there’s going to be no end to it, and you set yourself up for problems,” he said. “So in a strong economy, last year, we spent and we gave over $450 million of tax relief along with other spending decisions, all before setting the revenue number, which was never realistic, because by May, we were in trouble. And by July, the 3% and 4% holdbacks for Medicaid were put in place.” 

The Capital Sun also reported that senators from both political parties stood up while voting after Guthrie’s six-minute debate to acknowledge the power of his words. 

“That was the true speech of statesmanship, and I hope it’s recognized as such, and I hope the audience recognizes what it just heard,” Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said. 

In this case, words mattered. Legislators listened. 

Nineteen Republicans joined the six Senate Democrats in voting against the health and human services maintenance budget. It failed. 

What we found most refreshing about Guthrie’s speech was that, unlike so many, he did not point fingers. He did not blame another political party. He did not call out a specific person. He didn't even call anyone a name. He pretty much said he and his colleagues must take responsibility.

In doing so, he did not create division, but unity.

For that, he deserves respect. 

He has ours.