Helen LeBoeuf of the ID/WA Democratic Women’s group sent us the note below about Gov. Brad LIttle’s “Capital for a Day” event this Thursday in Orofino. We’re publishing it with minimal edits so that NPC Democrats are aware of the event.

Let’s show up and ask the tough questions!

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Helen’s introduction

Below is a message from Katherine Dawes regarding attending the capital for a day event in Orofino on Thursday, July 24th.  If you are a NezPerce County Democrat and want to carpool to this event, please meet in the parking lot at the Hell’s Canyon Grand Hotel in the area close to McDonald’s at 7:30 a.m.  

Katherine’s note

ANNOUNCING: A unique opportunity for all of us in North/Central Idaho to speak with Governor Little and other officials in person about issues that concern us! Come with your questions and concerns…and bring a picnic lunch for a time to gather afterwards if you can!

Governor Brad Little is holding his next “Capital for a Day” event in Orofino this Thursday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Best Western Lodge at River’s Edge, located at 615 Main Street. If you would like to carpool from Moscow to this event, meet in the Dollar Tree parking lot at the Eastside Market by 7:30 am when we will be leaving.

Officials joining Governor Little include:

• Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt
• Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller
• Department of Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton
• Idaho State Board of Education Executive Director Jenn White
• Department of Health and Welfare Deputy Director Monty Prow
• Idaho Transportation Department Deputy Director Dan McElhinney
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Supervisor JJ Teare
• Idaho Department of Insurance Bureau Chief Randy Pipal
• Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Regional Administration Sujata Connell

We are hoping that concerned Idahoans from Latah, Lewis, Idaho, Nez Perce and Clearwater Counties (and others who can come!) will join together to attend this event. Here are some ways you can participate:

• ~ 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.—A peaceful demonstration at the Orofino City Park near the Best Western Lodge. Take the main turn off Highway 12 into Orofino (Michigan Ave.), then go across the bridge over the Clearwater River and immediately turn right into Orofino City Park where you will meet Mark Tuttle at the covered enclosure. Bring a large sign for yourself —and others to share if you have more!  Signs should be related to state issues if possible.

• 9:45 a.m.—Stow the large signs in cars and join the event inside the Best Western Lodge, bringing a folder or envelope with the following items in it (see ATTACHED items – please make personal copies if you can but Mark Tuttle will have some extra copies.)

NOTE: We believe there is one issue that a majority of Idahoans, regardless of party affiliation, are upset about: tax credit vouchers for private schools. Remember, Gov. Little signed the bill in spite of overwhelming opposition by the public, but there is talk of the legislature wanting to ask for more next year. 

So, here’s the plan for the Best Western Lodge:

• 10:00 a.m. – noon—Everyone will spread out in the seating area at the event. You could sit with a partner but otherwise spread out throughout the room where everyone is seated. Whenever ANYONE from our group (or anyone else who speaks in opposition to vouchers!) is called on to ask a question, EVERY SINGLE ONE of us will also stand up quietly and hold up our “Not One Dollar More” signs, to show solidarity. 

Here is a sample comment and question you could use about this issue if you are called on:

Governor Little, 
You asked Idahoans to call and tell you whether to sign or veto bill H 93, the tax credit voucher bill, to use $50 million to fund private schools. We are some of the vast majority of 32,366 people (86% of the calls) who asked you to veto it, yet you signed the bill anyway. Although the amount is capped at $50 million for 2026, in 2027 and beyond the annual cost could increase to nearly $339 million based on legislative action. These funds will go to private schools that can discriminate against students they do not have to accept, can ignore state board of education curriculum guidelines and state requirements for educator and administrator qualifications, and have no accountability to the public. If there are any other people in the room who are opposed to using public funds to pay for private schools, please join us in standing up.
 
Our question is this: If the Idaho legislature passes a bill to increase the amount of this tax credit, will you sign it?

• Noon – ???—Enjoy a picnic lunch break back at the park with the group and enjoy each other’s company! Of course, you are also welcome to go back to the event and ask additional questions. Several samples are on the attached sheet.

Please take this opportunity to gather with like-minded folks in our region and support each other!

Also, please take photos or videos to record this event, and help Mark sign everyone in at the event so we can contact everyone for future events!

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