Idaho is Pro Business

For decades, conservative leadership in Idaho led to one of the best-managed states in the nation where the American Dream can still happen. This success continues despite the failed economic policies of  President Biden, which produced some of the highest inflation Americans have experienced in generations. With interest rates at a 20-year high, we’ve seen home ownership move beyond the reach of many. While many in this country have reason to be concerned, the Gem State’s economic engine continues to run at full power. Hard-working Idahoans built industry-leading firms that employ hundreds of thousands in our state.  

We didn’t get here by accident. Idaho lawmakers focused on passing laws and cutting red tape that helped create and maintain an environment for businesses to thrive. During his first year in office, Gov.  Little issued two executive orders, the Red Tape Reduction Act and Licensing Freedom Act. This strategic deregulation cut or simplified 95% of Idaho’s regulations. Since then, Idaho’s legislature continues to review, update, and eliminate barriers to economic success for our state’s business owners.  

The legislature is constantly looking for opportunities to better support the small business community.  These efforts produced historic tax cuts, especially the reductions to property tax, as well as our robust support of public education. We must ensure we can attract and retain the best educators possible.  Ensuring our schools are properly funded and helping students connect to in-demand careers help our communities build and maintain home-grown prosperity. Strong local and state economies give us flexibility to make long-term investments that can help secure our progress.  

Conservative pro-business policies have created an environment for incredible companies to choose  Idaho as a place to thrive. In Idaho, our innovative firms can lay claim to cutting edge nuclear research and cyber security, the production of digital storage and memory, and the manufacture of wellness products delivered throughout the world right from eastern Idaho. The Magic Valley is home to world class dairy operations that help feed the world. Several significant employers chose to operate in Idaho because of our values, welcoming business environment, and the type of talent that only Idaho provides.  

We have seen robust growth in our state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and our incredible agriculture operations. However, Idaho’s small businesses continue to employ most Idahoans, representing the state’s most significant share of businesses. In Idaho, we understand that small business is the heartbeat of our economy, and legislation should lend itself to support and not hinder those on family firms on  Main Street. The ability to work hard and build the American Dream is not only possible in Idaho, but an everyday reality.  

Now more than ever we need lawmakers who are willing to engage with small business owners and work with the local Chambers of Commerce to get feedback from the business community and then go be a voice in the Capitol for those who believe in free enterprise. Business-friendly policies and conservative leadership have made Idaho the place to live and work. The heart of the American dream beats strong and loud in the Gem State.  

Sen. Treg A. Bernt represents District 21 (Ada County, Meridian) in the Idaho Senate. He also serves as  vice chairman of the State Affairs committee and co-chair of Main Street Idaho, a group of dedicated 

Idaho legislators committed to fostering economic growth, championing free markets, and expanding  Idaho’s economy.