Restoring Responsible Leadership
Representing Madison & Bonneville Counties
Idaho House of Representatives
“I love the people of East Idaho and the surroundings we enjoy. This is a great place to live and raise a family,” said Ricks during his announcement speech. “Because of this and my desire to serve my community, I am formally announcing my candidacy for Idaho House of Representatives District 34, Seat A.”
Doug Ricks – Idaho House District 34A
It’s time for new leadership in Madison and Bonneville County. Join Doug Ricks in restoring leadership that represents our values by voting for him in the May 15 Republican Primary.
Posted by Ricks for Idaho on Thursday, March 29, 2018
Issues I’m Running On
I am focusing a large portion of my campaign on education. Visiting school districts across the country has allowed me to understand the core values of our teachers and the necessities that our youth need to make Idaho a competitor in education.
Improving
Education
Education is a priority if we are to keep our kids from leaving the area.
Economic Development
We need to think and do things differently if we are to attract quality employers.
Responsible Leadership
As your representative I will make my votes based on your needs, not someone in Boise.
Latest News
The latest news about the campaign and what is going on with Doug.
My Opponent’s Voting Record
photo credit: BYUI Scroll Recently a website popped up that has my opponent's voting record. It is an interesting read and worthwhile for anyone wanting to research the candidate's positions on a lot of this past sessions legislative issues. Below is the text (reprinted with permission) from RonNatesRecord.com: https://youtu.be/oJh0pRUILn0 Ron Nate is Working Hard, Just Not for You
Doug Ricks In The News
With Doug’s announcement to run for the Idaho House of Representatives, Seat 34A he received plenty of press coverage:
FACEBOOK FEED
Veteran's Day Program at Madison High School Friday. Freedom has a cost and we remember those who serve our country. Thank You!
We all know Idaho is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Let's Keep Idaho Great! In the Nov. 6 Election, Vote Idaho Values & Vote Republican! Like & Share! And Vote!!!
Good perspective on Prop 2. There are better alternatives to help those in the gap and I plan to vote no on Prop 2.
Where’s the Money?
Idahoans have the opportunity to vote on November 6 as to whether Idaho should expand Medicaid under Obamacare. Currently Medicaid is a federal government program that helps the most needy obtain healthcare, such as the disabled and pregnant women and children in poverty. Proposition 2 would expand Medicaid to also provide healthcare to able-bodied adults.
Idaho is not alone in attempting to expand Medicaid through a voter initiative. However, other states are being more transparent about the costs of expansion.
Utah's ballot initiative includes raising the sales tax from 4.7% to 4.85% to pay for Medicaid expansion.
Montana's ballot initiative to extend their Medicaid expansion (due to sunset in 2019) includes a cigarette tax increase of $2 per pack plus other tobacco tax increases.
Oregon already expanded Medicaid and greatly underestimated the costs. Just this year, in order to close a budget gap, Oregon passed Measure 101 which included a tax on insurers, managed care providers and large hospitals and is expected to raise $210 to $320 million bi-annually to pay for expanded Medicaid.
Idaho budget projections for Medicaid this year, without expansion, call for $100M in new state funding to serve our existing Medicaid populations.
If we expand Medicaid under Proposition 2, Idaho’s consulting firm, Milliman, estimates a net state cost of $105 million over ten years, assuming that Idaho’s economy stays as robust as it currently is – an unlikely scenario. Yes, the estimates also predict that the federal government would be contributing millions more over ten years, but Idaho already receives more federal dollars back than we contribute, money that is borrowed on the backs of our children and grandchildren.
Evidence from other states that have already expanded Medicaid under Obamacare is instructive – costs and new enrollments were higher than projected, sometimes double the projections.
If Idaho’s projections were similarly off, if our economy took a downturn or if the federal government stopped paying 90% of the cost, it is risky to believe that funding for other programs like education, public safety and roads would not be impacted. Medicaid expansion in other states has even jeopardized funding for the disabled as state budgets have increased dramatically to cover costs for the expansion population.
The Milliman report also cites potential cost savings by reducing Idaho’s “safety net” programs for those in dire need due to catastrophic health care events like cancer. Expanding Medicaid will not eliminate the need for compassionate safety nets for Idaho citizens in desperate healthcare circumstances.
Proposition 2 is a full expansion of Obamacare in Idaho without proposing new state funding to cover the cost. It puts Idaho at risk for significant cost overruns and potentially stifles innovative, free-market transformations in healthcare that could reduce healthcare costs for all Idahoans.