By Hayden Seder
Politically, the Gem State is firmly in the red. So when Democratic leadership needs a blue-friendly spot in the state to celebrate—or mourn—the end of a legislative session, they turn to the Wood River Valley and the annual Clint Stennett Spring Social, named after the longtime minority leader of the Idaho Senate. On May 3, The Valley Club, in Hailey, played host to the party’s party.
As is customary, Idaho legislators offered their assessment of the 2019 legislative session, which was the third longest in Idaho history, at 95 days. During that time, 329 new laws were passed (11 fewer than last year), with a number of laws that proved contentious for Idaho Democrats, such as the ballot initiative measure and Medicaid expansion.
The event was a relaxed, intimate opportunity to hear from Idaho legislators post-session, support Democrats through a silent auction, and mingle with fellow Idaho Democrats—namely, Idaho Senator Michelle Stennett, District 26 Representatives Sally Toone and Muffy Davis, and guest speaker Rebecca Shroder, executive director of Reclaim Idaho.
The event cost $50 per person, although tickets were $30 for those under the age of 30 and scholarships were even available for students at Wood River High School to attend.
“We’re trying to make sure that we include people that can’t afford to come, especially those 30 and under,” said Janie Davidson, Blaine County Democrats chair.
The Party Politics
While the event is informal and gives everyone a chance to socialize, Senator Michelle Stennett did discuss some of the more serious aspects of this year’s session, such as disappointments experienced on the Democratic side—specifically, for Stennett, the funding of the Medicaid expansion voters approved in 2018.
Republican lawmakers had originally sought to protect against any abuse of Medicaid funds by setting stronger work requirements on a segment of Medicaid-eligible residents. Democrats called it an unnecessary hurdle that could cost the state millions in enforcement and leave thousands without insurance.
“Twenty-nine out of 35 districts passed Medicaid,” Stennett said. “That was a pretty strong message and all we were supposed to do was fund it. It is frustrating when legislators don’t want to do what they’ve been asked to do and then, as a reaction, try to pass a law that will make it even more difficult to have a voice in the future.”
Guest speaker Rebecca Shroder was brought in for the event from Reclaim Idaho, a grassroots organization started in the summer of 2017 that spearheaded the initiative campaign to get Medicaid expansion on the 2018 ballot. Shroder addressed the logistics of the fight that took place at the Capitol this year.
Representative Sally Toone also spoke on the matter at last Friday’s event, addressing some of the frustrations, too.
“The vote on Medicaid [expansion] was clear. Why did it take all session?” Toone said. “That left me feeling very frustrated. There were no conversations across the aisle and people were left out of conversations; those are frustrating events. Medicaid expansion was passed but now it’s going to take extra time and it’s kind of a slap in the face to Idaho citizens.”
Toone said she was also disappointed that a hemp bill did not get passed, as Toone sits on the House Agricultural Affairs Committee, but acknowledges the strides they have made in even being able to talk about it.
Despite those frustrations, Toone said there was some semblance of bipartisanship during this last legislative session.
“There was an increase in funding in education, which is something to be proud of,” Toone said. “I’ve been a career educator for 36 years so education is my passion. Governor Little (a Republican) put some money into beginning-year teachers, but now we have to talk about veteran teachers and how to keep them in Idaho.”
The Party
“It’s always an interesting group of people but it’s also so encouraging because we all want what’s best for Idaho,” Toone said.
The annual event features a silent auction, which, during election years, helps finance Democratic campaigns. As a non-election year, funds from the event’s auction will go to the Blaine County Democrats’ new full-time office at 16 West Croy Street, in Hailey, and the political coordinator who has been employed to help build the party.
“That’s why we need the money,” Davidson said. “We’re trying to do a lot of outreach to the Latino community and to young people and make sure we get a big turnout for the elections.”
The silent auction was a success, organizers said. Prizes from the auction included Idahound products, a one-night stay at The Limelight, photographic art, meals at various restaurants in town, and more.
Grace Ayers-Doyle was also the recipient of the Betty Murphy annual scholarship to attend Fordham University, in New York City, next year.