April 18, 2021
Representative Ron Nate (R-Rexburg), speaking at the Saturday, April 17, sold-out Liberty Dinner in Pocatello received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his talk from an enthusiastic crowd that applauded throughout his remarks.
Representative Nate covered a wide range of issues during his presentation at the second in a series of events, hosted by the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer, beginning with his proposal in the Idaho legislature to repeal the grocery tax. He continued with an explanation of tax policy and the struggle that governments face as they seek to achieve a fair distribution of costs for services that citizens expect the government to provide. Representative Nate also discussed property taxes, and proposals for tax relief in this area, a subject that many Idahoans have become acutely concerned about with rising real estate prices.
The inner workings of the legislative process, including a description of how deals are struck between legislators, was also addressed by Representative Nate. He explained how the practice of, “trading votes,” can lead to the passage of bad legislation, not in the best interests of constituents.
As Representative Nate concluded his remarks, he emphasized to the crowd the importance of being involved in the political process and knowing how your legislators are voting on issues that are important to you. He recommended that citizens regularly review one of the many websites, including the Idaho Freedom Index, that track legislator’s votes as they relate to personal liberty.
“What is the price of liberty?” Nate asked the audience, before supplying the response, “eternal vigilance,” in a paraphrasing of the quote frequently attributed to Thomas Jefferson.
Following the dinner, many of the guests remained to discuss with one another the thoughts Representative Nate had shared.
Next month’s Liberty Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and will also be held at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building. The speaker is Anna K. Miller, Education Analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Miller’s topic is: Social Justice Indoctrination in Idaho Schools.
More than one-third of the tickets for the May event have already been reserved, less than 24-hours after the speaker was announced at last night’s dinner. Those interested in attending are urged to reserve their seats as soon as possible (see flyer, below).
