November 12, 2025
When Government Becomes God
And the few still willing to say, “No, it’s not.”
By: Idaho Gang of Eight
On Tuesday, November 4, New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as mayor, an unabashed Socialist Democrat, ushering in a new wave of progressive politics. In his acceptance speech, he declared:
“We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about.”
Those words should strike fear into the heart of every conservative. Ronald Reagan warned that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” What New York just celebrated is the opposite of that warning, the idea that government is the answer to everything!
That mindset is spreading fast. We’re living in a time when socialists no longer pretend to be moderates; they’re open about wanting to remake America into a socialist state. If that worldview wins, freedom loses, one state at a time.
That’s why we’re here. While cities like New York celebrate bigger government, Idaho has the chance to prove that freedom and restraint still work, and that government closest to the people governs best.
As Idaho legislators, we are committed to protecting state sovereignty and reining in government overreach. We came to the Capitol to dismantle the entrenched power structure, to demand accountability for how your tax dollars are spent, and to keep Idaho government accountable to those who actually live here, ensuring it doesn’t turn into California, or worse, New York City.
As part of the State Freedom Caucus Network (SFCN), we’re connected with legislators across the country who share the same mission: standing up for citizens, not the political class.
Qataris at Mountain Home AFB – Update
Last month, we raised concerns about a new agreement that would allow a Qatari Air Force squadron to be based and trained at Mountain Home Air Force Base. We requested answers from Idaho’s congressional delegation and a formal briefing from Secretary Hegseth regarding the scope, funding, and security implications of this agreement. We received two responses, but key questions remain. Senator Christy Zito is in direct contact with the office of U.S. Senator Jim Risch and continues to press for a full briefing.
We’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Idaho’s Dire Budget Situation
Idaho is entering a new era of fiscal constraint. The state’s general fund for FY 2026 is projected to end with a $49.3 million deficit if current trends hold. That’s after record surpluses just a few years ago. The fact is that revenues are lagging, and the budget picture for 2027 is even worse, with estimates indicating a potential $555 million shortfall.
On top of that, the state audit process has been bungled thanks to the implementation of the new accounting system, Luma. Delays and errors in the annual audit report raised concerns about hundreds of millions of dollars in misstatements. If audits are delayed, the credibility of state financial reporting is at risk.
Here’s where we stand.
- Last session, we pledged to stand firm on budgets. Now that Idaho is facing budget cuts, that pledge is front and center. Government has been on a spending spree, practicing no restraint. It’s time for a shift in mindset from “How much more can we spend?” to “What can we cut?”
- We cannot rely on rainy-day funds. The era of unlimited budgets is over.
- Agencies must be held accountable, no more “automatic increases,” no more treating budget growth as a given.
As the Gang of Eight, you’ll be hearing our plans to:
- Repeal the grocery tax. We can deliver an immediate 6% reduction in groceries at the cash register, when families need it most.
- Demand full audits and transparency on all state financials.
- Oppose tax increases or new fees.
- Seek program reviews and the elimination of redundant spending.
The DOGE Task Force: All Talk, Little Action
The DOGE Task Force has been meeting during the interim. It has floated lists of more than 70 agencies, divisions, and commissions to consider for elimination or consolidation.
Its first actual recommendation is to consider eliminating funding for vacant state positions (381 such positions, totaling approximately $57 million) as a cost-saving measure.
At first glance, this appears to be a good thing. But, so far, it’s analysis and lists of possibilities, no concrete cuts or legislation.
In short, it’s the hamster wheel of committees: lots of studying, lots of talk, but thus far limited action. We welcome the work, but we are clear: we don’t want studies that sit on shelves. We want results: real cuts, real consolidations, real savings.
As the Gang of Eight, we will:
- Monitor the task force closely and ensure it delivers on the promise of leaner government, not just the appearance of it.
- Demand timelines and metrics: “How many agencies will be eliminated?” “What is the dollar amount saved?”
- Oppose any effort that uses this as cover to quietly add spending elsewhere.
- Ensure consolidations lead to real accountability and transparency, not consolidation for its own sake.
Stay engaged. Stay informed. Stay free.
If you believe in limited government, fiscal discipline, and government that serves the people (not the other way around), we are glad you’re with us.
Please subscribe to our individual Substacks for more insights from our members. You can also stay connected with us on X and Facebook.
In Liberty,
Senator Christy Zito, District 8
Zito4Idaho@protonmail.com
Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda
Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho
Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FayeforLD8@gmail.com
Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler
Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon
Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve
Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @Leavitt4Idaho
