February 9, 2026
Dear friends,
As the legislative session continues, I want to thank you for the confidence you’ve placed in me—first electing me in 2022 and re-electing me in 2024. It is a privilege to represent Eagle and Gem County, and I approach this role with humility and a strong sense of responsibility. My focus remains straightforward: defend faith, family, and freedom, protect taxpayers, and ensure your voice is heard in Boise.
Just prior to the 2026 legislative session, I accepted an appointment as Co-Chair of the Joint Finance–Appropriations Committee (JFAC), the committee responsible for setting Idaho’s state agency budgets. This role carries significant responsibility and a substantial workload. Senator Wendy Horman left a strong legacy in this position before departing for a role in the Trump Administration last December, and I am grateful to Speaker Mike Moyle for entrusting me with this assignment. I am focused on carrying out these duties with discipline, transparency, and respect for Idaho taxpayers.
You may have heard concerns about a “budget problem” in Idaho. The reality is that Idaho is constitutionally required to balance its budget each year—meaning the Legislature must ensure that total spending does not exceed revenue. Like many of you, I believe this principle of fiscal discipline matters, and it is exactly how we protect the long-term strength of our economy and the stability of state government.
Last summer, it became clear that revenues were trending below earlier projections. This is not a signal that Idahoans are taxed too little. It is a reminder that government must remain disciplined and prioritize core functions. I came into this session with a plan to ensure spending aligns with the revenue picture, including supporting reductions that go beyond the governor’s initial recommendations, so that Idaho maintains a structurally balanced budget and strong reserves.
Over the past several weeks, JFAC has taken testimony from agency leadership about their operational needs and budget requests. I respect the work our agencies perform, but when revenues tighten, every part of government must evaluate priorities, improve efficiency, and make prudent adjustments. Idaho is in better financial condition than many states, and my goal is to keep it that way by focusing government on essential services and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary growth in spending.
In addition to state budget work, I have also been engaged in efforts to advance a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The federal government continues to operate on chronic deficits and rapidly growing national debt. Article V of the Constitution provides states a mechanism to propose amendments through a convention process if Congress will not act. If a sufficient number of states adopt resolutions calling for a convention on this subject, Congress will be compelled to respond—either by proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment itself or by calling a convention for that purpose. Either outcome increases accountability and pressure for fiscal reform.
Finally, I want to invite Gem County residents to a town hall on Saturday, February 28, at the 4-H building beginning at 1:00 p.m. For Eagle residents, additional information will be shared soon.
To stay updated, please subscribe to my newsletter at joshtanner.substack.com, and follow me on X at @josh_idaho and on Facebook at @repjoshtanner.
Thank you again for your support. It is my honor to represent Eagle and Gem County, and I will continue working hard on your behalf throughout the remainder of the session.
