April 10, 2026
One Week Ago Today
The 2026 Legislative Session concluded one week ago today. It has been a tremendous honor to serve you in the Idaho Senate and to be your voice for hard-working, tax-paying Idahoans.
Looking back, several issues stood out as especially important to the people of our state.
Fiscal Responsibility and Appropriations
This year, appropriation votes rose to the top of my priorities. Every spending decision made at the Capitol directly impacts Idaho families’ bottom line.
Last year, I pledged to Idaho taxpayers that I would fight for fiscal restraint. Had that commitment been followed across all appropriation bills, we could have fully funded legitimate agency needs, saved taxpayers nearly one billion dollars, and avoided many of the budget challenges we are now facing.
Since 2021, I have consistently voted against using one-time federal COVID relief funds—or any federal debt—to fund ongoing state programs. Today, a significant portion of Idaho’s budget relies on federal dollars. This level of dependency is not sustainable and runs counter to the principles of federalism.
When those federal funds inevitably decline, the burden will fall squarely on Idaho taxpayers.
There is no such thing as “free money.” Our nation now carries more than $39 trillion in debt, with interest compounding daily. That reality must guide every budgeting decision we make in Idaho.
Immigration Legislation
It was deeply disappointing that critical immigration legislation—an issue Idahoans consistently rank among their top concerns—was held in a committee drawer and never received a hearing.
Immigration policy carries real financial and societal consequences that affect every taxpaying family. These conversations deserve transparency, accountability, and action—not silence.
Second Amendment Protections
This session, we made meaningful progress in strengthening Idaho’s firearm preemption law.
No local government—whether a county, city, agency, or political subdivision—may infringe upon the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Those who knowingly violate state law will now face a $10,000 civil penalty per violation.
I have long championed legislation to protect our children, defend the unborn, and secure our God-given rights. I remain committed to advancing Stand Your Ground legislation, which I have sponsored each session.
This year, in collaboration with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, we secured a print hearing for the Stand Your Ground Shield Act; however, the bill was ultimately stalled in a chairman’s drawer.
I will not stop fighting until every law-abiding citizen’s right to self-defense is fully protected.
Medicaid Expansion and the State Budget
The state budget remains one of the most pressing challenges we face.
Once presented as a limited-cost program, Medicaid expansion has grown into the largest single expenditure in Idaho’s budget—and it continues to expand.
While Idaho taxpayers currently fund roughly 10% of the program’s direct cost, that figure does not reflect the full picture. Total spending continues to rise with increased enrollment, and even small changes in healthcare costs or federal matching rates will place a significant strain on our state budget.
With such a large portion of Idaho’s budget already dependent on federal funding, 45%, this creates long-term risk and uncertainty.
As Medicaid expansion grows, it crowds out funding for core priorities like education, infrastructure, and public safety. It locks the state into ongoing obligations that become increasingly difficult to unwind.
There is no such thing as free money—only deferred costs and growing debt.
Idaho must take control of its financial future. It is time to seriously reassess Medicaid expansion and pursue a path that restores fiscal responsibility, protects taxpayers, and ensures long-term stability.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. It is a privilege to serve you, and I remain committed to fighting for the conservative values that make Idaho strong.
Thank you for your trust these past years. Let’s stand together unyielding, for the love of our families and our state.
With gratitude and resolve,
Senator Christy Zito
LD 8
Elmore, Valley, Boise & Custer Counties
