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Governor Little Details Path Forward for Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds in Idaho

By
John Crowder
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0

(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, March 18, 2021)

Governor Brad Little (Official Photo)

Boise, Idaho – During a press conference today, Governor Brad Little emphasized the need to direct the billions of dollars allocated for Idaho from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into long-range investments that will benefit our grandchildren – the generation that will have to pay off the massive federal debt.

Governor Little said he will work closely with the Legislature in allocating the funds.  He said he will spend time traveling the state to meet with legislators, business groups, and others on the best ways to strategically invest the funds.

Why is Idaho accepting the new federal money?

Governor Little detailed his concerns with the massive federal spending bill but said rejecting the funds is not the right thing to do for Idaho.

“Rejecting the funds would mean California, New York, Illinois, and other big states get to spend Idahoans’ tax dollars.  Rejecting the funds would mean Idaho gives up our say in how our allocated share gets spent.  That is unacceptable.  Therefore, Idaho will accept the allocation for our state,” Governor Little said.

How much money will the State of Idaho receive from the ARPA?

 Funds to state and local governments:

 $1.89 billion in discretionary funds

    • $1.188 billion to the state for COVID response
    • $126 million to the state for COVID capital projects
    • $347 million for county governments and $229 million for city governments
  • $981 million for direct programs ranging from K12 to childcare grants

 Funds to Idaho citizens and businesses:

 More than $2 billion in direct support to businesses and individuals, including stimulus checks and other economic support (PPP loans, support for restaurants and live venues)

What are Governor Little’s priorities in the allocation of the ARPA funds?

  • The funds are mortgaged from our grandchildren, and Governor Little said we should make long-range investments that will serve to better their chances and opportunities since they are burdened with paying off the debt.
  • One-time funds should go to one-time expenses. He said we will not create ongoing obligations that would be shifted to the General Fund once the federal funds run out.
  • The use of the funds also should not impede our constitutional mandate to provide a long-term, structurally balanced budget for the people of Idaho.  They should do the opposite – the funds should be used to lower the state’s capital and deferred maintenance costs in the years ahead.
  • The funds also should not duplicate other federal programs where support is provided to specific industries or through specific programs.
  • Since states have nearly four years to spend most of the ARPA funds, Governor Little said we should take our time and be strategic and thoughtful about how the funds are allocated.  To be prudent, we should await U.S. Treasury guidance and study the impact of other direct programs in ARPA to ensure we target support to needed gaps.

 What is the process for allocating the ARPA funds in Idaho?

Governor Little said he is committed to working closely with the Legislature in the allocation of the funds.

Unlike the federal CARES Act dollars Idaho received last year, which had to be spent in nine months, states have nearly four years to spend most of the new funds.

However, some of the direct funds to agencies – mostly for K-12 public education – are legally required to be allocated within 30 to 60 days.  Governor Little said we cannot wait until the next legislative session to direct these funds to our public schools.

“Therefore, I have been actively working with legislators on a plan for them to take the required actions before adjourning, while setting up a process to make long-range investments with the remaining funds,” Governor Little said.

Why is the process for allocating the ARPA funds different than how Idaho allocated the CARES Act funds last year?

Governor Little said:

“When the CARES Act funds arrived last year, we were in the throes of a crisis.  We were dealing with a new virus and had little knowledge of the extent of its impacts.  We had little testing, no treatments, too little PPE for hospitals and workers, and no vaccine.  We needed to act quickly in deploying federal resources so we could prepare for the worst.  That is why we set up the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee – made up of legislators and others – to recommend the best ways to use the funds to quickly respond to the crisis.  We had only nine months to spend the CARES Act funds, and we did so responsibly and transparently.

“This time around, we have nearly four years to spend the new funds.  This time around, we’re not in crisis mode.  We’ve learned a lot about the disease, how it spreads, and how to best protect ourselves and our loved ones.  We have the safe and effective COVID vaccine, the treatments to keep people out of the hospital if they catch COVID, and widely available testing and PPE.

“That is why, this time around, the situation allows us to spend more time deliberating on the best ways to use the funds to support the next generation of Idahoans who will have to deal with paying off the debt.

“We should not hastily spend the funds we receive.  We should wait for guidance from the U.S. Treasury, so we responsibly allocate these resources.  We must be thoughtful and deliberative in our approach,” Governor Little said.

 

AMVETS Pastie Feed, Tonight, Friday, March 19, at Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building

By
John Crowder
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0

March 19, 2021

This evening, Friday, March 19, AMVETS Idaho Post 1 will be holding a pastie feed from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.

Pasties are large, savory, filled pastries.  Diners will be able to choose from venison, beef, or chicken pasties.  Included in the meal is a dessert of triple berry cobbler and vanilla ice cream.

The meal is available for dine-in or takeout.  Cost is $10 per pastie.

The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building is located at 300 N. Johnson Avenue in Pocatello.  Entrance to the pastie feed/drive thru is in back of the building, where parking is available.

 

Tired of Government Bureaucrats Trying to Control Your Life? Attend the Liberty Dinner Series, this Saturday, March 20

By
John Crowder
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0

March 15, 2021

“You’re not the boss of me!”

I can’t remember how many times I heard, or used, that phrase, growing up.

Even as children we instinctively knew that, although under our parents care and direction, others, especially our peers, did not have the right to, “boss us around.”

Now, life seems to have come full circle, as an increasing number of government edicts are being enacted that look to control every aspect of our lives.

If you’re one of the many residents of Pocatello, Chubbuck, or nearby environs that is tired of government overreach, plan to attend the monthly Liberty Dinner Series sponsored by the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer.  You’ll have a chance to connect with others who feel the same as you do, who believe that we need to stand up to protect, and/or restore, our God-given rights before they’re all gone.

Besides being a great networking opportunity, you’ll enjoy a catered meal and hear from speakers who are passionate about our freedoms and who are taking action to preserve them.

Hundreds of local residents attended the RECONNECT Southeast Idaho Event (Photo Credit: RECONNECT Southeast Idaho)

This Saturday, March 20, hear from Chantelle Holman, Michele Holyoak, and Ashley Smith, the founders of RECONNECT Southeast Idaho.  Learn how they discovered that one person, speaking up, can make a difference, and how you can, too.

By attending, you’ll also be helping to instill the principles of patriotism in the next generation.  Part of the $25 per person proceeds goes toward providing prize money for students entering the local, AMVETS Idaho Post 1 Americanism Contest.

The Saturday, March 20, dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson Avenue, in Pocatello.  The catered meal includes spaghetti with meat sauce, bread, salad, and dessert.

Seating is limited.  To reserve your spot, contact the publisher of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer, John Crowder, at 925-628-4033, or by email at jcrowder27@hotmail.com.

Click on the image, below, to learn more.  Also be sure to follow the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer on Facebook so you’ll be the first to know about future events.

 

Gallup Poll: Majority of Health Care, Front Line Workers, Refuse or Are Skeptical of mRNA “Vaccine” Therapy

By
John Crowder
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0

March 13, 2021

As legislators and bureaucrats push the idea of mandatory vaccinations (NY Lawmaker Introduces Legislation to Require COVID Vaccination), Gallup reports that the majority of health care and front-line workers would either refuse the mRNA “vaccines” (34%) or were unsure if they would agree to take it (18%).  The result was striking, as the question for the poll asked, “Imagine that a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus will be free and widely available this Spring after approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that it prevented COVID-19 in at least 90% of participants in a large clinical trial.  Would you agree to be vaccinated?”

The results suggest that health care workers in reaching a decision for or against vaccination are far more likely to trust what they are witnessing firsthand, as they care for those suffering from adverse reactions to the shots, than to trust edicts from bureaucrats, politicians, and government agencies urging acceptance.

“The findings in this research indicate that there is some hesitancy to get the vaccine among workers in all sectors,” said the Gallup report.  It continues, “The modest COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates among healthcare workers and first responders are notable given that a much larger proportion of this group reported that they received a flu vaccine in 2019.”

The public health response to this news has thus far been to continue a public relations campaign.  Public health research, the report states, has shown “that vaccine acceptance can be boosted through various strategies, such as a recommendation from care providers with whom people have existing relationships, local availability, and recommendations from groups such as the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) and other public health departments.”

To view an article on the Gallup website detailing the results of the study upon which these statistics were reported, visit:  Front Line Workers Not Keen on Vaccine

 

Epoch Times Report: CDC Reports 1,637 Deaths Following COVID-19 Vaccinations

By
John Crowder
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0

March 10, 2021

In an article updated today, the Epoch Times has stated that the CDC is reporting 1,637 deaths following COVID-19 vaccinations.  The rate of deaths following the COVID-19 vaccinations is higher than that for flu vaccinations.

The article quotes Dr. Christian Perrone, head of infectious disease at the Hôpital de Garches in France, as saying, “The first vaccines they are offering us are not vaccines.  They are gene therapy products.  They…inject nucleic acids that will cause our own cells to produce elements of the virus.”

Adverse reactions from vaccinations are reported through the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), and is available to the public.  Information from COVID-19 vaccinations was last updated on the VAERS website on February 26.

You can access the VAERS system at: https://vaers.hhs.gov/

To learn more about and/or subscribe to the Epoch Times, visit: Epoch Times

 

Unofficial Election Results Show SD 25 School Trustees Survive Recall, Levy Passes

By
John Crowder
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0

March 10, 2021

The unofficial election results have been posted in Bannock County from yesterday’s election.  They show all three School District 25 (SD25) Trustees who faced recall surviving the effort, and the tax levy passing.

The  unofficial results currently read:

SUMMARY REPORT        BANNOCK COUNTY                   UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
RUN DATE:03/09/21     2021 SD25 RECALL AND LEVY
RUN TIME:09:24 PM     MARCH 9, 2021

                                                       VOTES PERCENT

           PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 49) .  .  .  .  .        49  100.00
           REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL .  .  .  .  .    45,182
           BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL.  .  .  .  .  .  .     6,547
           BALLOTS CAST - BLANK.  .  .  .  .  .  .         4     .06
           VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL  .  .  .  .  .  .             14.49
           VOTER TURNOUT - BLANK  .  .  .  .  .  .               .01

          RECALL SD25Z1 Zone 1
          (VOTE FOR)  1
           FOR  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       677   48.88
           AGAINST .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       708   51.12

          RECALL SD25Z2 Zone 2
          (VOTE FOR)  1
           FOR  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       674   41.27
           AGAINST .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       959   58.73

          RECALL SD25Z5 Zone 5
          (VOTE FOR)  1
           FOR  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       782   42.57
           AGAINST .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,055   57.43

          SD25 Levy
          (VOTE FOR)  1
           IN FAVOR OF.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     4,102   62.82
           AGAINST .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,428   37.18

 

To see future posts on the election, visit the Bannock County Elections website, here:

Elections

 

 

 

 

Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer Announces Liberty Dinner Series

By
John Crowder
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0

February 27, 2021

Audience attending RECONNECT Southeast Idaho Event (Photo Credit: RECONNECT Southeast Idaho)

If you’ve been disheartened at the erosion of liberty, increase in censorship, and the excessive and troubling mandates implemented by politicians and bureaucrats in recent months but wondered what, if anything, you could do about it, this event is for you.

The Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer announces the Liberty Dinner Series in Pocatello.

The Liberty Dinner Series is a monthly event, scheduled every third Friday or Saturday (depending on venue availability), beginning in March.  The series gives attendees the opportunity to connect with others who share your concerns, enjoy a meal, and hear from a speaker engaged in the fight to preserve and/or restore freedoms for Idahoans.  Topics planned include Freedom of Speech and Censorship, the Second Amendment, the Right to Life, Freedom of Assembly, Social Justice Indoctrination, and more.  Proceeds from the events will go toward event expenses and organizations making a positive impact for American values.

The Series kicks off on Saturday, March 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 S. Johnson Avenue in Pocatello.  The speakers scheduled for the March event are the founders of RECONNECT Southeast Idaho, Chantelle Holman, Michele Holyoak, and Ashley Smith.  They will be discussing how one person can make a difference by detailing how they came together to start their grassroots organization that recently hosted over 200 local residents to view the movie and hear from the star of the film, NONESSENTIAL:  A Documentary.

The cost to attend the March event is $25 per person.  Sponsorships are also available.  The evening features an opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded folks over a spaghetti dinner while hearing the inspiring story of RECONNECT Southeast Idaho.  Part of the proceeds for the March event will go toward support of the Idaho Post 1 AMVETS Americanism Contest.

Future events will feature:

  • April:  Idaho Representative Ron Nate on Tax Relief
  • May:  Idaho Freedom Foundation’s Anna K. Miller on Social Justice Indoctrination
  • TBD:  Idaho Representative and Air Force Academy graduate Priscilla Giddings

For more information, to purchase a ticket, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the publisher of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer, John Crowder, at 925-628-4033 or via email at jcrowder27@hotmail.com.

Fight to Regain Freedoms Grows as Over 200 Attend Pro-Liberty Film Saturday Evening in Pocatello

By
John Crowder
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0

February 22, 2021

Audience attending RECONNECT Southeast Idaho Event (Photo Credit: RECONNECT Southeast Idaho)

The drive to restore Constitutionally protected freedoms in Pocatello continues to grow as over 200 people attended one of two showings of the pro-liberty film, NON-ESSENTIAL: A DOCUMENTARY, Saturday evening.  In addition to the film, the audience heard from Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough and the star of the movie, former police officer and founder of Utah Business Revival, Eric Moutsos.

The film documents the efforts of Moutsos to support small businesses in Utah after they were deemed “nonessential” and closed by politicians on the pretext of the coronavirus.  It is a compelling tale of the fight for liberty against government bureaucrats and politicians.

Eric Moutsos of Utah Business Revival (Photo Credit: RECONNECCT Southeast Idaho

The movie and discussion, sponsored by the grassroots group, RECONNECT Southeast Idaho, were held at the Leavitt Center, with two showings, one at 7:00 p.m. and the other at 9:00 p.m.  During the first showing, due to technical difficulties part way through the film, Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough, who had been scheduled to speak following the film, took the stage as staff worked to get the film going again.  His inspirational message focused on the importance of protecting our freedoms.  He emphasized the difference that one person can make when he or she takes a stand for what is right.  During his message, Hough acknowledged Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England, who was in the audience, and asked if he would like to say a few words.  England said it was important that everyone remember that elected politicians are to be servants to those that elected them and are not put in place to rule over residents, but to help them.

At the conclusion of Hough’s remarks, the technical problems were cleared up, and the film continued without further interruption.  When it concluded, Moutsos spoke to the audience.  He also emphasized taking a stance for liberty and credited his faith in God for giving him the fortitude to work to help business owners who were in danger of losing everything when so many in positions of power acted to thwart his efforts.
To learn more about RECONNECT Southeast Idaho, send an email to:
reconnectsoutheastidaho@gmail.com
A trailer for the film, NON-ESSENTIAL:  A DOCUMENTARY, can be seen, here:

Editorial: H3, The Free Range Parenting Act, Helps Protect Parents From the Neighborhood Busybody and Overzealous Social Workers

By
John Crowder
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0

January 24, 2021

H3, The Free Range Parenting Act, is Common Sense Protection for Parents

by:  John Crowder

John Crowder, Publisher, Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer

I remember growing up in a small community in Alaska and heading out on adventures in the summer.  My brothers, sisters, friends, and I would get up in the morning, pack ourselves lunch, and take off through the woods to explore.  At times we’d be out until dinner.  Those were great times!

These days, though, just letting your child walk or bike to the park might lead to a visit from law enforcement or a social worker because someone decided they know more about parenting than you do.

The Idaho legislature took an important step last week to help protect parents from such neighborhood busybodies and overzealous social workers.

H3, the Reasonable Childhood Independence Act, also known as the Free Range Parenting Act, tightens up language around Idaho’s definition of neglect.  As the law is currently written, parents who allow their children to walk to school or to the park, to play outside, to stay at home for a reasonable amount of time, or to wait in a car when the temperature is not dangerously hot or cold, could be subject to dealing with law enforcement because some nosy neighbor or passerby decided to report them to authorities.

H3 specifically excludes actions such as those outlined above from the definition of neglect.  You can learn more about the bill, and follow its progress, here:

HOUSE BILL 3

To help ensure passage of this common sense legislation, contact your legislators and ask them to support H3.

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

Editorial: Watching President Trump’s Capitol Speech Shows “Inciting” Narrative is Completely False

By
John Crowder
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0

January 12, 2021

Watching President Trump’s Capitol Speech Shows “Inciting” Narrative is Completely False

By:  John Crowder

John Crowder, Publisher, Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer

Watching the entire speech given by President Trump on the day of the electoral college vote count shows that the Democrat narrative that he “incited” his supporters to attack the capitol is a complete fabrication.

In the speech, Trump outlines for his supporters the evidence for massive voter fraud taking place during the presidential election.  Beginning at the 16:21 mark in a video (link below) of the President’s speech, in his only reference to the march to the capitol, Trump states, “I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard; today we will see whether Republicans stand strong for integrity of our elections.”  (Emphasis added.)

The video illustrates what many Americans realize, that the media can no longer be trusted to accurately report the news, and that you must do your own research to learn the truth.

The video of President Trump’s speech, while it remains available, can be seen by visiting the link, below:

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The Pocatello Chubbuck Observer seeks to be a fair and objective portal, where readers can find the local, regional and national news, recent facts and entertainment.
Contact us: jcrowder@pocatellochubbuckobserver

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