Op-Ed: Sen. Den Hartog Blocking Transportation Bill for Active Duty Service Members
By Ryan Edwards • March 19, 2021Senator Lori Den Hartog is blocking a bill that would effectively reduce vehicle registration costs by fifty percent for Active-Duty Service Members stationed outside Idaho. This is contingent on the Service Member maintain residency in Idaho while on Active-Duty orders.
My idea started for this bill back in 2018 when the Idaho DMV charged my wife and I both in state and out of state registration fees on a vehicle we bought while stationed with the Army at Fort Irwin, CA. In working with Representative Chad Christensen, we created a plan that would ensure that situation never happened again, while giving Service Members a slight discount on vehicle registration. This plan resulted in HB157.
The amount of revenue decrease to the State of Idaho is around $80,000. While the State is currently in a surplus, this amount is basically chump change. Conservative Republicans are supposedly known for being small government and fiscally conservative. If this is the case, why is Senator Hartog gatekeeping vehicle registration costs? According to her, it is because veterans already receive property tax breaks. Personally, I have never seen of nor heard of this break, and I can assure the majority of Active-Duty SM’s haven’t either. These ‘conservatives’ campaign on the promises of reducing the size of government and supporting the military, but where is the support?
While Senator Hartog plays authoritarian, this bill has garnered the support of the majority of the congress. HB157 passed the House with a vote of 67Y, 0N, and 3 ABS. A rare unanimous vote.
I call on Senator Hartog to stop playing games with our Service Members and the will of the congress and move this bill forward!
For life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness!
-Ryan Edwards
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SHAPIRO vs. THOMSON, 394 U. S. 618 April 21, 1969 . Further, the Right to TRAVEL by private conveyance for private purposes upon the Common way can NOT BE INFRINGED. No license or permission is required for TRAVEL when such TRAVEL IS NOT for the purpose of [COMMERCIAL] PROFIT OR GAIN on the open highways operating under license IN COMMERCE.
Marbury v. Madison, 5 US 137,(1803) The Constitution of these United States is the supreme law of the land. Any law that is repugnant to the Constitution is null and void of law.
Murdock v. Penn., 319 US 105, (1943) No state shall convert a liberty into a privilege, license it, and attach a fee to it.
Interesting find. SHAPIRO vs. THOMSON, 394 U. S. 618 April 21, 1969 . Further, the Right to TRAVEL by private conveyance for private purposes upon the Common way can NOT BE INFRINGED. No license or permission is required for TRAVEL when such TRAVEL IS NOT for the purpose of [COMMERCIAL] PROFIT OR GAIN on the open highways operating under license IN COMMERCE.
Marbury v. Madison, 5 US 137,(1803) The Constitution of these United States is the supreme law of the land. Any law that is repugnant to the Constitution is null and void of law.
Murdock v. Penn., 319 US 105, (1943) No state shall convert a liberty into a privilege, license it, and attach a fee to it…….
Just because she is a republican doesn’t mean she is a conservative. Leftists are running as republicans in the state and are being elected because of the “R” by their name. Check out the candidate don’t just vote for the republican.
I agree with your statement
Agreed. It is imperative that all Constitutional Conservatives write a letter to
ldenhartog@senate.idaho.gov
The GOP Senators are not hearing or passing bills passed by the Idaho House Constitutional Conservatives. They are tabling them or killing them. Look it up. This is the majority of GOP Senators. Find the Senator representing your District and write them a letter. Hold them accountable.
Go to Idaho Freedom Foundation to look at voting records.
I have a better idea. Active military are exempt from income tax and our wounded veterans are permanently exempt.
I am nether but I agree nonetheless.
Hear Hear!