Press Release: Club for Growth Foundation Releases 2024 Idaho State Economic Scorecard

By Press Release • December 23, 2024

The following press release was sent out by Club for Growth. Press releases do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

Washington, D.C. – The Club for Growth Foundation published the 2024 Idaho State Economic Scorecard, offering Idahoans insights into how each legislator’s voting record on economic issues.

The Scorecard analyzes each legislator’s voting records and assigns an Economic Growth Score from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the highest support for pro-growth policies. In 2024, the Foundation reviewed over 800 bills, scoring 19 in the Idaho House and 15 in the Idaho Senate.

“While both chambers of the Idaho legislature passed promising legislation in 2024, there is still much to be done in Boise to promote economic growth, prevent the expansion of government, and combat inflation,” said Club for Growth Foundation President David McIntosh. “Every lawmaker must champion bills that promote prosperity and begin to reign in our government.”

Click here to read the full Idaho 2024 Scorecard from the Club for Growth Foundation.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Idaho Scorecard:
Idaho Senate:

Average Republican Score: 61%
Average Democrat Score: 6%
Highest Rated Republican(s): Sen. Cindy Carlson (SD-07), Sen. Daniel Foreman (SD-06), Sen. Phil Hart (SD-02), Sen. Scott Herndon (SD-01), Sen. Brian Lenney (SD-13), Sen. Tammy Nichols (SD-10), Sen. Doug Okuniewicz (SD-03), Sen. Ben Towes (SD-04), and Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld (SD-24): 100%
Highest Rated Democrat(s): Sen. James Just (SD-15): 9%
Lowest Rated Republican(s): Sen. Linda Hartgen (SD-25): 17%
Lowest Rated Democrat(s): Sen. Carrie Semmelroth (SD-17): 0%

Idaho House:

Average Republican Score: 59%
Average Democrat Score: 2%
Highest Rated Republican(s): Rep. Jacyn Gallagher (HD-09A), Rep. Joe Palmer (HD-20A), and Rep. Julianne Young (HD-30B): 100%
Highest Rated Democrat(s): Rep. Brooke Green (HD-18B): 13%
Lowest Rated Republican(s): Rep. Greg Lanting (HD-25B), Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen (HD-32A), Rep. Jack Nelson (HD-26B), and Rep. Kenny Wroten (HD-13B): 21%
Lowest Rated Democrat(s): Multiple Representatives with 0%

Notable Pro-Growth Legislation:

H. 572 – Blocking Unearned Guaranteed Income Handouts: Prevents political subdivisions from using revenue for unearned income payments.
H. 585 – Central Bank Digital Currency Prohibition: Prohibits the use of central bank digital currencies and mandates state agencies withdraw from CBDC programs.
H. 602 – Prohibiting Taxpayer-Funded Unions: Restricts taxpayer resources from supporting union activities, protecting non-union members.

Notable Anti-Growth Legislation:

H. 577 – Expanded Obamacare Spending: Adds provider taxes for a new Obamacare-oriented program, driving up inflation and taxpayer debt.
S. 1456 – Continued Medicaid Spending Binge: Allocates $4.7 billion for Medicaid, including a 33% spending increase over three years.

Note: This Scorecard is based on selected votes and does not reflect a legislator’s entire voting record. The Club for Growth Foundation does not endorse or oppose any legislator for public office.