The potential boondoggle of Greater Idaho

It is unique: Some parts of Oregon are seeking a divorce from the state because the residents do not feel represented in the state Legislature.

In recent elections, 11 Oregon counties voted to change states, from Oregon to Idaho. Greater Idaho, the nonprofit group promoting the move, said four Washington Counties (Asotin, Columbia, Walla Walla and Garfield) also expressed interest in moving. But what would this mean for Idaho?

On its website, Greater Idaho said the cost would need to be negotiated between the two states, claiming Idaho would greatly benefit from taking 9 percent of Oregon’s population. The organizers recommend Oregon give Idaho 9 percent of its government assets and liabilities.

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Well beyond increasing the square miles of the state and an initial small influx of cash, the Idaho Legislature would need to do serious work to find new revenue sources since there is no major industry in Eastern Oregon. Currently there is tourism, agritourism and ecotourism, but the traditional industries of timber, agriculture and mining have decreased in recent years.

Greater Idaho’s organizers claim there will be a $170 million per year benefit to Idaho, but without major industry and declining existing industries, how does this make sense?

This means current revenue dollars would need to be stretched even more thinly to support roads, provide health and human services, license certain professions, education for both K-12 and higher education, land management, regulating alcohol and other products, and many other aspects of government. Idaho’s Legislature currently has trouble doing this for the state’s existing land mass, what if Idaho almost doubled its size?

Take transportation for example, including supporting the thousands of road miles which would be added. This year, the Idaho Legislature barely passed the Idaho Department of Transportation budget over arguments concerning the department’s State Street building. Adding more buildings and roadways under this move would create similar future issues, perhaps resulting in even smaller budgets.

Another case is higher education. There is always serious debate in the state Legislature about proper funding for Idaho’s four major colleges. What would happen if four more were added? How could the Legislature add Eastern Oregon University plus three community colleges (Blue Mountain, Central Oregon and Columbia Gorge) to the mix? There is also this question: Would Eastern Oregon University simply have a name change or be folded into Boise State University or the University of Idaho?

Then there is the question of existing health care law in Idaho and the loss of physicians in rural Idaho thanks to recent legislation criminalizing some medical practices. A recent survey by the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare shows 77 of 117 physicians surveyed said they are considering leaving the state, most citing the state’s abortion law. Would Eastern Oregon physicians also pack up and leave for the same reason?

Other issues to consider when it comes to existing laws are whether Idaho would allow for the higher Oregon minimum wage ($14.20 per hour vs. Idaho’s $7.25) to remain or allow Oregon residents to continue legally using hemp, CBD or marijuana?

There is something else Oregonians need to consider: They are protesting the fact the Oregon Legislature does not listen to their concerns. Do they think the Idaho Legislature will be any different?

Especially this year, there have been many outcries as the Idaho Legislature held hearings on issues such as library access, but then ignored the comments and voted in legislation against the will of the people.

These are just a few of the issues Idaho would encounter should it adopt what is now Eastern Oregon. Financially, it makes little sense for Idaho although, as kingdom building goes, it could be an ego boost for state officials. 

But what of the people who now live in Idaho? It could be a massive problem as taxes are likely to be raised and services are likely to be lessened due to budget constraints. For the people who now live in Eastern Oregon, they could see some of their existing rights eliminated under Idaho law.

While, initially, such a move might be good for many people in Eastern Oregon, in the long run it could be nothing short of a boondoggle for Idaho.