Voter Guide: Marty Rotz-Hilhefner (D)

Party:
Democrat

• Website: https://www.martyforidaho.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574285050147
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Q: Tell us about your background, including your education, career experience, public service, and any previous political involvement. What experiences have best prepared you to serve in the Legislature?

I am a retired registered nurse with 40+ years in my nursing career. I also have a bachelor's degree in nursing. I've held many positions in various departments, including management. I've learned many life skills during those 40 years, listening and putting action plans in place, de-escalating crisis situations and multi tasking. I am currently the statewoman for the Bear Lake County Democrat Party and previous secretary. My husband and I started the Bear Lake County Dems 1.5 years ago.

Q: If elected, what would be your highest legislative priority, and what specific policies or actions would you pursue to address it?

My first priority when elected is to see the implementation of Proposition 1. I would vote against any legislative attempts to repeal, delay or weaken the initiative if passed by voters.

Q: Many families are concerned about rising costs of fuel, housing, groceries, health care, and other essentials. What role should government play in addressing inflation and improving economic opportunities, and what specific steps would you support?

The state legislature should be highly concerned about Idaho families and all the rising costs. I would propose legislation to remove the grocery sales tax, which is the highest in the nation. Many of the state and local housing codes date back to the 1970's, these need to be reviewed and updated. The state legislature should increase the Medicaid Expansion program to help Idahoans with medical expenses. Currently there are approximately 75,000 Idahoans that are becoming uninsured. I would also support adjusting the state income tax so the wealthy pay more of their fair share and reviewing state income tax exemptions on big business.

Q: Immigration remains a major issue at both the state and federal levels. What is your position on immigration policy, and what role, if any, should state government play in addressing immigration-related concerns?

I feel the current immigration policy is outrageous. People are being held in detention centers just like in Nazi Germany and during World War II when the Japanese were imprisoned. The United States was built on immigrants. To treat illegal immigrants with great disrespect, without due process and placing them in inhuman conditions is un-American. There needs to be a pathway to citizenship for these immigrants. However, I do believe there is a good reason to have a strong border control to detect criminals trying to enter the country.

Q: Access, affordability, and workforce shortages continue to challenge the health care system. What do you see as the biggest health care issues facing residents, and what solutions would you advocate for?

Idaho ranks 50th per capita for physicians and nurses in the nation. It was designated as a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area due the large rural areas, this means people have to travel many miles for healthcare. The current state legislature's short sightedness in decreasing the Medicaid Expansion program has detrimental effects for many low and middle income families. It has also put a huge strain on rural hospitals that have to make up the difference in income. I would advocate for increasing the Medicaid Expansion program.

Q: As lawmakers consider state budget priorities, what level of funding do you believe public schools should receive? What factors shape your position, and what outcomes would you hope to achieve?

I believe that school funding should be by enrollment, not by attendance. Currently Idaho spends the least amount of money per student then any state in the nation. Many schools are cutting teachers, counselors and support staff, due to lack of state funding. I would support legislation to remove the school voucher program and increase funding for public schools. We need to keep and attract qualified teachers to ensure increased academic standards.

Q: Looking at the most recent legislative session, what do you think lawmakers got right, what did they get wrong, and what changes would you advocate if elected?

I feel few meaningful results were delivered by the state legislature this last session. They passed bills (350) but many did not benefit Idahoan families. They passed several bills including some anti trans bills. (who cares what public bathroom someone uses or what flags are flown in Boise). For example, the Idaho legislature refused to participate in the "summer EBT program". This is a federally funded program that provides eligible families with $120/student/month to buy groceries. This left 107,000 low income students with less food this summer. This was free money from the federal government and would not have cost anything to the state. When elected I will advocate for a more compassionate approach and seek meaningful compromise on the issues that matter most to Idahoans.

Q: What is one issue that has not received enough attention during this campaign, and why do you believe voters should care about it?

Child care. Idaho does NOT invest state funds into early childhood education or pre-K. This is costing $668 million/year in lost earnings and productivity because families can't find affordable quality childcare.