Week 6

Welcome to Week 6 of Motivation Monday!

This week, we’re sharing tips and tricks for writing effective letters and emails to your legislature. Advocacy starts with your voice, and a well-crafted message can make a real impact!

Tips for Writing to Legislature:

Be Clear and Concise: Start with your main point and keep your message focused.

Make it Personal: Share your story and explain how the issue directly impacts you or your family.

Be Polite and Respectful: A positive tone can help build understanding and rapport.

Ask for Specific Action: Clearly state what you’d like the legislator to do (e.g., vote for/against a bill, support funding).

Include Your Contact Information: Make it easy for them to follow up with you.

Need more guidance? Check out these resources:

https://ipulidaho.org/news/legislative_update

https://shorturl.at/CSXLj – IPUL’s Champion for Change – Power of a personal story Padlet

https://legislature.idaho.gov

Your voice matters! Whether it’s a heartfelt letter or a quick email, your input can help shape decisions that affect our community.

#MotivationMonday #ParentAdvocacy #WriteYourLegislator #ChampionForChange #IPULResources

[Week 6] Legislative Update This Week’s Highlights:

Key Legislative Actions:

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 138: Medicaid Expansion, conditions

** On February 12th House Bill No. 138 was sent to the floor with a “Do Pass Recommendation” and filed for a second reading.** This bill sets rules for continuing Medicaid coverage for healthy adults while focusing on work, accountability, and financial sustainability. Key points include a work or volunteer requirement and enrollment limits. If any 1 of the 11 restrictions are not met by July 1, 2026, Medicaid expansion is repealed.

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 163: Public Charter School, Admission

** On February 11th, House Bill No. 163 was Reported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading** This law would give military families priority when applying to charter schools if at least one parent or guardian is on active duty or serving in the National Guard or Reserves. The goal is to help military children get into charter schools more easily since their families often have to move due to military assignments, or Permanent Change of Station (PCS orders).

STATE – Idaho Senate Bill No. 1096: Educational Funding, Weighted Per-Student

With this bill, schools would be funded based on a “weighted per-student funding formula” rather than just the number of students in attendance. Additional funding will be provided for students with specific needs, including: economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, students with disabilities, gifted and talented students, and at-risk students attending alternative schools. School districts will receive financial adjustments if their funding under the new formula is lower than what they would have received under the old system.

STATE – Idaho House Bill No. 93: Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit

Introduced in the House, this legislation aims to create a refundable tax credit to cover private school tuition, fees, tutoring, and transportation. It is currently awaiting a public hearing.

Get Involved!

You can use IPUL’s “Power of a Personal Story” template to craft testimony to share with legislators. Other testimony tips can be found in the padlet as well. You will find all our tips at this link https://shorturl.at/kSLOf

Looking Ahead:

Updates on upcoming legislative actions will be shared as they become available. Stay tuned!

Stay Connected:

Week 6

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