Working towards preserving traditional Idaho values.
Jared Dawson for Idaho State Representative District 8
ABOUT
Jared Dawson
My name is Jared Dawson, and I am a native Idahoan and longtime resident of Boise County. I am running as a Democratic candidate for state representative in District 8, which comprises Boise, Custer, Elmore, and Valley counties.
So, why am I running as a Democrat in a very red district? As a father of three young children, I want them to grow up with the same opportunities that I was afforded.
I feel that a legislative supermajority is terrible, regardless of what party is in power. Small voices shouldn't be drowned out, and while I have a little voice, that's kind of the point - everyone should be represented, and that's what I will do when elected.
Additionally, there is no purity test in the Democratic Party. You’re allowed to approach issues how you see fit; there is no censure or ex-communication from the party for legislators who vote against the platform when it runs against the will of constituents. If you want to explore this more, look no further than the actions of the Elmore County Republican Central Committee and the Idaho GOP, both of whom censured legislators this year (in our District) that voted their conscience against specific legislation supported by the party. As a result, all three of the incumbent Republican legislators lost their primary to challengers that lie much farther to the right.
That's why this race is so important: our state is on the verge of being pulled much farther to the right, and we're at risk of losing the traditional "live and let live" culture that made Idaho so great.
I’ve had the opportunity to venture out into the community and ask what issues we’re facing, and I plan on continuing that effort. Our district spans Horseshoe Bend, Challis, and McCall to Mountain Home. We are a very large and geographically diverse district, but we share the same core values. I’m asking for your support, and to look beyond the (D) behind my name. I’ll be knocking on doors as we move ahead, and I look forward to speaking with you, understanding what issues you’re concerned about, and earning your trust. Earning your trust – that bears repeating. I ask for you support to help me stand up for traditional Idaho values, to preserve our way of life, and let all of our children grow up in an environment that is safe, supportive, and gives them the tools to realize their ambitions and achieve things that we can only dream about.
On the Issues
*Quality Public Education - Education in Idaho needs to be a top priority. The legislature in Idaho has allocated funds in recent sessions, but there's a catch: only a handful of schools have been able to access them, and rural districts (who need them most) are at the bottom when it comes to their ability to access them. We need to fully fund our schools, and let our educators do their jobs without having to look over their shoulders and worry about manufactured vitriol. We have great teachers in Idaho, and we don't want them to leave.
*Affordable Healthcare - Healthcare is expensive. Everyone needs it. Legislators are openly speaking about repealing Medicaid in Idaho, which was established by voters statewide. This is unacceptable. There is no reason someone should have to go into lifelong debt because they get sick.
*Women's Health - No matter what your views on abortion are, Idaho's laws are some of the most restrictive in the nation. Women cannot get the healthcare they need, resulting in situations where doctors cannot help their patients (e.g., caring for miscarriages, etc.). As a result, upwards of 22% of Idaho's maternal health care providers have left the state. This has impacted our district as well. My wife and I had our third child in December and, with the nearest hospital an hour away, had to pray that we didn't experience any complications. The government shouldn't dictate our decision had we been faced with the worst day of our lives.
*Affordable Childcare - Idaho Legislature recently turned down a $16 million dollar grant to help fund childcare in Idaho. That is your own hard-earned tax dollars that were denied by the legislature to help parents with the skyrocketing cost of childcare, particularly in our rural communities.
*Early Childhood Development - Idaho needs help with getting our kids on the right track before they get into school and providing the tools they need to be successful in their educational career. The sooner they develop these skills, the more likely they are to unlock opportunities for success when they're older.