FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2026
I commend Governor Brad Little for signing House Bill 516 into law, marking an important step forward for transparency, accountability, and fairness in Idaho’s education system.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to bring forward Resolution 2026-15 at the Idaho GOP Winter Meeting, calling for an end to taxpayer support—direct or indirect—for teachers’ unions. That resolution reflected a simple and widely shared principle: public funds should not subsidize private political organizations.
H516 puts that principle into action. It ensures that taxpayer dollars and public resources are no longer used to support union activities, whether through payroll systems, paid leave for union work, or other forms of institutional assistance. This reform does not restrict any teacher’s freedom to associate or participate in a union. It simply draws a clear and appropriate boundary between government and private advocacy.
Conservative Idahoans appreciate and support our teachers. What we do not appreciate are organizations that use taxpayer dollars to advance an agenda contrary to the values of faith, family, and freedom that so many of us share.
I appreciate the many legislators who worked to advance this policy—especially Representative Judy Boyle, who carried the original legislation, and Senator Brian Lenney, who took the necessary steps to preserve it as the session neared its end—as well as the Idaho GOP for getting behind it and Gov. Little for signing it into law. I also want to recognize Maxford Nelsen of the Freedom Foundation, whose tireless work on this issue was indispensable, along with the many others who contributed their time and effort to turn this idea into reality.
These combined efforts helped bring about a meaningful reform that strengthens public trust in our institutions.
Brian Almon
Chairman
District 14 GOP
About Brian Almon
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
