Mike Simpson

Bottom Rung: The Politics Of Increasing Idaho’s Minimum Wage

Emilie Ritter Saunders — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:14:11 +0000

As in many states, Idaho’s minimum wage hasn’t changed since 2009, when the hourly minimum was boosted by the federal government.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found 31,000 hourly Idaho workers earned the minimum wage, $7.25, or less in 2012. That’s a 63 percent increase from 2011.

Idaho Delegation Weighs In On Obama Gun Proposals

Associated Press — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:39:56 +0000

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador say they are withholding judgment on a series of gun proposals issued by President Obama — at least for now.

The Idaho Republicans say they want to take some time to review the proposals, including 23 separate executive orders issued Wednesday.

Simpson, Labrador Ahead In Idaho Congressional Races

Associated Press — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 06:46:36 +0000

Idaho Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador were on pace to beat their Democratic rivals and return to Congress.

In early results, Simpson tallied nearly 68 percent, to just 32 percent for his Democratic rival, Nicole LeFavour.

Labrador was trouncing ex-NFL player Jimmy Farris, 64 percent to 30 percent.

For Labrador, a win means his second term since sweeping into office in 2010 on a wave of tea party support.

Labrador says it was hard to take Farris seriously, given the Democrat voted for the first time in 2008.

Idaho Democrat Nicole LeFavour Works Toward A Congressional Upset

Emilie Ritter Saunders — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:24:18 +0000

Burley, Idaho is farm country. About 10,000 people live in the eastern Idaho town, that for many is just a stop off I-84 to gas up.

This is Republican Congressman Mike Simpson’s home turf. He was born in here. But now, Boise Democrat Nicole LeFavour is making one of the most serious runs at his seat in recent history.

Idaho’s Second District Candidates Take In Big Money

Adam Cotterell — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:35:05 +0000

New numbers are out for campaign fundraising in Idaho’s congressional races. The candidates have reported what they’ve taken in as of the end of June.

In the First District, incumbent Republican Raul Labrador has raised almost 15 times as much as his Democratic challenger Jimmy Farris. That’s $551,568 compared to $37,388.

Idaho Teachers’ Union Endorses Incumbent Over Teacher

Adam Cotterell — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:45:35 +0000

Idaho’s teacher’s union created a hubbub when it endorsed Republican Mike Simpson in his reelection bid for Idaho's Second Congressional District. It picked Simpson over Democratic state senator and part time teacher Nicole LeFavour.

Idaho Congressmen Oppose Fed Plan On Woodland Caribou Habitat

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:05:12 +0000

Idaho's U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Raul Labrador (R-ID) want the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to “go back to the drawing board” on the agency’s woodland caribou proposal.

They released a letter Thursday expressing “deep concerns” with the agency’s idea to designate nearly 600 square miles in the Selkirk Mountains as critical habitat for the endangered species.

Idaho Lawmakers Weigh In On Supreme Court's Health Care Ruling

Emilie Ritter Saunders, and Molly Messick — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:12:41 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the majority of President Barack Obama's health care law.

The high court issued its ruling in Washington this morning. You can read the ruling here.

Now, Idaho lawmakers and policy makers are weighing in.

Here's what some of them are saying:

Congressman Mike Simpson Wants To Go Slow On Grazing Restrictions

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:58:07 +0000

Three conservation groups want to stop domestic sheep from grazing on certain areas within the Payette National Forest. They fear Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep will catch diseases transmitted by their domestic cousins. These groups filed a motion in federal court this week to force the U.S Forest Service to further restrict sheep grazing.

Northwestern Lawmakers Weigh In On Health Care Case

Matt Laslo — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:38:07 +0000

Idaho and 25 other states challenge the country's health care law in the U.S. Supreme Court this week. The justices will hear challenges on three parts of the law but the biggest question facing the justices is whether the government can force people to purchase private health insurance.

Idaho Republican Congressman Mike Simpson says a ruling in favor of the individual mandate would greatly expand federal power. He questioned, “If they can do that, what can’t they do under the commerce clause?”