• April 22, 2024 - Lt. Governor Bedke Releases Statement on the Death of Idaho Sheriff Deputy

    BOISE, Idaho – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke has issued the following statement after the murder of Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy Tobin Bolter: “Sarah and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy, Tobin Bolter, who was killed in the line of duty in a senseless act of violence. We extend […]

  • April 22, 2024 - Lt. Governor Bedke Condemns Hate Incident in North Idaho

    Coeur d’Alene, IDAHO – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke has issued the following statement regarding an incident of hate and racism in Coeur d’Alene involving the University of Utah women’s basketball program during the NCAA March Madness Tournament: “I am disgusted and angry about the disturbing events in Coeur d’Alene that were directed against athletes, students, […]

  • March 5, 2024 - OPINION: A Billion Feet of Timber

    The Importance of Idaho’s Forests and Forestry Industry The Gem State is home to more than 21 million acres of dense and plentiful forests, covering roughly 41% of the state. Our forests provide watersheds for drinking water and habitats for wildlife. Many of us spend our free time there — hiking, ATV riding, camping, hunting, […]

  • January 31, 2024 - OPINION: We Must Stop Fentanyl Traffickers. House Bill 406 is Needed for Idaho

    There is a killer in our midst, hiding in plain sight. The dangerous and highly lethal drug fentanyl has made its way into Idaho and is killing our citizens in record numbers. In 2022, 49% of all overdose deaths in Idaho were related to fentanyl, and that number is likely underreported. We need to send […]

  • January 4, 2024 - OPINION: The Virtue Most Needed

    Each winter as the Christmas rush settles down and the new year is just around the corner, many of us begin to think about New Year’s resolutions. My thoughts also turn toward the coming legislative session. January is a time of renewed optimism and new resolve, as I anticipate how I can work with other […]

  • December 18, 2023 - OPINION: Ditch the secret backroom dam breaching deals. Let’s focus on common ground.

    By Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke The recent agreement between the Biden Administration and the states of Washington and Oregon and the tribes on dam breaching represents a missed opportunity. Instead of working together to find common ground, the signatories to the agreement pandered to their political supporters and paid no attention […]

  • December 11, 2023 - OPINION: Let’s Make Adoption Easier in Idaho

    This November, we observed National Adoption Month here in Idaho. This annual event honors the courageous birth parents who choose life for their babies and the adoptive parents who open their home to a new family member. Adoption is a bridge for those who are not ready to parent but still want to choose life […]

  • November 14, 2023 - OPINION: Idaho LAUNCH is Putting Idaho Students First

    I’ve been doing a lot of traveling this month. Autumn in Idaho is a beautiful season, rich with changing colors and the sure signs of winter right around the corner. Driving the state is challenging, just because of its sheer size and geographic diversity, but it’s also a visual treat. Every time I travel through […]

  • November 13, 2023 - OPINION: Eradicating the Quagga Mussels

    Water is invaluable. This finite resource is the lifeblood that supplies nearly everything we need in life. It irrigates our fields and generates our power, creating a lush and fruitful landscape where arid desert previously stood. However, there is one thing we need to remember about this precious commodity: In order to be useful, water […]

  • September 27, 2023 - OPINION: This Harvest Season, Thank an Idaho Farmer

    Fall is a season of transition. The summer heat and longer days start to fade, and the crisp air and changing leaves begin to arrive. The kids are back in school, football is back on weekends, and the holiday season is right around the corner. While all of this is true, to me, fall also […]

  • September 19, 2023 - Lt. Governor Scott Bedke on the Finding of Quagga Mussel Larvae in the Snake River

    TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke issued the following statement in response to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) confirmation that quagga mussel larvae have been found in the Centennial Waterfront Park area of the Snake River: “I am disappointed to learn that this invasive species has infiltrated the Snake River. This […]

  • September 12, 2023 - OPINION: “A Republic, Madam …”

    On the last day of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the government being proposed for the new nation was to be a republic or a monarchy. His now-famous retort was, “A Republic, Madam, if you can keep it.” Franklin knew how fragile this new union would be and how many […]

  • April 6, 2023 - OPINION: Idaho-Focused Accomplishments from the 2023 Legislative Session

    For more than 20 years, I have had the honor of spending the beginning of each new year at the Idaho Capitol, working hard to do right by those who entrusted me to be their voice at the Statehouse and to continue to make Idaho the best state in the nation to live, work, and […]

  • March 4, 2023 - Lt. Governor Scott Bedke on the Passing of Former Governor Phil Batt

    BOISE, Idaho – Lt. Governor Scott Bedke issued the following statement on the passing of former Idaho Governor Phil Batt: “Governor Phil Batt was the embodiment of a dedicated public servant. A man of fairness and decency, Gov. Batt served our community with a commitment to protect our lands, fight for human rights, and ensure […]

  • January 9, 2023 - Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke Applauds Governor’s Priorities

    Boise, Idaho – Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke issued the following statement after Governor Brad Little’s 2023 State of the State and Budget Address today. “Working together, our citizens, businesses, and state leaders have positioned Idaho to become the strongest state in the country,” said Lt. Governor Bedke. “I agree with Governor Little that our combined […]

  • January 6, 2023 - Scott Bedke Publicly Sworn in as the 44th Lieutenant Governor of Idaho

    BOISE, Idaho – Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke was publicly sworn into office as the 44th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Idaho on January 6, 2023. The Lieutenant Governor joined fellow Idaho constitutional officers on the Idaho Capitol’s steps on Friday afternoon for the official swearing-in ceremony. “As your Lieutenant Governor, I pledge to support […]