Posted on 04/24/2024 8:27:17 AM PDT by Cronos
For the people who now live in Eastern Oregon, they could see some of their existing rights eliminated under Idaho law, writes guest columnist Rebecca Tallent.
It is unique: Some parts of Oregon are seeking a divorce from the state because the residents do not feel represented in the state Legislature.
In recent elections, 11 Oregon counties voted to change states, from Oregon to Idaho. Greater Idaho, the nonprofit group promoting the move, said four Washington Counties (Asotin, Columbia, Walla Walla and Garfield) also expressed interest in moving. But what would this mean for Idaho?
On its website, Greater Idaho said the cost would need to be negotiated between the two states, claiming Idaho would greatly benefit from taking 9 percent of Oregon’s population. The organizers recommend Oregon give Idaho 9 percent of its government assets and liabilities.
Wallowa County commissioners press Gov. Kotek, Legislature on ‘Greater Idaho’ border talks
Well beyond increasing the square miles of the state and an initial small influx of cash, the Idaho Legislature would need to do serious work to find new revenue sources since there is no major industry in Eastern Oregon. Currently there is tourism, agritourism and ecotourism, but the traditional industries of timber, agriculture and mining have decreased in recent years.
Greater Idaho’s organizers claim there will be a $170 million per year benefit to Idaho, but without major industry and declining existing industries, how does this make sense?
This means current revenue dollars would need to be stretched even more thinly to support roads, provide health and human services, license certain professions, education for both K-12 and higher education, land management, regulating alcohol and other products, and many other aspects of government. Idaho’s Legislature currently has trouble doing this for the state’s existing land mass, what if Idaho almost doubled its size?
Take transportation for example, including supporting the thousands of road miles which would be added. This year, the Idaho Legislature barely passed the Idaho Department of Transportation budget over arguments concerning the department’s State Street building. Adding more buildings and roadways under this move would create similar future issues, perhaps resulting in even smaller budgets.
Another case is higher education. There is always serious debate in the state Legislature about proper funding for Idaho’s four major colleges. What would happen if four more were added? How could the Legislature add Eastern Oregon University plus three community colleges (Blue Mountain, Central Oregon and Columbia Gorge) to the mix? There is also this question: Would Eastern Oregon University simply have a name change or be folded into Boise State University or the University of Idaho?
Then there is the question of existing health care law in Idaho and the loss of physicians in rural Idaho thanks to recent legislation criminalizing some medical practices. A recent survey by the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare shows 77 of 117 physicians surveyed said they are considering leaving the state, most citing the state’s abortion law. Would Eastern Oregon physicians also pack up and leave for the same reason?
Other issues to consider when it comes to existing laws are whether Idaho would allow for the higher Oregon minimum wage ($14.20 per hour vs. Idaho’s $7.25) to remain or allow Oregon residents to continue legally using hemp, CBD or marijuana?
There is something else Oregonians need to consider: They are protesting the fact the Oregon Legislature does not listen to their concerns. Do they think the Idaho Legislature will be any different?
Especially this year, there have been many outcries as the Idaho Legislature held hearings on issues such as library access, but then ignored the comments and voted in legislation against the will of the people.
These are just a few of the issues Idaho would encounter should it adopt what is now Eastern Oregon. Financially, it makes little sense for Idaho although, as kingdom building goes, it could be an ego boost for state officials.
But what of the people who now live in Idaho? It could be a massive problem as taxes are likely to be raised and services are likely to be lessened due to budget constraints. For the people who now live in Eastern Oregon, they could see some of their existing rights eliminated under Idaho law.
While, initially, such a move might be good for many people in Eastern Oregon, in the long run it could be nothing short of a boondoggle for Idaho. One of the proposed “Greater Idaho” maps, which calls for several Eastern Oregon counties to secede and join Idaho. (Courtesy of greateridaho.org) 
I have many friends in Southern Illinois and the would love to join Missouri or Indiana.
> Changing state borders requires assent by the state legislatures involved as well as Congress.
With respect to Congressional approval, apparently all that is necessary is for the respective state delegations to jointly declare for the Congressional Record the adjustment to state borders. This has been going on for a long time for adjustments due to natural changes and resurveys. In the 19th century whole counties were swapped.
I think if this keeps up one of the coastal counties will turn and put the possibility of an Idaho coast on the table. This would be especially beneficial to Idaho.
However if we could convince people California and Oregon denied equal representation or similarly screwed the voters, they would lose representation in Congress and potentially become territorial possessions again, which could be divided up into new states without worrying about the former state legislatures or congressional delegations.
I meant Greater Idaho...
West Virginia was originally part of Virginia. That’s all I can recall in major State border adjustments. .
*I’d be willing to bet that Alberta Canada would love to join Greater Alberta. They are sick as hell of Trudeau and the Leftist politics of Canada.*
It starts with Trump as POTUS calling for an independent Quebec-excrement disturber stuff. Then it hits the fan everywhere else. Heh heh.
There was (and maybe still is) a n idea to add eastern Washington to that Greater Idaho and make a new state called Cascadia. Saw it in a Spokane newspaper back in the late 70’s, IIRC.
Considering that Olympia doesn’t give a rat’s patoot about anything east of Snoqualmie Pass, it’d make sense.
What about taking the Oregon/Washington border and flipping it North/South? West of the Cascades plus Bend can stay blue and the Eastern half can go red. They can fight over what they call their respective states and the location of their capitols. We stay at 50 states and gain two R senate seats.
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/idaho-capital-sun-bias/
“Overall, we rate the Idaho Capital Sun Left Biased based on editorial positions that routinely favor the left.”
And then what happens when Eastern Washington wants to join Idaho?
= = =
Well, the East side will still eat, and Seattle, etc. will enjoy the Antifa taking care of them.
“I think there is justification for many states to adjust their borders. Can it be done? Aside from miniscule border adjustments, has there ever been large-scale adjustments?”
Yes. Maine was carved out of Massachusetts. Vermont was denied to New York which claimed it. West Virginia was carved out of Virginia. The Michigan Upper Peninsula was taken from Wisconsin. etc.
Oregon and Washington were themselves taken from Britain/Canada.
But what about AFTER they became states?
Well, it will probably never happen unless the politicians figure out a way to launder some money out of it. They are ALL scum, including ours here in Idaho.
Timber, mining and agriculture have declined because of government regulations, not because of any inherent problems in those industries.
Oregon has lots and lots of trees, but sawmills have closed because most trees are off-limits due to government interference with the free market.
DW and I live in southern Oregon. Every time someone tries to start up a new mine it is smothered by regulations before it can even get started.
Agriculture is strangled because the state lays claim to all water in Oregon. We own 40 acres, but the state will not let me create a pond by damming up a creek, and will only let me pump enough for a small lawn from my privately owned well.
Let capitalism loose and we will be prosperous...
“residents do not feel represented in the state Legislature”
They aren’t represented.
And notice how all the horrors are because it will impact government. Nothing about freedom for the people who want this.
OK, yeah, I guess.
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