Marla Palmer

Education

Idaho cannot keep asking schools to do more with less and then act surprised when problems get worse. I support investing in public education, including the basic maintenance and facilities needs that too many districts have been forced to delay. Deferred maintenance does not disappear. It becomes more expensive, more disruptive, and more unfair to students and taxpayers. Our children deserve safe buildings, qualified teachers, and schools that give every student a fair chance to learn, grow, and contribute. Learn more

Government Reform

I support protecting the right to ballot initiatives because Idahoans should have a direct way to act when elected officials refuse to listen. The initiative process is not a threat to democracy. It is democracy. Learn more

I also support term limits. Public office should be public service, not a lifetime position. Five terms, or one decade, is enough time to serve, lead, and make an impact. Learn more

Healthcare

The same principle applies to dental care. Prevention is almost always less expensive than crisis treatment. A small dental issue can become an infection, missed work, an emergency room visit, or a much larger public cost if we ignore it. Good healthcare policy should help people stay healthy, independent, and able to participate in their families, workplaces, and communities. Learn more

I support protecting Medicaid for elderly Idahoans and people with disabilities. These services are not luxuries. They are lifelines for families who are already carrying more than most people see. I also support preserving Medicaid expansion and improving general access to health insurance. When people have coverage, they are more likely to get preventive care, manage chronic conditions, keep working, and avoid more expensive emergency care later. Learn more

Housing

I support practical steps to increase housing availability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and bring more transparency to building costs and public bids. Communities need to understand why projects cost what they cost, where delays happen, and how state and local decisions affect affordability. We also need to protect the ability of individuals and families to purchase single-family homes, instead of allowing the market to be dominated by large corporate investors. Housing policy should help Idaho families put down roots, not push them farther from the communities they serve. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

I believe Idaho should spend taxpayer dollars carefully, transparently, and with attention to outcomes. We should invest where prevention saves money, where early support reduces crisis costs, and where public dollars strengthen communities instead of creating bigger problems down the road. Responsible budgeting is not about abandoning people. It is about making smart choices before small problems become expensive emergencies. Learn more