State of Idaho Archives: on Social Security
Brad Little:
Cap medical benefits at $155/mo for government retirees
Legislative Summary: - Beginning July 1, 2008, the state shall pay $155 per eligible retired personnel per month toward such health care service coverage. Retired personnel shall be responsible for paying their own premiums
for any plan of health care service coverage.
- Beginning January 1, 2009, retired personnel health care service coverage shall not be available to any retired personnel who becomes eligible for Medicare.
- Dependent spouses of such Medicare-eligible retired personnel who are not themselves Medicare-eligible, may access health care service coverage.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-10-2 on March 19; Sen. Brad Little voted AYE; bill died in House Committee.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: S 1447
Mar 19, 2008
Jim Risch:
Reform Social Security without privatization
Risch says we need to reform Social Security,
but says he does not believe in privatization and will not vote to cut benefits.
Source: 2008 Idaho Senate Debate reported in Boise Weekly City Desk
Oct 9, 2008
Jim Risch:
Gradual changes now to avoid lower benefits later
Social Security not only serves as a retirement system, but also a provider of benefits to survivors & dependents. Changes to the original Depression-era program have made the program financially unsustainable under current policy.To make these
programs sound for future generations, we must begin reforming these entitlements now, while we are still able to make gradual changes and avoid lower benefits or massive tax increases that will severely impact beneficiaries in years to come.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Idaho Senate race
Apr 3, 2008
Michael Crapo:
Examine a wide array of proposals to strengthen system
Congress has undertaken the monumental task of preserving the Social Security system for current beneficiaries and future generations. I agree that the federal government should not hamper a senior's ability to live in a financially stable environment.
I look forward to examining a wide array of proposals to strengthen Social Security and will continue to seek methods of improving the Social Security system for those who are now on it and those who will depend on it in the future.
I agree that the federal government should not hamper a senior's ability to live in a financially stable environment. I look forward to examining a wide array of proposals to strengthen
Social Security and will continue to seek methods of improving the Social Security system for those who are now on it and those who will depend on it in the future.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Idaho Senate incumbents
Jan 11, 2011
Nels Mitchell:
The greatest generation earned their retirement security
My parents were part of America's "greatest generation." I know how hard they--and millions like them--worked to achieve the American dream. Seniors should have the resources and independence to
enjoy the quality of life we as Idahoans and Americans enjoy. Unlike my opponent, I will not waver in my support for Medicare and Social Security benefits.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com
Jul 1, 2014
Nels Mitchell:
Fight efforts to cut or privatize entitlements
Q: How would you protect Social Security for today's seniors and strengthen it for future generations?
A: I strongly support Social Security, Medicare and Veteran's benefits and would fight efforts to cut or privatize those important programs.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Aug 31, 2014
Russ Fulcher:
Cap medical benefits at $155/mo for government retirees
Legislative Summary: - Beginning July 1, 2008, the state shall pay $155 per eligible retired personnel per month toward such health care service coverage. Retired personnel shall be responsible for paying their own premiums
for any plan of health care service coverage.
- Beginning January 1, 2009, retired personnel health care service coverage shall not be available to any retired personnel who becomes eligible for Medicare.
- Dependent spouses of such Medicare-eligible retired personnel who are not themselves Medicare-eligible, may access health care service coverage.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-10-2 on March 19; Sen. Russ Fulcher voted AYE; bill died in House Committee.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: S 1447
Mar 19, 2008
Tom Sullivan:
Against privatizing; but reduce regulations
Q: Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security? A: No.
Q:Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
A: No.
Q: Do you support increasing the federal minimum wage?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the ability of workers to unionize?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support federal funding for job-training programs that retrain displaced workers?
A: Yes.
Source: Idaho Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Jim Risch:
Accusations about Republican cuts are not going to happen
When asked if seniors should be concerned about their 401ks, portfolios, and social security, Risch said this. "We are not going to cut Social Security benefits. Let's focus on Social Security because the Democrats keep talking about Republicans talking
about cuts to Social Security, that's not going to happen.""Social Security is open, it's open for business, it's taking phone calls, and it's doing things it's always done."
Source: KIVI-TV, "Benefits," on 2026 Idaho Senate race
Apr 16, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026