Want to know what happens in an Idaho Freedom Foundation team meeting? Here’s a glimpse. The question was asked, “If Argentina can cut its government and spending by 28% in one year, why can’t Idaho do that or more?” Without missing a beat, “The answer is ‘cowardice,’” rang out from one (unnamed) freedom fighter. And who can really disagree?
In Argentina, dark horse and “far right” candidate, Javier Milei, won the presidency in 2023 by nearly 12 points. A stunning victory. How did he do it? He promised to take a chainsaw to Argentina’s bloated and overly-regulatory government. He literally carried around a chainsaw to campaign events. The people responded. Milei kept his promise, and now Argentina's Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation displays a bobble-head likeness of the president toting the chainsaw.
The story only improves from there. Milei cut Argentina's budget by 28%, reduced taxes, and slashed regulations. And guess what? Argentina did not break off and sink into the ocean. People were not wailing and sobbing in the streets. Fire and riots did not break out. Instead, the economy improved, inflation fell, the budget deficit turned into a surplus for the first time in 14 years, and the new president’s popularity went up.
Milei did DOGE before DOGE was cool. His cuts to regulations are moving Argentina from the sixth most regulated country, according to Canada’s Fraser Institute, toward a free-market economy.
It turns out that people like the freedom that comes from low taxes, few regulations, and reduced inflation. Milei’s popularity has improved significantly in just over a year. In local Buenos Aires elections just this May, people dramatically supported Milei-endorsed candidates.
Ok, that’s Argentina. What about Idaho?
We saw last week the hue and cry from lawmakers and the press when Governor Little’s office instructed agencies to prepare “internal plans” for holdbacks, as there may have to be some cuts to spending this year or next year. It’s all because the tax collections are coming in (only slightly) lower than was projected.
As the IFF pointed out last week, tax collections coming in short of projections, but still higher than last year’s collections, simply means less money remaining on the bottom line after all spending is done and does not indicate a crisis of any magnitude. Idaho does not have a tax revenue problem; it has a spending problem.
The issue is how the governor and Legislature always plan to “spend it up” after projecting what tax revenues will be, rather than planning for lean, efficient government spending and reducing tax burdens accordingly. Idaho’s cart is always in front of its horse. Projected revenues drive government growth, whereas principled leadership keeps government limited and reduces the need for tax revenues.
Who is Idaho’s Javier Milei? Is anyone in Idaho’s government or leadership arguing for truly cutting government spending? Or are they saying we are going to “hold the line” on spending increases? As our government spending has grown by roughly 60% in the last six years, the field is ripe for a Milei-type leader to roam Idaho with a chainsaw promising to cut government back to its proper role and limits, return the excess to taxpayers, and see the fruits of efficiency and prosperity borne by a truly free-market economy.
Recent history shows that such a chainsaw patriot would win elections and reelections in landslides. So, it shouldn’t take courage to do what is both right and popular, should it? Well, the fact that it hasn’t been done indicates cowardice because our leaders are afraid of something. They must be afraid of special interests, powerful agencies, and liberal media more than they are concerned about doing what’s right for the people.
So, here’s a challenge. Find the man or woman (or 105 legislators) willing to make the pledge: “I will cut Idaho’s budget by 28% by 2027, and I will get government regulation off Idahoans’ backs.” That’s merely removing about half the government excess of the last six years. Heck, even a 10%-cut pledge would be legendary in Idaho. Argentina’s example shows how such a leader or leaders would be idolized and celebrated. It’s a win-win.
In a time when other states’ governments are out of control and dipping to the left, cutting Idaho’s budget and regulations would undoubtedly unleash Idaho’s prosperity. So, don’t cry for me, Argentina, just keep helping us by example to make Idaho even better.
