In general, my interest involves representing those whose voice is not easily heard in the Idaho Legislature. I work to provide ready access to services for those in need. Since most of my life has been devoted to young people and public education, much of my attention is focused upon related issues. We must have strong public schools, offering programs suitable to meet the needs of families and children in the community. Early childhood education opportunities must be improved to help assure that each child is well prepared upon entering kindergarten. Idaho students, upon high school graduation, should have ready access to higher education, or vocational education.

Jobs with good pay and benefits must be available in order that families may be successful. We must pay careful attention to needs of hard-working middle class citizens, and we must help families move from welfare to work. It is essential that we continually seek solutions to the problem of assuring accessible healthcare.

During my two years on the Revenue and Taxation Committee, I increased my focus upon tax policy. I will continually work for changes in tax policy to provide an adequate stream of revenue for essential programs, support small business, and assure that hard-working citizens are not burdened as a result of providing tax breaks to special interests. We need to monitor the effects of tax policy upon senior citizens and others living on fixed incomes. I will continue to propose legislation for an Earned Income Credit for working families.During the 2008 legislative session, I co-sponsored legislation to give protection to victims of domestic violence. I plan to continue my work to support those individuals.

I respect the research provided by the Common Interest. The information provided gives a solid basis for consideration of policy decisions. In my opinion, it is carefully non-partisan. I will continue to use information on the issues the Common Interest chooses to study.

Biographical information: Married to John Ringo; adult children Shawn, Stacy, Shelley; granddaughter Sadie.
Education: BA and MAT in Mathematics, Washington State University
Career: Public school teacher, 38 years

Leadership Experience: Idaho House of Representatives, four terms
Chair of Latah County Democrats, six years
President, Moscow Education Association
Region II President, Idaho Education Association
Membership Committee Chair, Idaho Education Association
Board Member, Latah County AARP

Legislative Committees: Joint Finance and Appropriations
Commerce and Human Resources
Transportation and Defense

Honors: Political Advocacy Award, Region II of Idaho Education Association
Friend of Education, Idaho Education Association
Legislator of the Year, Professional Firefighters of Idaho
Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics

Individuals whose political thoughts are carefully considered have my respect. In elections, the voters need information to understand candidates’ views on issues and policy. I believe that the candidates’ political affiliations provide a certain amount of information in that regard.

After an election is completed, all attention should be focused upon making the best decisions for the people of Idaho. Unfortunately, the games currently played in partisan politics get in the way of quality representation. It is expected that there will be disagreement on issues, but there should be open discussions on these issues. The people we serve should have ready access to the legislative decision-making process. Good ideas are often blocked because the sponsors belong to the “wrong” party. The people are not well served by such a heavy-handed style of leadership. This is especially problematic with the lack of balance in the Idaho legislature.

Certain special interests inappropriately wield tremendous power because of their organization and financing. Many lobbyists have great influence over the process because of the knowledge base gained over many years of service. These folks are hired, not elected, so their length of service exceeds that of most legislators.

There is a place for partisan politics, and the information that can be gained from those representing special interests is of value. However, we need better balance, and we need assurance that money is not buying access and influence.