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\Idaho Press Tribune
February 14, 2026 By Angie Lewis Congress has taken a significant step toward improving cancer screening and detection for seniors on Medicare. On February 3, the bipartisan Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Act was officially signed into law, marking an important win for patients, families, and physicians nationwide. I want to thank Senator Crapo for his leadership in authoring and advancing the MCED Act, as well as Idaho’s entire congressional delegation for helping get this critical legislation across the finish line. Their efforts ensure that innovation in early cancer detection can finally reach the seniors who need it most. Too many cancers are still diagnosed at later stages, when treatment becomes more invasive, harder, and more expensive. This problem is especially significant in rural states like Idaho, where access to specialists and advanced screening options can be limited. MCED blood tests, when used alongside existing screenings, could help detect multiple cancers earlier with a simple blood draw. With this law now in effect, Medicare patients and their doctors will have a clearer way to access these potentially life-saving tools once they are proven safe and effective. This is an important step toward earlier cancer detection, improved outcomes, and greater hope for Idaho families. Angie Lewis Meridian  One of the most significant discussions so far has centered on Idaho’s annual tax conformity legislation. Traditionally a routine update aligning state tax code with federal law, this year’s proposal has generated more debate given both federal tax changes and the state’s current fiscal outlook. Lawmakers are considering revisions that would delay certain tax treatments for research and development expenses and adjust related credits. The Chamber has shared high-level concerns about predictability and retroactive impacts on businesses and will continue working with policymakers as the bill moves through the process.
Regionally, a proposal in Utah that would place a new tax on fuel refined there but sold in neighboring states has also drawn attention. Idaho leaders have formally expressed opposition, citing potential cost increases for Idaho consumers and businesses, and the Chamber has joined partners in encouraging continued collaboration between our states. Beyond the Capitol, the Idaho Chamber Alliance is starting the year with new leadership and fresh momentum, welcoming Travis Jones as its new director. The Alliance recently hosted its annual Chamber Days at the Capitol, bringing together a strong lineup of speakers including Governor Brad Little, Senate Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, Speaker Mike Moyle, and Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee co-chairs Senator Scott Grow and Representative Josh Tanner. Attendees also heard from community and business leaders on the issues shaping Idaho’s economic outlook—from managing local growth and navigating tax conformity to expanding childcare options that support a stable workforce. As the session continues, we will keep members informed on key developments and opportunities to engage in advocacy that supports a strong, stable business environment across the Treasure Valley and across Idaho. A summary of the Governor's State of the State and Budget Address:
The Governor’s budget proposal includes both permanent and one-time spending changes. On the savings side, it permanently reduces state spending by nearly $120 million through a 3% agency reduction required by the Idaho Act, eliminates more than 100 long-vacant state positions for $20 million in ongoing savings, and cuts $30 million by ending the Empowering Parents grant program. The proposal also recommends cutting $10 million each year from local drinking water and wastewater projects, making a one-time $275 million reduction to the Transportation Department’s Strategic Initiatives Fund, and not funding higher education enrollment workload increases, saving $9.5 million in fiscal year 2027. On the investment side, the budget includes $925 million in federal spending authority over five years for rural healthcare, nearly $1 million for graduate medical residency programs, and a $45 million reduction in General Fund Medicaid spending through a 4% provider rate adjustment and other service changes that would require legislative approval. The Governor also expressed the importance of the continuation of the Idaho LAUNCH program and the growth of workforce development. The legislative session opened with an immediate focus on the state budget, as the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) met early under new leadership and quickly turned to fiscal discussions. Representative Josh Tanner (R, D-14) replaced Representative Wendy Horman and chaired the committee’s first meeting of the year. The Governor’s budget proposal received mixed reactions from legislators. Some questioned whether the proposed reductions go far enough to meet the state’s balanced budget requirement, while others raised concerns about potential cuts to public education or Medicaid provider rates. The Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee developed the revenue projection for current FY26 at $5.665 billion and $5.816 billion for FY27. This number is 2.8% more than the Governor's recommendation for FY26 and 2.4% for FY27. JFAC voted and approved this number on Monday. HB506 - The State Taxation Anticipated Revenue or STARs program allows developers to receive a rebate of sales taxes to be collected from retailers within a new complex for transportation improvements. The law currently has a minimum expenditure of $6 million and a maximum of $35 million for a qualified project. This legislation increases the minimum project total to $10 million and the maximum to $100 million. HB519 - This proposed legislation is the annual tax conformity bill to update references to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). The bill conforms the Idaho income tax code to changes made to the IRC that affect the 2025 tax year. It fully conforms Idaho to the tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including recapture of past R&E, except for bonus deprecation which Idaho has historically not conformed to. This proposed legislation also ensures that businesses cannot use the same R&E expenses for both a deduction and Idaho tax credits. SB1225 - This legislation defines the process for all president searches for the state institutions of higher education and amends Idaho Code to make the name of the sole finalist publicly available for 10 days prior to the final decision being made by the hiring authority. (Instead of the current five finalists required) https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2025/nov/20/momentum-on-improving-medicare-coverage-for-cancer/
Momentum on improving Medicare: coverage for cancer detection Mike Crapo by U.S. SEN. MIKE CRAPO / Contributing Writer | November 20, 2025 1:00 AM Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates. I have been a long-time proponent of legislation to ensure Medicare beneficiaries’ access to cutting-edge tests capable of detecting multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear, to help ensure Idaho seniors and seniors across the country can receive lifesaving, preventative care. The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee’s recent advancement of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act by a 43-0 vote is encouraging momentum in the effort to get this legislation across the finish line and to President Trump’s desk. Under current law, Medicare only covers preventative services Congress has explicitly authorized or the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has recommended. This results in routine screening being reimbursed for limited types of cancer and significant barriers to early cancer screening for many other types of cancer. This legislation would allow for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screenings immediately as they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rather than risking a lengthy legislative or regulatory approval process, saving millions of lives in the process. For multiple congresses, I have introduced MCED, which would: · Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain FDA-approved MCED tests, which can screen for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack an effective screening option; · Authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, enabling beneficiaries to access these technologies, which currently lack a viable coverage pathway under the program; · Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and · State that new diagnostic technologies will supplement existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing. Leading health care organizations across the United States support MCED and have advocated for its enactment. This includes the Idaho Medical Association. At reintroduction of MCED earlier this year, Susie Keller, Chief Executive Officer of the Idaho Medical Association, said, “Congress has an opportunity to improve access to innovative cancer screenings and transform cancer care for Idaho seniors while reducing Medicare spending. Seven in ten cancer deaths are caused by cancers for which there are currently no covered screening tests, which are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Thanks to Senator Crapo’s leadership, more than 500 advocates and nearly 400 members of Congress have already signaled their support for this legislation. We are proud to support this legislation and urge Congress to pass it swiftly.” Medicare should provide patients with access to health care innovations as soon as they are available. A majority of the U.S. Senate and a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives have co-sponsored MCED. This includes my fellow members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation, Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher. I look forward to capitalizing on the broad support as I continue to work to enact this needed legislation through any viable legislative vehicle to help ensure federal health care policy keeps pace with medical advancements. Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho in the U.S. Senate. He can be reached at crapo.senate.gov. Boise voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to weigh in on a few key local issues. While this isn’t a major federal election year, there are still important decisions to be made that directly impact our community.
Boise City Council Races Three City Council seats are up for election:
Clean Water and Open Space Levy Boise voters are also being asked to approve an $11 million levy to fund:
How to Get Informed There are already some excellent resources available to help you make an informed decision:
Key Dates
Final Thoughts Local elections may not get the same attention as national ones, but they often have a bigger impact on your daily life. Whether it’s the future of Boise’s parks or who represents your district on the City Council, your vote matters. Happy Voting! Stay well, Tori Thomas The U.S. Chamber was supportive of the tax provisions in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. To help our members more easily understand these provisions, they have developed a guide for how small businesses can take advantage of what was included in the bill. The document is listed below or you can click here to download the PDF. You can also visit uschamber.com to see this resource and more!   Below is a press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance - Chairman Mike Crapo.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Invests in Families Washington, D.C.--The One Big Beautiful Bill Act invests in American families by making the Trump tax cuts permanent, enhancing the child tax credit and strengthening childcare assistance. Together, these measures make raising a family more affordable for hardworking taxpayers. “This legislation not only prevents the biggest tax hike in history, but it also provides significant tax relief for hardworking families through measures like increasing and making the doubled child tax credit permanent, and enhancing tax benefits that make child care more affordable,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Key wins:
What they are saying: “We applaud the Senate’s action to progress this critical legislation and expand upon President Trump’s tax relief for hardworking Americans. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will protect families and small businesses from the largest tax hike in history and deliver No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and new tax cuts for seniors. The passage of this bill will deliver the permanence and certainty both individual taxpayers and businesses.” – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “Passing an extension and permanency for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) out of the Senate is the next step in extending tax cuts for working Americans. The TCJA was an unmitigated success that benefitted American families, workers, and the overall economy.” – Americans for Prosperity Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  Idaho’s Primary Election is Tuesday, May 20 — are you ready to vote? The Chamber is here to help you feel informed and confident as you head to the polls.
Ada County Elections and Vote Idaho are excellent resources to:
To get a personalized look at what’s on your ballot—and why it matters—check out KTVB’s voter guide for helpful insights on the races, candidates, and the importance of local elections. Staying informed and participating in local elections is one of the most impactful ways to support a strong and vibrant Idaho - Go vote!!  Dear Readers,
The Treasury Department has announced it will no longer enforce penalties or fines under the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership reporting rule. A forthcoming rule change will limit the requirement to foreign reporting companies only—a win for U.S. small businesses and taxpayers!
To read the Treasury Department's press release click here. We will share more updates as the rule making process continues. As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! Stay well, Tori |
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TORI THOMAS
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February 2026
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