Patrice Yeatter

Patrice Yeatter earned an associate degree from Nassau Community College in 1975 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1998. She is retired.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired 30 year letter carrier with the USPS. My experience gives me insight to engaging with people of all walks of life as well as respect for pro-union and blue collar workers who are the cogs in the wheels of our economy.

My husband and I are 13 year residents of Idaho and during our time here, have noticed a sharp decline in the willing interaction between our legislators and

their constituents. Our legislators are more interested in high dollar donations from out-of-state influencers who are writing legislation for a state that they have no real interest or understanding of. These PACs are only interested in coercing our legislators into promoting their version of “freedom”, which actually translates into reduced personal freedom and abolished Constitutional rights.

This session, the legislature returned $450,000,000.00 in revenue, mostly to the wealthy, which resulted in a budget shortfall requiring budget cuts to the most needy citizens in our communities. This was inexcusable and

Idahoans have had enough.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Taxes. I will fight for fair taxes. For years, Idahoans have been asking for real estate tax relief. For too many years, the middle class has borne the burden of unfair, excessive taxes. The legislature can achieve this outcome by restoring the indexing of the Homeowners Exemption and by updating of the Circuit Breaker program.Healthcare. ldaho’s trigger law enactment following the repeal of Roe v. Wade resulted in the loss of 35% of the state’s OB/GYNs and almost half of its fetal/maternal specialists. We must bring physicians back to Idaho, which ranks last in physicians per capita.

New legislation this session regarding Medicaid Expansion will now leave up to 34,000 Idahoans without healthcare due to administrative hurdles and onerous work requirements. The legislature’s insistence on conforming to the Republican backed OBBB may cost the state $100,000,000 in federal matching funds. Rural hospitals may close and communities will suffer because of this legislation.

All this, in a state already struggling to meet its obligations to its citizens.Schools and Libraries. Idaho ranks dead last in the US for per-pupil spending. Our legislators handed $50,000,000 in tax credits to private/religious schools, with no oversight or accountability. Our rural schools will suffer or just close their doors, resulting in decimated small towns.

Our libraries are the pillars of our communities. They are meeting places, offering more than just books. They offer a myriad of classes, activities and services. Libraries must be protected from censorship by the government.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Infrastructure, public safety, healthcare and education, affordability and public landscape in public hands.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The late Queen Elizabeth. She was thrust into the spotlight at a young age, but rose to the responsibilities of her office with devotion, determination and loyalty to her country and people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, diligence and dedication to service to constituents, not person or party.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Researching not just the facts regarding legislation, but examining the broader effects and consequences down the road once enacted.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of the joy and privilege of serving my fellow Americans during my career with the USPS as well as in future service with the Idaho Legislature.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Busgirl, then waitress at a country club for just over three years.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Nothing really. I’ve always had a can-do

attitude.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

A 50/50 partnership, with communication and compromise, untainted by outside influence.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Rebalancing legislation to reflect the needs of the middle class and poor.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely!

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Astronaut John Glenn’s space flight.