Mar 14 2025 42 mins
In this episode of The Idaho Pulse, host Bob Neugebauer interviews Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate about Idaho’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Governor Little’s claim that “Idaho was Doge before Doge existed.” Nate argues that the true purpose of Doge, as implemented by Donald Trump with Elon Musk at the federal level, is to have an outside entity identify waste and inefficiency in government. In contrast, Idaho’s proposed DOGE would consist of nine legislators—the very people who created the inefficient systems they would be tasked with reforming.
Nate criticizes House Bill 364, which would create a committee consisting of three senators, three representatives, and three budget committee members, all appointed by legislative leadership. He argues this approach puts “the foxes in charge of the hen house” and claims the Idaho Freedom Foundation has been fulfilling the true Doge role for 15 years by identifying waste and inefficiency in government. Nate discusses how Idaho already has several government entities supposedly responsible for ensuring efficiency but points to a 55% budget increase over five years as evidence they aren’t working.
The conversation also touches on medical freedom legislation, with Nate praising Senate Bill 1023, which would prohibit requiring any medical procedures, including vaccinations, as a condition of employment or access to public spaces. They discuss the impacts of COVID policies and the influence of special interests over the legislature and governor, with Nate suggesting that increasing public awareness of legislators’ voting records through the Idaho Freedom Index could lead to more accountable government and truly conservative representation.
Podcast Chapters
Chapter 1: Understanding the True Meaning of Doge
1:16 – 8:19 Ron Nate explains how the term “Doge” (Department of Government Efficiency) has become a political buzzword. He contrasts the federal Doge initiative, where Elon Musk as an outsider identifies government waste, with Idaho’s approach of having legislators review their own spending. Nate argues that the Idaho Freedom Foundation has been the real “Doge” for 15 years by identifying government waste and inefficiency.
Chapter 2: Idaho’s Flawed Doge Proposal
8:19 – 15:07 Discussion of House Bill 364, which would create a “Doge” committee consisting of nine legislators. Nate criticizes this approach as “putting the foxes in charge of the hen house” and details how the committee would function. They discuss how Idaho already has multiple entities supposedly responsible for government efficiency and how special interests influence the process.
Chapter 3: Government Waste and Regulation
15:07 – 24:21 Nate and Neugebauer discuss examples of government inefficiency, including state liquor stores that contradict the constitutional mandate for promoting temperance. They examine how budget bills are approved despite wasteful spending and how the process rewards failure rather than promoting true efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
Chapter 4: Special Interests and Legislative Control
24:21 – 30:40 Analysis of how special interests control legislative outcomes, particularly through committee chairs who can prevent bills from receiving hearings. Nate explains how campaign contributions influence policy decisions and how the Idaho Freedom Index helps identify legislators who consistently vote for limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Chapter 5: Medical Freedom Legislation
30:40 – 37:54 Nate shares information about Senate Bill 1023, the Idaho Medical Freedom Act, which would prohibit requiring any medical procedures (including vaccinations) as a condition of employment or access to public spaces. They discuss the bill’s progress through the legislature and the lessons learned from COVID policies, including mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
Chapter 6: Closing Thoughts on Citizen Engagement
37:54 – 40:18 Final discussion on the importance of citizen engagement in holding government accountable. Nate emphasizes the need for Idahoans to know their legislators and their voting records, highlighting the work of the Idaho Freedom Foundation in promoting transparency and accountability in government.