Senator Mike Crapo
Common sense approaches. Collaborative, creative problem-solving. As a lifelong Idahoan, Mike Crapo has learned that, in many cases, a willingness to listen make an effective leader and lawmaker. Currently in his second term as a Senator for Idaho, his responsibilities, activities and accomplishments to date are a testament to his Idaho roots and values.
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Articles by Senator Mike Crapo
April 15, 2009
Today, America continues to grapple with how best to ensure future generations have access to abundant natural resources while evaluating global warming mitigation strategies such as cap and trade and additional environmental regulations. April 22 is Earth Day-an appropriate time to reflect on fed...
April 11, 2009
Tax season tends to be a time when people think more often about their personal finances-savings, investments, income and expenditures. This year, turmoil in the economy and financial markets, job losses, uncertainty in the housing market and concern over proposed and significant changes in the tax...
April 11, 2009
As many Idahoans know, energy and climate change issues continue to dominate discussions about our future, our economy and our security. During the recent consideration of the Senate's Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Budget Resolution, there was an attempt to include controversial cap and trade provisions ...
March 19, 2009
Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
On March 18, high school students and mayors from Caldwell and Nampa presented me with a petition signed by over 400 Treasure Valley students, indicating support for a balanced budget. They talked about the problem of high school dropouts and t...
March 15, 2009
On March 11, I reintroduced legislation to permanently extend the 15 percent tax rate (0 percent on those in the two lowest income tax brackets) on capital gains and dividends that was enacted as part of tax relief in 2003. I've introduced this legislation every Congress since 2005. This bill has ...
June 12, 2007
"YT? TOY"
"Hi"
"Q. Can we MIRL?
"IDK..."
"RUOK? ... I think ILU"
"P911!"
"OK...B4N"
Even ten years ago, deciphering the language that children and teens used came down to figuring out what new words described old feelings, objects and situations. What was "cool" in the 70s, "rad" in the ...
April 04, 2007
In 2005, the average personal savings rate of Americans dropped into negative numbers, to minus .5 percent; in 2006, that doubled to minus 1 percent. The last time that the national savings rate was negative was during 1932 and 1933-the Great Depression. These and other statistics indicate disturb...
January 18, 2007
According to the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, George Washington "displayed a gift for mathematics" from early in his life. The essay continues, "This knack for numbers combined with his quiet confidence and ambition caught the attention of Lord Fairfax, head of on...
August 02, 2006
Six years ago, I started the Mike Crapo Health Awareness Booth at the Western Idaho Fair. Since then, the booth has been expanded to fairs in Filer, Blackfoot and Coeur d'Alene. I have partnered with regional medical centers, local nurses and physicians and others in the public, private and non-pr...
April 19, 2006
In 2002, the Outdoor Industry Association ranked Idahoans, 16 and older, as top in the nation in percentage of the population participation in outdoor activities. It makes sense, considering the beauty and accessibility of our natural recreation resources and the many local and state initiatives wh...
April 12, 2006
Around this time of year, you may feel a little like the man who, when he claimed the federal government as a dependent on his tax return, was disappointed when they disallowed the claim because he wasn't contributing more than half his income to support it. In April, taxes can seem particularly on...
April 08, 2006
Our national character includes two abiding principles: one, we are a nation of immigrants; and two, we live under a peaceful system that upholds the rule of law. Within our borders, every culture and ethnicity in the world is represented. Almost all who live here can easily trace their ancestry ...
March 23, 2006
During the recent debate in the Senate over the federal budget, Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) and I introduced an amendment that would stop the United States government from raiding the so-called Social Security Trust Fund. I highlight the term "Trust Fund" because it's misleading. Every y...
February 22, 2006
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered.
Moral: When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.
-Robert Fulghum (1937- ), American writer
February ...
February 15, 2006
At present, two worries are paramount. That despite publicity and government educational efforts, many of those participating remain in the dark about what it will and will not cover...As to the first problem, it is perhaps unavoidable that some persons remain uninformed despite good intentions and...
February 08, 2006
Prioritization is key to responsible personal and business budgeting. Financial needs should be carefully examined keeping in mind current realities and the longer view over years. Funding sources must be evaluated for their reliability.
When it comes to the federal budget, the process gets ev...
February 04, 2006
Times of testing and trial reveal a number of truths. Character becomes evident. Priorities are defined. Hearts are revealed for what lies beneath the surface. Leaders emerge, as well as those willing to follow with wisdom, discernment and honesty. President Bush called this time in history "a ...
January 25, 2006
According to national research, there's a very real chance that about one-third of teenage girls in high school or middle school have been hit, punched or kicked by a boyfriend. It's highly likely that this violence didn't just come out of the blue, and that verbal and emotional abuse preceded thes...
January 18, 2006
For years now, landowners, environmentalists and state and federal agencies responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been working to improve the Act. The status quo is not producing the best possible outcome for species or people. And although stakeho...
January 11, 2006
During my tenure in Congress, I have served on both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees. One of the most valuable tools I have discovered when preparing to write a farm bill is organizing a series of statewide town hall meetings. These meetings give me, my staff and agency staff the opportun...