BOISE - President Donald Trump's executive orders have spawned more than 50 lawsuits in the past few weeks, but they earned a "hearty congratulations" from Idaho's chief executive.
In a recent letter, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter offered the president his "hearty congratulations and sincere thanks for the executive actions you already have taken, as well as your developing legislative agenda, to fundamentally change the direction of our national government."
The letter was dated Jan. 30, a few days after Trump imposed a temporary ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, suspended refugee resettlements, ordered the construction of a wall along the Mexican border and threatened to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities.
The executive actions prompted widespread protests, as well as dozens of lawsuits, several court injunctions and a Twitter storm from the president questioning the "so-called judge" who blocked his Muslim travel ban.
Otter previously applied for a position with the Trump administration, hoping to be nominated as secretary of the interior or agriculture. He may still be under consideration for an ambassadorship.
In a meeting with the Idaho Press Club on Tuesday, Otter clarified statements he made last week supporting Trump's immigration actions and saying Christian refugees should be first in line for any visas - even though he acknowledged that would be discriminatory.
Rather than call it discrimination, "I would have preferred (the word) 'preference,' " he said. "I'm OK with religious preference. When we see particular groups being targeted for genocide, we have to help the ones we can."
Otter's letter to Trump came after he attended a meeting in Washington, D.C., during inauguration week, where he and several other governors discussed Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, as well as state relations with the federal government.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity your administration offers for improving the federal government's relationship with the states," Otter wrote. "I'm optimistic your leadership and commitment to meaningful change will restore a reliance on the principles of federalism that have contributed so much to America's greatness."
Several state agencies submitted suggestions as well. The Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, for example, recommended that the Trump administration "work with Congress to simplify and expedite the federal-state land exchange, sale and conveyance processes," as a way to improve the management of intermingled state and federal lands.
Department of Finance Director Gavin Gee said it's "imperative" that the Dodd-Frank financial regulations be modified so small community banks aren't subject to the same "crushing regulatory burden" applicable to multinational institutions.
Reining in federal regulatory overreach is "front and center in the minds of Idaho's leaders." Some of the issues states should be able to decide, Otter wrote, include drug testing for unemployment applicants and waiving prevailing wage requirements for Community Development Block Grant projects.
Overall, the governor said Idaho wants more collaboration, flexibility and consistency in its dealings with the federal government.
In that light, Otter recommended that Trump create an Office of State Liaison within the White House.
"Such an office could provide invaluable assistance toward improving the communication, collaboration and ultimately the working relationship between your executive branch and state governors," he wrote. "What's more, it would serve as an unmistakable embodiment of respect for the principles of federalism that distinguish our republic."
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Spence may be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.
