Amy Henry
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Amy Henry (Republican Party) ran for election to the Idaho House of Representatives to represent District 13B. She lost in the Republican primary on May 21, 2024.
Henry completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Amy Henry was born in Boise, Idaho. She earned a high school diploma from Capital High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Northwest Nazarene College in 1996, and earned a graduate degree from Lesley University in 2001. Her career experience includes working as a educator, coach, and Congressional intern.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Republican primary election
Endorsements
To view Henry's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Henry in this election.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Amy Henry completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Henry's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a proud native Idahoan, a devoted Christian Conservative, and a steadfast Republican. I firmly believe that the United States is a blessing bestowed upon us by God, and it is our duty to safeguard our constitutional republic for the prosperity of future generations. I am a devoted wife of an Air Force veteran and a mother of three children.
Educationally, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene College and a master’s degree from Lesley University. Throughout my career, I primarily taught junior high math, serving as Department Chair, Team Leader, New Teacher Mentor, and a Driver’s Education Instructor. Beyond the classroom, I have dedicated myself to coaching basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and tee ball.
My commitment to public service led me to intern full-time for two years with Representative Judy Boyle during the legislative sessions. I was also an active member of Idaho’s Empowering Parent’s Parent Advisory Panel and a participant on the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Transition Team.
One of my most notable achievements is authoring and championing the Parental Bill of Rights. This groundbreaking legislation formally recognizes parents as the primary stakeholders in their child’s upbringing, marking a significant departure from previous norms.
I’m committed to ensuring that EVERY VOICE is heard and that the concerns of my constituents are addressed with the utmost care & attention. - I understand the vital importance of a vibrant economy for the prosperity of Idahoans. I’m committed to championing policies that encourage economic growth and job creation while addressing the challenges posed by soaring government spending. The rising costs of gas and housing, coupled with the challenge young adults face in purchasing homes, are pressing issues. Property taxes have reached burdensome levels. These factors combine to place significant financial strain on homeowners. My goal is to rein in government spending, reduce waste, and lower the tax burden on families and businesses.
- As a mother of three and a former educator, I understand the significance of a robust education system that respects parental rights. I believe each child has distinct needs, and parents should have the freedom to choose the best educational path for their child. I have always advocated for parental involvement in education, promoting collaboration between educators and parents to build a strong foundation for students. I support school choice and will oppose any measures that undermine parental rights in the educational process.
- I’m a firm believer in responsible government, rooted in principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the United States and Idaho Constitutions. A responsible government listens to its people and makes decisions that uphold the values that have made this country great. As such, I will prioritize the safety and security of our families, children, and the future of our nation. This includes advocating for a sound, solid, and secure border that protects our sovereignty and ensures the safety of all American citizens. Additionally, I’m committed to conservative fiscal appropriations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges posed by rapid growth, with a particular focus on making the cost of living more manageable for Idaho families, a pressing concern that affects their ability to maintain their homes and meet essential expenses such as fuel, groceries, childcare, insurance, and medications. Additionally, safeguarding our children's well-being is of utmost importance to me. I am deeply concerned about the alarming rates of youth depression and suicide, as well as the below-average academic performance of our students. I believe it is time to refocus on traditional family values and prioritize foundational principles in our schools. Our children are counting on us.
For someone seeking to understand my political philosophy, I would recommend The Founder's Bible which provides valuable insights into the foundational principles and values that shaped America's founding. In addition, Patriot Academy's Biblical Citizenship and Constitution Alive courses offer practical guidance on civic engagement and understanding the Constitution. Both courses and their resources emphasize the importance of biblical principles and constitutional governance, which align with my political philosophy.
Elected officials must embody honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all their actions, thereby maintaining the trust of the people they represent. Accountability to the public is paramount, with officials taking responsibility for their decisions and the outcomes of their leadership. Serving the public interest should be their foremost motivation, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of constituents. Effective leadership entails inspiring and guiding others, making informed decisions, and navigating challenges with confidence and resilience. Listening attentively to constituents' concerns and feedback, communicating clearly and transparently, and engaging in constructive dialogue are essential for addressing issues effectively. Furthermore, understanding and empathizing with the varied experiences and needs of constituents is crucial for informed representation and policy making. Collaborating with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members, irrespective of political affiliation, is vital for fostering consensus and achieving meaningful outcomes.
Someone elected to a legislative office has several core responsibilities. First and foremost, they are tasked with representing the interests and concerns of their constituents. This involves actively listening to their constituents, understanding their needs, and advocating for policies and legislation that benefit their district. Additionally, legislators are responsible for drafting, debating, and voting on bills and resolutions that address important issues facing Idaho. They must also work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and other government officials to enact laws that serve all Idahoans. Legislative officials are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, transparency, and accountability, both in their legislative duties and in their interactions with the public. Finally, they play a crucial role in overseeing government agencies, programs, and budgets to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in government operations.
Working at Dairy Queen was my very first official job, but prior to that, I had various odd jobs like babysitting, taking care of lawns, watering flowers, milking cows, collecting eggs, and helping my grandparents prepare for winter. These experiences taught me the value of hard work and responsibility. I started working at Dairy Queen during my sophomore year of high school and I stayed there through most of high school.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should balance cooperation with oversight. As the executive branch, the governor is tasked with overseeing Idaho's security and well-being, while the legislature, as the body closest to the people, is responsible for crafting and passing legislation. This relationship should prioritize collaboration to address the needs of Idahoans effectively, while also ensuring that checks and balances are upheld. The governor's authority to approve or veto legislation passed by the legislature serves as a crucial mechanism for maintaining accountability, while the legislature's power to override vetoes provides an avenue to represent the interests of the citizens when necessary.
In the coming decade, Idaho's rapid growth, outpacing the national rate, presents a multitude of challenges across various sectors. From infrastructure strains to rising costs of living and taxes, the impact of this growth permeates our education and healthcare systems. Addressing these challenges will require careful consideration of how to responsibly manage and fund continued growth while ensuring the well-being of all Idahoans.
I strongly believe that prior experience in government or politics can provide valuable insights for state legislators. Understanding the legislative process, including how bills are drafted, reviewed in committees, and passed into law, is crucial for effective lawmaking. My experience interning full-time during legislative sessions for Representative Judy Boyle for two years has equipped me with a deep understanding of the legislative process. It has prepared me to hit the ground running from day one of the legislative session. With this background, I am confident in my ability to serve my constituents effectively and make meaningful contributions to the legislative process.
Yes, absolutely. I firmly believe that building relationships with other legislators is pivotal to success in serving as a legislator. Collaboration and cooperation among legislators are essential for effective governance and achieving positive outcomes for constituents. By fostering relationships with fellow legislators, I can better advocate for the needs and priorities of my constituents, navigate the legislative process more effectively, and work towards bipartisan solutions to address key issues facing our state. Ultimately, these relationships enable me to better represent and serve the people who elected me.
When considering legislators to model myself after, Representative Judy Boyle stands out as a shining example. She exemplifies unwavering commitment to her foundational principles and consistently votes in alignment with her biblical and constitutional values. Representative Boyle is a fierce advocate for various aspects of Idaho life, including land, water, farming, ranching, hunting, mining, wildlife, and dams. Her dedication to preserving Idaho's values, culture, and environment is commendable. Moreover, Representative Boyle prioritizes listening to the concerns of Idahoans and actively works to address issues affecting sheriffs, parents, students, teachers, and many others. Importantly, she remains steadfast in her refusal to be swayed by special interests, remaining accountable solely to God and the people of Idaho. To emulate even a fraction of Representative Judy Boyle's legislative integrity and commitment to Idaho would be a tremendous honor for me.
No, my focus is on effectively serving my constituents and addressing the issues that matter most to them at the state level.
Over the past four years of volunteering with campaigns and interning full-time for the past two years, I've encountered countless stories that have left a lasting impact on me. One that stands out is the tragic story of my daughter's former classmate and friend, Charlie. At just 14 years old, Charlie felt overwhelmed by his struggles and tragically took his own life. Witnessing the pain of his loved ones at his funeral left an indelible mark on me. Sadly, Charlie's story is not unique, as many other young lives have been lost to similar circumstances. These experiences underscore the urgent need for better mental health support for our youth in Idaho.
Additionally, I've had the privilege of hearing from families facing dire financial challenges, including the heart-wrenching prospect of losing their homes due to economic hardship. One particular call from a mother, tearful and exhausted from working full-time while caring for her children, stands out in my memory. Despite both parents working multiple jobs, they still found themselves unable to afford their home. These stories highlight the harsh realities that many Idahoans are facing, and it's clear that more needs to be done.
No, because no branch of government, whether at the local, state, or federal level, should possess the authority to mandate or exercise emergency powers over its citizens. The power ultimately resides with the governed—the people themselves.
The first bill I would introduce aims to address the language regarding bankruptcy filings, specifically in relation to property values. Currently, the law specifies a fixed value, which becomes outdated as the market fluctuates. To address this issue, I propose amending the language to refer to a percentage of the fair market value instead. This adjustment would eliminate the need for frequent updates and help prevent homeowners from losing their homes, subsequently reducing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Dr. James Lindsay – “Nobody fights for children in Idaho like Amy Henry. She’s hardworking, understands the problems, and will fight hard for real, lasting solutions. I support her 100%.”
Representative Judy Boyle - "Amy is the real deal. Throughout these past two sessions, she has been instrumental in developing and advocating for legislation that aims to improve our state. She not only grasps the legislative process but also possesses the determination to champion what is right."
Moms for America Action
Former Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane
Nampa City Councilwoman Natalie Jangula
Former Senator Christy Zito
Representative Heather Scott The committees that interest me most are Education, Revenue & Taxation, Judiciary, Rules & Administration, and Federalism. Each of these committees plays a crucial role in shaping policies that directly impact the lives of Idahoans. The Education Committee is particularly important as it focuses on the future of our state by addressing issues related to our education system, ensuring that our children receive a quality education that prepares them for success. The Revenue & Taxation Committee deals with matters concerning taxation and fiscal policy, promoting economic growth while also ensuring that our tax system remains fair. The Judiciary, Rules, & Administration Committee oversees legislation related to our legal system and the administration of justice, safeguarding the rights and liberties of all Idahoans while upholding the rule of law. Lastly, the Federalism Committee is responsible for examining issues related to the balance of power between the federal government and the states, ensuring that Idaho's sovereignty and autonomy are preserved. Serving on these committees would be an honor. I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions, collaborate with colleagues across the aisle, and work towards solutions that benefit the people of Idaho.
I firmly believe in the principles of financial transparency and government accountability. It is imperative that any expenditure funded by taxpayer money is openly accessible and visible to the public at all times. Transparency ensures that citizens can track how their tax dollars are being allocated and hold the government accountable for its spending decisions. Ultimately, accountability to the people is paramount in maintaining trust and integrity in government operations.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 22, 2024
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Mike Moyle
Majority Leader:Jason Monks
Representatives
Republican Party (60)
Democratic Party (9)
Vacancies (1)