Samantha "Sammy" Hager

Drug Policy

I don’t think it’s too progressive to be like the various states surrounding us and legalize the ‘drug’ that’s led to countless unnecessary incarcerations in our state. Marijuana has helped many states to pay for so many major improvements across the board and continues to be a highly profitable business. Learn more

I also support the growing and manufacturing of hemp and hemp products in Idaho as well. Not only are they environmentally friendly plants but they are proven to help agriculture and support farmers even during the worst of times in our country. Hemp can also be used in lieu of cotton and concrete making it a highly sustainable resource for multiple industries worldwide. Learn more

Education

I feel that Germany's school system has much to learn from and that a certain level of separation in high school by trade is essential. Young adults that are not planning on pursuing a career which requires higher level math or science would benefit far more from courses related to their career path rather than physics or trigonometry courses. This is how we keep young minds engaged and prepare students for the bright futures ahead of them instead of expecting them to flourish in topics they have no interest in to graduate. Learn more

I feel that basic 'adult skills' courses should be mandatory in every school across the nation as far too many young adults have no idea how to file for their taxes, register to vote, repair a popped tire, or even make a proper resumé. Learn more

I support not only educators and raising their income nationwide but also support special education programs, STEM programs, after-school programs, and school funding increases without fail. I also feel that there should be more systems put in place to reduce schools' dependence on fundraisers for survival. This is quite literally the foundation of our future and it is far too often treated as an oversight by corporate politicians and big business leaders. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I want to openly state that I will never take donations from companies in these fields and will also openly endorse climate change reform and the Green New Deal. I implore anyone that has not read the Green New Deal to do so as it is only 14 pages and details exactly how this plan would create jobs—not cut them, allow us to work with foreign leaders towards a GND plan in every country, assist in homelessness and poverty, ensure that corrupt companies are held accountable for their actions, and create a livable future for the youth of tomorrow. It is through these open endorsements of these initiatives that I truly hope these issues will become more prevalent in down-ballot elections across the state to keep Idaho as naturally beautiful as it was when I first moved here in 2012. Learn more

Guns

As someone that respects gun owners, has absolutely no problem with hunting, wouldn’t be opposed to owning a gun myself, and doesn’t see why an American can’t own an AR-15 if they are trained properly, my only goal with gun reform is to simply ensure lunatics like this man are unable to own a gun and put countless lives at risk in doing so. In this same vein, I believe domestic abuse victims should be able to receive training in gun use and the right to own a gun as well as protection in the form of removing guns from the homes of their abusers for a certain period of time. Learn more

Healthcare

In the greatest country in the world, people like them shouldn’t have to suffer based on the coverage they receive or the vital care they need. This is why I support Medicare for All no matter how questionable it may seem to some. Learn more

Housing

I support  property tax revisions and rent control plans in Idaho to ensure that prices don’t go up simply because new people come into The Gem State. I also support temporary housing for the homeless and immigrants so they can get on their feet without being on the streets. Furthermore, I don't agree that people with criminal records should immediately be denied access to public housing and I also feel that housing discrimination is absolutely abhorrent. This is why I support laws that reduce these harsh rulings on felons and support racial equality protection in every aspect of our society. No one should be denied adequate housing simply because of their past, the color of their skin, or their age, for that matter. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

Living off Pine, it takes me roughly five minutes just to back out of my driveway and hit the road. Traffic is becoming a major issue in Meridian—and Idaho as a whole—but people like my opponent serve on the Transportation and Defense Committee yet make no apparent changes to our infrastructure to fix this. When elected, I will ensure that I too will serve on this committee, do the research, and don't just sit around hoping someone else will come up with a solution. I will actively fight for a solution that helps our residents and still ensures that our city remains similar to its younger self. I will also provide countless construction workers with jobs as these changes will likely take time to complete. Lastly, I will work to also have sidewalks and bike paths on every city street in our district so our children can ride their bikes safely and pedestrians don't have to walk in the gutter to get by. Learn more