Three Democratic candidates for the Idaho Legislature will host a town hall meeting in Pocatello next week to discuss rising household expenses.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association, located at 300 N. Johnson Ave. The gathering is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged.
Sen. James Ruchti, representing District 29 in the Senate, will attend alongside Mary Shea, the party’s candidate for House District 29A, and Nate Roberts, who is running for House District 29B.
The candidates plan to focus on issues affecting daily budgets, including groceries, housing, health care, child care, and education. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives on what would make life more affordable in Southeast Idaho.
Ruchti highlighted the state’s sales tax on food items as a key burden for families. He argued that eliminating the grocery tax would provide direct relief to Idaho households.
“For years, the Legislature has protected tax breaks for well-connected interests while continuing to tax the food Idaho families put on their tables,” Ruchti said.
Shea emphasized the need for increased housing supply. She called for removing regulatory barriers that she believes drive up construction costs and limit availability.
“Housing costs determine who gets to build a life in our community,” Shea said.
National data shows grocery prices rose 2.2 percent between August 2025 and August 2026, adding pressure on household budgets. The candidates’ shared agenda prioritizes repealing the grocery tax, increasing housing construction, reducing regulation, and focusing policy on working families rather than special interests.
Roberts stated that the town hall would center on residents’ experiences rather than speeches by candidates. The format is designed to allow community members to drive the conversation about local affordability challenges.