Idaho Freedom Foundation

The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) is a libertarian think tank located in Boise, Idaho.[5][6][7] The organization's stated mission "is to implement innovative ideas to deplete the power of special interests and free people from government dependency."[8] IFF is the parent organization of Idaho Reporter, an online news outlet covering Idaho politics.[2] IFF is headed by Wayne Hoffman, a former newspaper reporter.[1]

Idaho Freedom Foundation
Established2009 (2009)[1]
PresidentWayne Hoffman[2]
BudgetRevenue: $763,312
Expenses: $697,821
(FYE December 2017)[3]
SubsidiariesIdaho Reporter[2][4]
Location
Boise, Idaho
Websiteidahofreedom.org

Issues

In 2012, the organization was one of the chief opponents of an Idaho state legislative bill that would have placed restrictions on tanning bed usage.[9] In 2013 and 2014, IFF put up billboards criticizing Idaho legislators for their votes to implement a state health insurance exchange.[10][11]

The organization has mounted various legal challenges to state and city laws and regulations. As of March 2019, the organization had filed five lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of various laws. It had lost four of those lawsuits, with one lawsuit still pending. The group won a 2009 case forcing officials from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to release public records. In 2014, IFF and the American Civil Liberties Union threatened legal action against Boise State University when the school forced a student group to pay security fees for bringing a pro-gun speaker to campus. Boise State refunded the student group the cost of the security fees.[12]

The organization has received funding from Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund, two donor-advised funds which are not required to disclose their donors. IFF is a member of the State Policy Network, a consortium of conservative and libertarian think tanks that focus on state-level policy.[12]

References
  1. Russell, Betsy (April 19, 2010). "Hoffman: 'A rising leader'". Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  2. Prentice, George (March 2, 2011). "Wayne Hoffman Idaho Freedom Foundation director talks taxes, journalism and his growing influence". Boise Weekly. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  3. "Idaho Freedom Foundation Inc" (PDF). GuideStar. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  4. "Idaho Reporter". Project for Excellence in Journalism. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  5. "Main Street's revenge". The Economist. May 24, 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  6. Krusesi, Kimberlee (March 30, 2015). "Idaho House passes tax bill overhaul, hikes fuel tax 7 cents". Idaho Statesman. Associated Press. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  7. Russell, Betsy (July 5, 2012). "Popkey: Idaho Power joins forces with libertarian Idaho Freedom Foundation". Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  8. "About IFF". Idaho Freedom Foundation. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  9. Yardley, William (March 6, 2012). "Big Sky, Bright Sun and Melanoma". New York Times. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  10. Russell, Betsy (October 29, 2013). "Billboards target Idaho lawmakers in their districts". Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  11. Russell, Betsy (January 15, 2014). "Freedom Foundation now up to half a dozen anti-incumbent billboards around the state". Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  12. Telerico, Kate (22 March 2019). "The Idaho Freedom Foundation keeps losing in court. So why does it keep suing?". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
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