Idaho should lead the way toward a balanced budget amendment | Opinion

As a 16-year-old girl, I never imagined I’d find myself standing before the Idaho State Affairs Committee, advocating for a constitutional amendment that could reshape our nation’s future. But on February 3, 2026, that’s exactly what I did.

When I was born in 2009, our nation was already in debt. I’ve watched as that debt has become normalized. The federal government models the very behavior families are warned against: spending without limits, borrowing without a repayment plan, and passing the bill to someone else. That “someone else” is my peers and me. We’ll be the ones dealing with higher taxes, reduced opportunities, and a weakened economy if we don’t act now. It’s time for Idaho to step up and support a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

This isn’t about which party you belong to; it’s about basic accountability. Every generation passes down values, institutions, and obligations to the next. But true responsibility means not handing off problems you could have addressed. My grandfather put it bluntly: “Our generation is being saddled with a mountainous debt burden because others have spent irresponsibly beyond their means.” He’s right, we can’t keep normalizing fiscal recklessness.

The Founding Fathers saw there could be risk. That’s why Article V of the Constitution allows states to propose amendments when Congress fails to act. A balanced budget amendment follows this process, with built-in safeguards requiring a majority of states to ratify, before any change takes effect. It’s not a radical overhaul; it’s a constitutional reset button designed for moments like this.

Critics say a Balanced Budget Amendment could tie the hands of future leaders or they fear the runaway convention conspiracy.. But when families or small businesses face tough times, they don’t get to print more money or endlessly borrow. They make hard choices. Our government should be held to the same standard. Fiscal responsibility doesn’t mean austerity, it means prioritizing essentials, eliminating waste, and planning for the long term. Without such discipline, every new promise becomes a liability, not a legacy.

For me, this is personal. The choices made today will define the world I inherit; our economy, job prospects, and trust in government. A balanced budget amendment isn’t about punishment; it’s about adults facing hard truths now, rather than burdening their kids later. As Idahoans, we pride ourselves on self-reliance. We should expect the same from our government.

I invite all young Idahoans: Speak up.

To our leaders: Listen and act. Together, we can ensure a legacy of strength, not debt.

The time for responsibility is now.

Evelyn Whiting is a student leader and community advocate from Eagle High School who serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.