From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 3 15:21:55 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2020 21:21:55 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to Host Press Conference Thursday Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D669A9.D1E84CE0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2020 Governor Little to Host Press Conference Thursday Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds and the safe reopening of Idaho schools Thursday, August 6, at 12 p.m. Mountain Time in the East Conference Room of the JRW Building, located at 700 W. State Street in Boise. The conference will be streamed to the public online. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. Reporters requiring remote access should RSVP to Marissa Morrison by 9 a.m. Thursday. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Aug 5 11:20:25 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2020 17:20:25 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to call special legislative session Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D66B1A.69D92AD0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2020 Gov. Little to call special legislative session Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today he will call the Idaho Legislature into a special legislative session the week of Aug. 24. Governor Little, legislative leadership, and members of the House and Senate will continue discussions about the specific topics that will be addressed during the special session, which could include the November general election and liability reform during emergencies. It is anticipated Governor Little will issue a proclamation the week of Aug. 17 detailing the exact issues to be considered during the special session. The Governor's Office will announce the release of the proclamation when it is available. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 6 12:03:18 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2020 18:03:18 +0000 Subject: Idaho directing millions of dollars to the safe reopening of schools Message-ID: ? [cid:image001.png at 01D66BE2.C5612FB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2020 Idaho directing millions of dollars to the safe reopening of schools Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little emphasized once again today the importance of getting Idaho students back into schools for in-person instruction while highlighting the millions of dollars the state has directed to schools for safe reopening. ?The unprecedented amount of money we?re directing to the safe reopening of schools is helping to make schools safe places to teach and learn, and it should provide parents and teachers the confidence to return our students to the classroom for in-person instruction,? Governor Little said. ?When students are out of the classroom for too long the achievement gap widens, threatening the progress of all students and our economic prosperity.? Resources the State of Idaho is directing to the safe reopening of schools include: * $10 million for additional masks, gloves, sanitizer, and plexiglass for Idaho schools * $48 million will help bridge the ?digital divide? and equip schools with the computers, connectivity, and other resources to ensure successful remote learning * $21 million toward COVID-19 testing for teachers and school staff * $3 million to increase testing lab turnaround time and capacity ? as well as lab upgrades ? to help get test results for teachers and school staff as quickly as possible * $3 million to leverage Idaho pharmacies in testing efforts to help quickly produce testing results for teachers, school staff, and families in rural Idaho, where the majority of Idaho school districts are located Governor Little also announced Idaho will remain in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks. ?We are in a much different place now than we were in March. Our economy is open. Many parents have returned to their places of work. We have increased our capacity for testing, contact tracing, and PPE for healthcare workers and businesses,? Governor Little said. The Governor noted that statewide, Idaho has sufficient healthcare workers, PPE, ventilators, and ICU beds. He said we are meeting the demands for testing our healthcare workers statewide. He said we are seeing downward trends in overall case counts as well as our percent-positivity rate, and emergency room visits from those with COVID-like symptoms are on the decline. The Governor added overall hospital admissions statewide to the list of metrics used to examine Idaho?s situation every two weeks. ?We do need to bring down the number of hospital admissions statewide, but even in some of the hot spots we are starting to see the benefits of the measures that local health officials and mayors have implemented to reduce the rate of spread and preserve hospital capacity,? Governor Little added. ?Thank you, Idahoans, for your actions to protect yourselves and your neighbors. If we continue to practice preventive measures then we will be able to send our kids back to school where they deserve to be, we will keep our citizens safe, and we will continue to rebound our economy.? # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 6 14:15:09 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2020 20:15:09 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little announces membership and first meeting of three-branch Idaho Behavioral Health Council Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D66BFB.FD78BD00] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2020 Gov. Little announces membership and first meeting of three-branch Idaho Behavioral Health Council Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the membership of the recently established Idaho Behavioral Health Council. In February, all five Idaho Supreme Court Justices and legislative leaders joined Governor Little for the signing of an executive order creating the council, a historic three-branch collaboration to study the state behavioral health delivery system and improve care for Idahoans with mental health and substance use disorders. The Idaho Supreme Court issued a proclamation and the Legislature passed a concurrent resolution supporting the council. The council will report back a strategic plan to legislative leadership, the Governor, and the Idaho Supreme Court by June 30, 2021. More information about the council can be found at behaviorialhealthcouncil.idaho.gov. The first meeting will be August 7 at 8:30 a.m. MST and will be streamed on YouTube. Ex-Officio Members: Sarah Omundson, Administrative Director of the State Courts (co-chair) Dave Jeppesen, Director of the Department of Health and Welfare (co-chair) Josh Tewalt, Director of the Department of Correction Monte Prow, Director of the Department of Juvenile Correction Members Appointed by the Governor: Dr. Eric Studebaker, State Department of Education Brent Mendenhall, Madison County Commissioner (R-Rexburg) Jennifer Griffis, Public Member (Grangeville) Members Appointed by the Chief Justice: Judge Gene Petty, District Judge (Canyon County) Dr. David Pate, Public Member (Boise) Members Appointed by the Legislature: Representative Laurie Lickley (R-Jerome) Representative Brooke Greene (D-Boise) Senator Jeff Agenbroad (R-Nampa) Senator David Nelson (D-Moscow) # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 7 14:32:42 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2020 20:32:42 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_August?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_10-14?= Message-ID: [cid:076f9a67-14c2-48f5-951c-655c505e1860] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of August 10-14. All times local. FRIDAY, August 14, 2020 Governor Little will attend the ribbon cutting for the new Lewiston High School and the A. Neil DeAtley Career Technical Education Center? 3125 Cecil Andrus Way, Lewiston, at 8 a.m. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image.png Type: image/png Size: 54202 bytes Desc: image.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 14 14:56:55 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2020 20:56:55 +0000 Subject: Additional funds to feed families in need, protect Idahoans in long-term care facilities Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67225.F3EB7860] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2020 Additional funds to feed families in need, protect Idahoans in long-term care facilities Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) approved additional funds today to support community food banks and residents of long-term care facilities. The Idaho Foodbank will receive $2.56 million to serve struggling families across Idaho, and Idaho's long-term care facilities will receive an additional $10 million to cover their costs in keeping residents and workers as safe as possible safe during the pandemic. Food banks and food assistance programs across the state have seen an increase in demand since the start of COVID-19. With the additional funding approved today, the Idaho Foodbank's 400-plus partner organizations in all 44 counties will receive additional food and equipment to support Idaho families during the pandemic. Additional details on the Idaho Foodbank funding proposal can be found here. Residents of long-term care facilities are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. To date, more than half of COVID-19 deaths in Idaho have occurred among residents of long-term care facilities. A breakdown of the funds for long-term care facilities approved today includes: * $7 million to cover increased costs related to caring for residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 * $2 million to cover costs for COVID-exclusive facilities, wings, or units to care for COVID-positive residents in order to protect healthy residents and workers * $1 million to cover costs associated with transporting residents to and from COVID-exclusive facilities Additional details on the long-term care facility funding proposal can be found here. The funds are on top of $13 million already provided to long-term care facilities for COVID-19 testing of residents and staff, among other state and federal assistance. The CFAC also approved $2.57 million to protect juveniles in the state's custody at the Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony. The funds will be used to replace a 24-bed dormitory style living unit to allow for better physical distancing and quarantine protocols to be implemented in order to reduce the risk of transmission. Additional details on the juvenile corrections funding request can be found here. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 17 15:00:38 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:00:38 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Idaho_to_continue_economic_rebound_by_participating_in_P?= =?Windows-1252?Q?resident_Trump=92s_new_lost_wages_program?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D674A2.19266940] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2020 Idaho to continue economic rebound by participating in President Trump?s new lost wages program Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today the State of Idaho will participate in the Trump Administration?s new conservative plan to offer extended unemployment benefits in order to continue our economic rebound. ?Idaho still has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, thanks to the investments and creativity of Idaho?s businesses in safely reopening,? Governor Little said. ?We?re choosing to participate in President Trump?s new program as part of a comprehensive approach to our economic rebound, which includes small business grants and return-to-work incentives.? President Donald Trump issued an executive memorandum earlier this month creating the Lost Wages Assistance program and replacing the recently expired Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which paid an extra $600 per week to those receiving unemployment benefits. Under the new program, Idahoans receiving a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 and who self-certify they are unemployed due to COVID-19 will receive the extra $300 per week. The Governor intends to seek five weeks of assistance and will evaluate again after that point. To ensure individuals who need it most are receiving the new benefit, Governor Little directed the Idaho Department of Labor to identify ways to ensure the $300 per week in additional benefits is also provided to individuals who receive less than $100 per week in unemployment benefits. ?Idaho?s economy is open, and most Idahoans have returned to work safely. However, the number of available jobs reported in Idaho is still lower than the number of unemployed Idahoans. President Trump?s new conservative plan ensures struggling American families can continue to pay their mortgages and avoid debt, which helps stabilize consumer spending and prevent a deeper recession,? Governor Little said. Idaho is finalizing its application to FEMA this week, and payments would start after FEMA approval. Payments will be retroactive to August 1. The state?s participation in President Trump?s new program is part of Idaho?s comprehensive approach to continue strengthening the economy. To date, nearly 30,000 Idahoans have received Return to Work incentives, saving taxpayer dollars and benefitting more than 4,800 businesses that needed workers back on the job. More than $75 million was distributed to 8,700 Idaho small businesses in cash payments of up to $10,000. The Idaho Rebound Cash Grants helped the smallest of Idaho businesses impacted by COVID-19, from the self-employed to companies with under 50 employees. The state also made PPE available to small businesses and allowed local governments to use relief dollars to support businesses. In addition, the new public safety initiative reduces property taxes for those in participating cities and counties. ?Many Idahoans lost jobs and income this year due to the pandemic, and a lot of them had never encountered the unemployment line before. We want people working, and President Trump?s new conservative plan strikes the right balance of supporting families while jobs continue to come back,? Governor Little added. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 17 16:28:56 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:28:56 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_August?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_17-21?= Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D674B3.80211CB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of August 17-21. All times local. TUESDAY, August 18, 2020 Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. FRIDAY, August 20, 2020 Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds at The Idaho Foodbank, 3562 S TK Ave, Boise, at 12 p.m. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 17 16:32:52 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:32:52 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?CORRECTION:_Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_we?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ek_of_August_17-21?= Message-ID: **The advisory has corrected the date for Friday?s event. [cid:image001.png at 01D674B4.0C606EB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of August 17-21. All times local. TUESDAY, August 18, 2020 Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds at The Idaho Foodbank, 3562 S TK Ave, Boise, at 12 p.m. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Aug 19 10:54:27 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 16:54:27 +0000 Subject: Special legislative session to address election, civil liability during the pandemic Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67615.743A7FF0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2020 Special legislative session to address election, civil liability during the pandemic Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation today outlining the issues to be considered by the Idaho Legislature during a special legislative session convening on Aug. 24. The Governor's proclamation calls for a special legislative session to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Idaho, including election law changes that are needed in order to facilitate a safe and secure November election during the pandemic. It also calls for the Legislature to establish temporary and consistent standards for civil liability related to COVID-19 that will help Idaho's economy recover in a safe and responsible manner while encouraging careful planning, care and safety in responding to the pandemic. Full details on the bills to be considered are outlined in the Governor's proclamation here. Each of the topics chosen for the special session were recommended by the Idaho Legislature after study and analysis by legislative working groups that identified the topics and recommended each to the Governor for consideration. The Idaho Constitution gives the Governor the authority to call a special legislative session, and the Governor is required to specify the subjects for consideration. Special legislative sessions by law are of a limited duration and by recent tradition last only a day or two. "Special legislative sessions by their very nature are intended to deal with time sensitive issues that require immediate legislative action and cannot wait until the general session in January," Governor Little said. Governor Little chose not to include two legislative proposals in his proclamation - one related to public health district authorities and another on education funding. Governor Little said further discussion on both topics is merited, and public discourse will continue during the general legislative session beginning in January. Both topics do not require immediate action by the Legislature at this time. Governor Little said the valuable advice and counsel of public health officials should continue to inform school officials' decisions on safe school operations during the pandemic. Governor Little supports school leaders and public health officials continuing to work closely together on the safe reopening of schools. Governor Little provided public schools a budget roadmap in May to provide certainty and set a clear course ahead of their budget-setting and negotiations. Education funding flexibility and other K-12 budget issues undoubtedly will be addressed in January during the general session, but new legislation at this point could create uncertainty for school administrators as they execute their safe reopening plans. "We owe it to taxpayers to pull off a swift and successful special legislative session. I appreciate the work our legislators put into the proposals for a special session and for their willingness to come to Boise next week and address these issues on behalf of the people we serve," Governor Little said. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-559-3920 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 21 12:45:56 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2020 18:45:56 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little highlights The Idaho Foodbank and partners, announces Idaho will stay in Stage 4 Message-ID: ? [cid:image001.png at 01D677A5.9624C670] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2020 Gov. Little highlights The Idaho Foodbank and partners, announces Idaho will stay in Stage 4 Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little held a press conference at The Idaho Foodbank in Boise today to highlight the importance of supporting food banks and food assistance programs during the pandemic, and to provide Idahoans an update on statewide COVID-19 metrics. ?Many Idahoans have experienced a job loss or loss in income since the spring, making it harder to afford the most basic of human needs ? food,? Governor Little said. ?As a result, more and more Idaho families are turning to their local food banks and food assistance programs during the coronavirus pandemic.? The State of Idaho just approved $2.56 million in coronavirus relief funds to help The Idaho Foodbank and its 400-plus partners in all 44 counties meet the growing need for food assistance during the pandemic. Almost half of The Idaho Foodbank?s partner organizations are schools, where backpack food programs and school pantries feed children during the school week as well as on the weekends when they are at home. ?The demand for food assistance is on the rise, and I want to commend The Idaho Foodbank, its staff, and all its supporters for rising to the challenge this year,? Governor Little said. Governor Little also said Idaho will remain Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks. The number of hospital admissions of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients statewide is higher than the established metric. However, over the past two weeks the metrics improved in other areas. There are downward trends in overall confirmed cases, test positivity rates, and emergency department visits of patients with COVID-like illness. There is a sufficient amount of ventilators, ICU beds, and hospital PPE statewide. In addition, the number of all people admitted to hospitals is stabilizing. ?Our statewide metrics tell us our efforts to preserve healthcare capacity and slow the spread of coronavirus are working. Canyon, Ada, Kootenai, Bonneville, and Twin Falls counties continue to be hot spots for virus activity, and I support mayors and public health officials in their decisions to mitigate spread at the local level,? Governor Little said. ?One of the best ways we can resolve food insecurity is to control the virus and bring down the number of cases in Idaho so Idahoans can get back to work and our children can go back to school for in-person learning,? Governor Little added. ?Please continue to practice all the preventive measures we have been talking about ? wear a face mask in public, wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly, keep physical distance from others, and stay home if you?re sick.? # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-559-3920 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 27 09:02:49 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:02:49 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little issues statement on special legislative session Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67C4C.42929630] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2020 Gov. Little issues statement on special legislative session Governor Brad Little commented today on the conclusion of the special legislative session. I want to thank the members of the Idaho Legislature for passionately carrying out their duties and performing this special legislative session. Our common desire for a prosperous and safe Idaho is our bond. Your work has helped ensure our election will be safe and secure and that businesses, schools, and churches responsibly operating during the pandemic are protected. I remain committed to working with you as we get through this very challenging time in our history and emerge stronger than ever. To the citizens who came to the Capitol and exercised your First Amendment rights peacefully - thank you. You far outnumbered the individuals who infringed on an orderly proceeding. We will always outnumber the agitators who seek to stifle civil debate and harm our democratic republic. To the men and women of the Idaho State Police, Boise Police Department, and Capitol security - you served with honor under extremely challenging circumstances. You put your own health and safety on the line, and you acted appropriately to deescalate volatile situations to ensure the important business of the Legislature could move forward. And to the people of Idaho - as your Governor, I will continue to do everything I can to protect your health and safety during the pandemic and propel our economic rebound forward. Thank you for the care and concern you have shown your neighbors over the past six months and for your love of Idaho and enthusiasm to make our state even greater. God bless Idaho and this country we love. # # # Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 28 13:02:32 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2020 19:02:32 +0000 Subject: Nearly $50 million awarded for broadband projects to support remote learning, economic development Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67D3A.D31740E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2020 Nearly $50 million awarded for broadband projects to support remote learning, economic development Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the Idaho Department of Commerce awarded $48.9 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for 102 projects across Idaho that support improved broadband infrastructure, equipment, and services. The grants help fund broadband connectivity for more than 43,000 underserved households, the majority of which are in rural communities of less than 3,000 residents. Public safety and local government entities received 23 of the 102 grants awarded. "In the short-term, this investment in broadband connectivity will assist with our ongoing COVID-19 response by supporting student remote learning, telehealth, work-from-home opportunities in more parts of the state, and improved government services," Governor Little said. "In the long-term, we will see better opportunities for economic development in underserved parts of Idaho." The grant program provides funding resources for broadband infrastructure investment and associated equipment for underserved households, public safety organizations, local governments, and medical clinics and hospital facilities. The priority was to fund projects that serve communities of less than 3,000 persons and/or communities that are unserved with 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload or less speeds. Idaho Commerce began accepting grant applications on June 29, 2020, and received 137 applications requesting $83 million in grant funding. The applications were then posted for public comment and additional review. "We appreciate the $50 million in CARES Act funding approved by the Governor's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee for new Idaho broadband infrastructure in areas identified by the Governor's Broadband Task Force last year," said Commerce Director Tom Kealey. "These projects will help many rural communities and tens of thousands of households with new high-speed internet service for remote learning, working, local government services and telehealth access." For more information and a complete list of all awards, visit https://commerce.idaho.gov/broadband/. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 31 09:49:40 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:49:40 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Russ Barron to lead Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67F7C.0AF35600] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2020 Gov. Little appoints Russ Barron to lead Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today Russ Barron will lead the recently restructured Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, the state agency responsible for administering licenses for dozens of professions and businesses in Idaho. "Russ shares my desire to keep Idaho regulations as streamlined as possible. His strong leadership skills and track record in efficiently managing government entities make him a great fit for this important post," Governor Little said. Barron has served as executive director of the Idaho Board of Nursing since June of 2019. Barron worked for the Idaho Department of Welfare for more than 20 years, holding the positions of director for two years, deputy director for three years, and administrator of the Division of Welfare for nine years. Barron received his Bachelor's degree in Business Management at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, and his Masters of Business Administration degree from Boise State University. "I appreciate the opportunity Governor Little has entrusted to me to lead the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and help fulfill his vision of regulatory excellence in Idaho. All the professions involved with this new organization are extremely important to Idaho citizens and the economy. I look forward to working with all the boards and their stakeholders to help ensure the boards' missions are achieved through collaboration, exceptional service to customers, and the appropriate amount of regulation," Barron said. Governor Little signed an executive order in June to shrink the size of state government. Executive Order 2020-10 consolidated 11 separate agencies into the new Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, a move that will lead to efficiencies and result in better service at a lower cost for Idaho license holders. The executive order helps ensure Idaho keeps its status as the least regulated state in the country - a title Idaho achieved by working with legislators, agencies, and the public during Governor Little's first year as governor. Idaho cut and simplified 75-percent of rules in a matter of months. With Governor Little's Zero-Based Regulation executive order earlier this year, which forces a routine review of rule chapters annually, Idaho regulations will remain streamlined, user-friendly, and easy to understand moving forward. "When we reduce regulatory friction, good jobs follow - something we need now more than ever before," Governor Little said. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 31 12:06:46 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:06:46 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_August?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_31-September_4?= Message-ID: [cid:image002.png at 01D67F8F.31CB8280] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of August 31-September 4. All times local. TUESDAY, September 1, 2020 Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. MT. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. THURSDAY, September 3, 2020 Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds in the Lincoln Auditorium at 11 a.m. The conference will be streamed to the public online. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 31 14:01:18 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:01:18 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Jess Byrne as Department of Environmental Quality Director Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D67F8A.7CA59890] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2020 Gov. Little appoints Jess Byrne as Department of Environmental Quality Director Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Jess Byrne as director of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. "Jess is committed to the vision of ensuring Idaho's environment enhances healthy living and supports thriving communities," Governor Little said. "His years of experience as deputy director make him uniquely capable to serve in this important position." Byrne has served as deputy director for the DEQ since April of 2012. Since that time, Byrne has twice served as interim director. He earned his Bachelor of Science in environmental health from Boise State University in 1999 and received a Master of Public Administration from BSU in 2004. "I am honored Governor Little entrusted me with the opportunity to serve as DEQ's director," Byrne said. "I look forward to working with our partners throughout the state to continue finding the appropriate balance between environmental protection and economic development to ensure our state's long-term success." Byrne will replace DEQ Director John Tippets. Tippets was appointed to the position in July 2015 and retired in July 2020. "I want to thank Director Tippets for his years of service to the people and resources of Idaho," Governor Little said. "I wish him well in his retirement." Byrne's appointment is effective today. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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