From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Oct 1 13:09:47 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2020 19:09:47 +0000 Subject: COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning underway in Idaho Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D697EC.1CD44E00] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2020 COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning underway in Idaho Governor also highlights new COVID-19 testing resources coming to Idaho schools Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little and public health officials today outlined the steps Idaho is taking to work with the federal government on distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. ?The availability of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the biggest hurdles in getting our lives closer to normal. We?re proud that the United States is taking a leadership role in the research and development of the vaccine. Here in Idaho, we have been planning for months for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and we will remain focused on making sure Idaho is ready when the initial supply becomes available,? Governor Little said. The federal government said its goal is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to states starting in January. Idaho?s plan for distribution of the vaccine is on track to be submitted to the federal government by Oct. 16. Governor Little announced that he is directing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to convene the new Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee to advise the Governor on the prioritization of vaccines when it is in limited supply, on the implementation of the vaccination plan, and on communication and delivery of the vaccine. More information on the committee and its membership will be available in the coming days. State public health officials stressed that the initial supply of vaccine is expected to be limited. Although the final decision has not been made yet, it is expected the vaccine likely will be offered first to healthcare workers. Vaccinating healthcare workers will protect them and their patients. New COVID-19 testing resources coming to Idaho schools Governor Little also highlighted today that Idaho will receive an additional 530,000 Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests, and he is prioritizing these tests be used for schools. The tests are inexpensive, simple to use, more than 95-percent accurate, and produce results within 15 minutes with a less invasive nasal swab and no machine. ?The new rapid tests are a game changer for schools. The new tests quickly determine who has and does not have COVID-19 so students and teachers can be back in their classrooms,? Governor Little said. The additional 530,000 tests will be delivered to Idaho over the next three months, with a shipment of 35,000 tests being shipped today to local public health agencies across the state to help support COVID-19 testing in schools. Many rapid tests that Idaho already received are being used in Idaho?s long-term care facilities. Governor clarifies Stage 4 and emergency order Governor Little also said Idaho will remain open and in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks because statewide metrics were not met over the past two weeks for the number of reported cases, the percent of positive tests, and the number of COVID hospitalizations. However, Governor Little emphasized that under Stage 4 Idaho is open for business and there are no restrictions on businesses and other activities. Stage 4 does include important recommendations for businesses and residents to follow in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. ?I often hear and read, ?Open up Idaho!? Idaho is open and has been for months. The good actions of Idahoans and our business community enabled us to move to the final stage of our Idaho Rebounds plan months ago, and that?s one of the primary reasons Idaho is leading the country in our economic prosperity,? Governor Little said. Governor Little also clarified misconceptions about the statewide COVID-19 emergency order. He said the emergency order exists for two primary reasons. First, it gives Idaho access to state and federal resources in order to protect citizens and expedite recovery, just like an emergency order for a flood, fire, or other natural disaster. Secondly, it communicates to the public that we are, indeed, in a state of emergency. All 50 states have active COVID-19 emergency orders in place. The COVID-19 emergency order follows state law and takes responsible, measured steps to protect our loved ones and neighbors. It does not take away or infringe on Idahoans? constitutional rights, it does not shut down Idaho, and it does not give local governments the authority to create and enforce local mask orders. Governor Little added that as dropping temperatures drive people indoors, virus activity will pick up in Idaho and across the country in the coming months, reinforcing the need for people to get a flu shot and for all of us to ramp up our personal actions to slow the spread of coronavirus, keep our students in school, our loved ones safe, and our economy open. # # # 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: 96568 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 49182 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Oct 2 12:33:44 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2020 18:33:44 +0000 Subject: Higher education benefits from major financial support during pandemic Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D698B8.428A69A0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2020 Higher education benefits from major financial support during pandemic Boise, Idaho - The Governor's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) voted today to direct another $6 million in federal relief funds to higher education in Idaho, bringing the total financial support from federal COVID funds for the public institutions this year to $54.4 million. "Idaho's institutions of higher education play a huge role in our state's economic prosperity, and it is critical that we support students as much as possible during these unprecedented times," Governor Little said. "It was a priority of mine that higher education institutions were fully funded to cover the increased operating costs associated with COVID." The breakdown of federal COVID funding for higher education so far includes: * $36,175,557 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: This was a direct distribution from the federal government to institutions. At least half is to be used for emergency grants to students to cover student financial losses. The remainder may be used for institution expenses. * $14,147,128 from CFAC: This includes $4,147,128 to be used for COVID-related expenses; $4 million for Idaho Online, the new platform to make courses accessible across institutions; $5 million approved today for the eight public colleges and universities; and $1 million approved today for the five private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions to support critical expenditures related to their COVID-19 responses. * $5,100,000 from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, one of the funds established by the CARES Act. # # # 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: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 97042 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Oct 5 11:23:12 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2020 17:23:12 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Majority_of_Idaho_property_taxpayers_will_benefit_from_G?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ov._Little=92s_Public_Safety_Initiative?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69AF9.0474B560] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2020 Majority of Idaho property taxpayers will benefit from Gov. Little?s Public Safety Initiative Boise, Idaho ? Forty cities and counties will participate in Governor Brad Little's $124 million plan that uses federal coronavirus relief funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries and gives cities and counties the opportunity to pass on the savings to property taxpayers. Last week was the deadline for cities and counties to formally opt in to the Public Safety Initiative, which ultimately provides Idaho property taxpayers in participating cities or counties a 10- to 20-percent one-time reduction in their property taxes this year. The U.S. Treasury Department guidance gives the Governor discretion to determine expenditures that are necessary due to the public health emergency. The program is a necessary and appropriate use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds because it ensures public health and public safety budgets are funded, first responders have the resources necessary to fight COVID-19, and avoids layoffs and furloughs while passing downstream savings to taxpayers. The Governor?s Office has communicated with the U.S. Treasury about the plan numerous times since its establishment in July. ?Our focus is to support our communities and our police, fire, and EMS personnel and ensure there are no reductions in public safety during these unprecedented challenges. I appreciate the cities and counties working with us to ensure the resulting budget savings are given back to the people of Idaho in the form of property tax relief rather than backfilling local government budgets. As a fiscal conservative, I believe all federal funds ? which are taxpayer funds ? should be managed prudently and judiciously on behalf of all taxpayers. The Trump Administration has praised Idaho?s conservative approach to managing the federal relief funds, and I am committed to continuing to act as a responsible steward of scarce taxpayer resources,? Governor Little said. Cities and counties that formally participated include: Cities: * Bellevue * Boise * Buhl * Challis * Chubbuck * Coeur d?Alene * Garden City * Homedale * Horseshow Bend * Idaho City * Idaho Falls * Inkom * Jerome * Kimberly * Lewiston * McCall * Meridian * Nampa * Payette * Pocatello * Preston * Rathdrum * Rexburg * Rigby * Salmon * Sandpoint * Soda Springs * Sun Valley * Twin Falls * Weiser Counties: * Ada * Adams * Bannock * Bingham * Bonneville * Boundary * Jefferson * Lincoln * Madison * Owyhee # # # 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 Oct 5 11:39:16 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2020 17:39:16 +0000 Subject: Gov. Brad Little's public calendar for Oct. 5-9 Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69B0C.26F98D50] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little's calendar for the week of October 5-9. All times local. WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020 Governor Little provides remarks during the virtual event "Governor's Summit on the Future of Work," at 8:30 a.m. The event will be streamed on the Idaho Workforce Development Council's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IdahoWDC. The event page can be found here. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Tue Oct 6 11:41:51 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2020 17:41:51 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?UPDATED:_Majority_of_Idaho_property_taxpayers_will_benef?= =?Windows-1252?Q?it_from_Gov._Little=92s_Public_Safety_Initiative?= Message-ID: Updated to add the City of Moscow and Boise County as participating in the plan. [cid:image001.png at 01D69AF9.0474B560] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2020 Majority of Idaho property taxpayers will benefit from Gov. Little?s Public Safety Initiative Boise, Idaho ? Forty-two cities and counties will participate in Governor Brad Little's $125 million plan that uses federal coronavirus relief funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries and gives cities and counties the opportunity to pass on the savings to property taxpayers. Last week was the deadline for cities and counties to formally opt in to the Public Safety Initiative, which ultimately provides Idaho property taxpayers in participating cities or counties a 10- to 20-percent one-time reduction in their property taxes this year. The U.S. Treasury Department guidance gives the Governor discretion to determine expenditures that are necessary due to the public health emergency. The program is a necessary and appropriate use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds because it ensures public health and public safety budgets are funded, first responders have the resources necessary to fight COVID-19, and avoids layoffs and furloughs while passing downstream savings to taxpayers. The Governor?s Office has communicated with the U.S. Treasury about the plan numerous times since its establishment in July. ?Our focus is to support our communities and our police, fire, and EMS personnel and ensure there are no reductions in public safety during these unprecedented challenges. I appreciate the cities and counties working with us to ensure the resulting budget savings are given back to the people of Idaho in the form of property tax relief rather than backfilling local government budgets. As a fiscal conservative, I believe all federal funds ? which are taxpayer funds ? should be managed prudently and judiciously on behalf of all taxpayers. The Trump Administration has praised Idaho?s conservative approach to managing the federal relief funds, and I am committed to continuing to act as a responsible steward of scarce taxpayer resources,? Governor Little said. Cities and counties that formally participated include: Cities: * Bellevue * Boise * Buhl * Challis * Chubbuck * Coeur d?Alene * Garden City * Homedale * Horseshoe Bend * Idaho City * Idaho Falls * Inkom * Jerome * Kimberly * Lewiston * McCall * Meridian * Moscow * Nampa * Payette * Pocatello * Preston * Rathdrum * Rexburg * Rigby * Salmon * Sandpoint * Soda Springs * Sun Valley * Twin Falls * Weiser Note, residents of Eagle, Star, and Kuna will benefit even though those cities are not listed because the cities chose to partner with Ada County for the services. Counties: * Ada * Adams * Bannock * Bingham * Boise * Bonneville * Boundary * Jefferson * Lincoln * Madison * Owyhee # # # 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 Tue Oct 6 11:42:00 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2020 17:42:00 +0000 Subject: LINE Commission to meet Oct. 14 Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D69BD5.B34BB1B0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2020 LINE Commission to meet Oct. 14 Boise, Idaho - The Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission will meet virtually Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT and receive an important update on the future of the Versatile Test Reactor, technology that will enable the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize essential nuclear energy research and development infrastructure in the next decade. Congressman Mike Simpson will provide an update on the status of the Fiscal Year 2021 congressional appropriations process and its impact on Idaho National Laboratory and the development of advanced nuclear technologies at 8:30 a.m. MT. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Kristine Svinicki also will discuss ongoing efforts to license new nuclear technologies in the United States. The full list of presenters, meeting agenda and participation details are available at https://line.idaho.gov/. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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: 49258 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Oct 7 13:46:39 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2020 19:46:39 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to host press conference on State Budget Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69CB0.4750C0A0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2020 Governor Little to host press conference on State Budget Governor Brad Little will host a press conference on the State Budget Friday, October 9, at 12 p.m. MT in the Lincoln Auditorium. The conference will be streamed to the public online. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. Media requiring remote access should RSVP to Marissa Morrison Hyer. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Fri Oct 9 12:01:00 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2020 18:01:00 +0000 Subject: Idaho on track for historic state budget surplus, Gov. Little cautions Idahoans about COVID-19 spread Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69E2F.EC1EA090] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2020 Idaho on track for historic state budget surplus, Gov. Little cautions Idahoans about COVID-19 spread Boise, Idaho ? A strong and open economy, Idahoans? preventive actions against COVID-19, and other steps have positioned Idaho to potentially achieve the largest state budget surplus in Idaho history, but Governor Brad Little warned Idahoans to ramp up personal actions to prevent virus spread in order to protect lives, keep schools open, and continue our economic momentum. ?I am proud to talk about all the ways Idaho is leading the country in our economic prosperity, but we simply cannot continue that trajectory if do not do all we can to protect our neighbors, schools, and the economy in the coming months,? Governor Little said. September revenue figures were published today, coming in $33 million ahead of forecast. It marks the third straight month of the new fiscal year where the economy beat projections. Idaho is bringing in 10-percent more this fiscal year compared to last fiscal year. Idaho is on track for a $530 million surplus in the current fiscal year, approximately 10-times what was expected prior to the pandemic. If it holds, it will be the largest surplus in state history. ?I?m optimistic that if we collectively continue our efforts to fight COVID-19, we will have enough money in the state budget at the end of the fiscal year to provide tax relief to Idahoans and make much needed investments in education, transportation, and water projects,? Governor Little said. All 115 of Idaho school districts are open for in-person or part-in-person learning while students in many other states face an entire academic year of full remote learning. Idaho is first among states for economic momentum and financial stability. Idaho?s employment rate is third best in the country, and Idaho is a top 10 state for our unemployment trust fund solvency. Governor Little emphasized the need for Idahoans to wear masks, keep their distance from others, and take other preventive steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 to keep schools open and our economic momentum going. ?Sadly, 503 of our fellow Idahoans have already died within just a few months from this aggressive and highly contagious disease, and that number would be exponentially higher if we had not taken steps to protect lives and preserve healthcare capacity since the spring,? Governor Little said. ?But with temperatures starting to drop, case numbers are already starting to climb, and we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state.? # # # 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 Oct 9 15:40:16 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2020 21:40:16 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Octobe?= =?Windows-1252?Q?r_12-16?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69E52.7B475E70] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of October 12-16. All times local. TUESDAY, October 13, 2020 Governor Little and Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron 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/. THURSDAY, October 15, 2020 Governor Little will host a press conference updating Idahoans on COVID-19 in the state in Capitol Room EW42 at 1 p.m. The conference will be streamed to the public online. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. Media requiring remote access should RSVP to Marissa Morrison Hyer. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Thu Oct 15 13:12:10 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:12:10 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little urges personal responsibility to slow COVID-19 spread Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6A2EB.95D46FB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2020 Gov. Little urges personal responsibility to slow COVID-19 spread Boise, Idaho ? As COVID-19 cases increase in communities across Idaho, Governor Brad Little urged Idahoans to ramp up personal actions to slow the spread of the virus to protect lives and our economic prosperity. ?Our personal actions work better to slow the spread of coronavirus than anything else. Our personal actions are free of cost and a minor sacrifice relative to the rewards,? Governor Little said. ?This is about personal responsibility ? something Idaho is all about. Wear a mask. Watch your distance from others. Wash your hands. Do these things so our kids can stay in school, our loved ones stay safe, and our economy can continue to prosper.? Governor Little emphasized the direct connection between rising COVID-19 case counts in communities and strain on healthcare facilities. Increased community spread results in more healthcare workers getting sick and more hospitalized Idahoans, impacting Idahoans? access to ordinary essential health care. ?This has been the goal of our COVID-19 response from the beginning ? slow the spread of the virus so you and your family do not lose access to critical care for ordinary health care, a situation that damages lives and our economy,? Governor Little said. The greatest rates of spread are occurring in eastern Idaho. Fourteen hospitals in southern and southeastern Idaho issued a joint statement today saying in part: ?Hospitals throughout the region are experiencing the highest number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 ever seen throughout the pandemic. This is placing a significant strain on hospital resources. Healthcare workers are the most valuable asset in the healthcare system, even more so than bed availability...We are asking our communities to practice the personal responsibility behaviors that science has indicated will reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as other infectious illnesses such as influenza. The choices our residents make have a direct impact on whether we have the human resources necessary to care for our community.? Wearing a mask remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others. Idahoans are urged to practice safe measures not just in public but also in their close circle of family and friends. Idaho will continue to evaluate statewide metrics every two weeks to determine if the state will move out of Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan. # # # 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 Oct 16 15:06:16 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2020 21:06:16 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Octobe?= =?Windows-1252?Q?r_19-23?= Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D6A3CD.E4919E60] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of October 19-23. All times local. TUESDAY, October 20, 2020 Governor Little will chair the Land Board meeting in the Lincoln Auditorium at 9 a.m. The meeting will be streamed live at https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/. Participation details and agenda are available at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/. Governor Little will attend the Establishment Celebration for the Idaho Women's Business Center East Location, 77 MK Simpson Blvd., Idaho Falls, at 2 p.m. THURSDAY, October 22, 2020 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Special Olympics Idaho Law Enforcement Torch Run on the Capitol steps at 12 p.m. FRIDAY, October 23, 2020 Governor Little will attend the Schweitzer Career & Technical Education Center ribbon cutting, 2947 Cecil Andrus Way, Lewiston, at 9 a.m. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Oct 19 15:28:41 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:28:41 +0000 Subject: Strong Families, Strong Students goes live Wednesday Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6A62B.ADCF3210] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2020 Strong Families, Strong Students goes live Wednesday Boise, Idaho - The web site for the new $50 million "Strong Families, Strong Students" initiative goes live Wednesday, directly supporting Idaho families and their students' educational needs during the pandemic. At StrongFamilies.Idaho.Gov, eligible parents can apply for $1,500 per eligible student with a maximum award of $3,500 per family. Families can use the funds to purchase or receive reimbursement for eligible educational materials, devices, and services. Families can apply between Oct. 21 and Dec. 8, 2020. The State Board of Education approved the contract today with a third-party vendor to facilitate the program. "When parents have to step in to provide instruction and equipment due to school-related closures, we see them pushed out of the work force - something that strains our economic rebound," Governor Little said. Governor Little's "Strong Families, Strong Students" initiative helps ensure parents are less likely to exit the workforce or expend household resources for their children to receive the education they deserve. "I can't think of a better use of relief funds right now than helping families who are trying to support their students and meet their learning needs during such a stressful time. We have heard what the priorities are, and the Strong Families, Strong Students program can make a difference by providing educational resources that will have an immediate impact and benefit for families throughout our state," Board President Debbie Critchfield 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 Wed Oct 21 14:04:06 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:04:06 +0000 Subject: COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee sets first meeting Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6A7B1.84C3C200] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee sets first meeting Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced the membership of the Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee, which will have its first meeting Friday. "The availability of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the biggest hurdles in getting our lives closer to normal. Here in Idaho, we have been planning for months for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, and our COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee will stay focused on making sure Idaho is ready when the initial supply becomes available," Governor Little said. Committee members represent stakeholders from across Idaho, including the tribes, priority populations, healthcare systems and providers, and immunization organizations. They will lend their broad expertise to best enhance Idaho's vaccine distribution plan in adherence with federal guidance and requirements. A full list of the committee's members is available at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/idaho-covid-19-vaccine-advisory-committee/. The initial supply of vaccine is expected to be limited. Although the federal government has not made the final decision yet, it is expected the vaccine likely will be offered first to healthcare workers. Vaccinating healthcare workers will protect them and their patients. While Idaho has experience in prioritizing scarce medical supplies, developing prioritization plans for the H1N1 swine flu vaccine in 2009, and for the antiviral remdesivir to treat COVID-19 earlier this year, the level of vaccine distribution amid this pandemic will be unprecedented. "We want to assure Idahoans that vaccine safety is our No. 1 priority," said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, state public health officer and executive secretary for the committee. "The committee will advise Governor Little and the Department of Health and Welfare on vaccine implementation strategies to ensure broad vaccination coverage throughout the state." The advisory committee's timely creation will ensure a coordinated approach with Idaho's COVID-19 interim vaccine distribution plan, which was submitted to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention by the Oct. 16 deadline. Meetings of the COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee are open to the public and meeting dates and details will be made available at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/. # # # 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 Sun Oct 25 12:42:53 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2020 18:42:53 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to make announcement Monday regarding COVID-19 Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6AA1C.48DEDE60] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 25, 2020 Gov. Little to make announcement Monday regarding COVID-19 Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will host a press conference Monday at 3 p.m. MT to make an important announcement about COVID-19 in Idaho. The press conference will be broadcast on Idaho Public Television and streamed to the public at https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/governor/. The press conference will be held in the Lincoln Auditorium in the Capitol building. Media planning to attend should bring credentials and wear a face mask. Media requiring remote access should RSVP with the Governor's Office. # # # 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: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Oct 26 15:10:46 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:10:46 +0000 Subject: Idaho moves back to Stage 3 amid healthcare capacity constraints statewide Message-ID: [cid:0d680347-48df-43c7-ae8b-7e96ad9caa6a] ? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2020 Idaho moves back to Stage 3 amid healthcare capacity constraints statewide Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed a statewide public health order today moving Idaho back into a modified Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan as healthcare facilities throughout the state face alarming demand and capacity constraints due to increasing COVID-19 spread. ?Hospitals throughout the state are quickly filling up or are already full with COVID-19 patients and other patients, and way too many healthcare workers are out sick with COVID-19,? Governor Little said. Under the new Stage 3: * Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people or less. * Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25-percent capacity. * Physical distancing requirements are in place for gatherings of all types. * Long-term care facilities will not be allowed to operate without requiring masks on their premises. * There will be seating only at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Nightclubs can only operate as bars. * Employers should continue to protect at-risk employees by allowing telework or by making special accommodations for these individuals in the workplace. * All individuals and businesses should follow recommended protocols for minimizing transmission of the virus available at Rebound.Idaho.Gov. Governor Little said the new order does not mean the economy is on lockdown. Idaho?s economy will remain open. It does not mean in-person church services will end. It does not mean travel is restricted in and out of the state. Governor Little also said the new order does not mean schools should go to full remote learning. ?We put millions of dollars and substantial effort toward the safe operation of schools to ensure they are safe places to learn and work. The state rolled out a Back to School Framework in the summer, providing local school leaders a blueprint for safe opening. Our students fall too far behind when they?re away from their teachers and classmates. We must continue to prioritize safe in-person learning for students across Idaho,? Governor Little said. Governor Little said the eventual shift to a localized approach was the right thing to do but it has not worked as well as it should because the virus is relentless and in some parts of the state there simply have been insufficient efforts by local health boards, mayors, and county commissioners to protect lives. ?I sincerely hope that some people have finally passed the point of thinking the pandemic is not real or not a big deal, or that their personal actions don?t really affect anything. We have seen the direct impact between rising case numbers in our communities and the overwhelming impacts on our healthcare system ? something that affects all of us, whether we have COVID or not,? 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: Outlook-f3lksp0v.png Type: image/png Size: 45838 bytes Desc: Outlook-f3lksp0v.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Oct 26 17:28:24 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:28:24 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_October_27-30?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69E52.7B475E70] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for October 27-30. All times local. TUESDAY, October 27, 2020 Governor Little and Idaho Commission on Aging Administrator Judy Bicknell Taylor 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, October 30, 2020 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Shared Stewardship Advisory Group meeting at 8:15 a.m. in Capitol Building Room EW-42. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Tue Oct 27 15:03:55 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2020 21:03:55 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints Ron Davies to Fish and Game Commission Message-ID: [cid:15d79de8-9b7f-4ce2-896a-fbc6c211c200] ? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2020 Governor Little appoints Ron Davies to Fish and Game Commission Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little has appointed Ron Davies of Clayton as the Idaho Fish and Game Commission Salmon Region representative. ?Ron is not only a lifelong Idahoan and avid hunter and fisherman, but he has proven himself in committed service to the people of the Gem State, ? Governor Little said. ?I am happy to appoint him to this important position.? Davies is a retired battalion chief with the Pocatello Fire Department, where he served for nearly 26 years. Since moving to central Idaho full-time, Davies started the Custer Country chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation for the betterment of mule deer and their habitat. ?I am very excited and honored to be selected by Governor Little to work on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, and I look forward to helping continue the great legacy of the commission,? Davies said. ?I have a passion for hunting and fishing and the great opportunities the State of Idaho offers hunters and anglers.? Davies? appointment is effective immediately. # # # ? 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: Outlook-leiye1g3.png Type: image/png Size: 45838 bytes Desc: Outlook-leiye1g3.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Ron Davies.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 201323 bytes Desc: Ron Davies.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Oct 28 13:26:33 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:26:33 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Lamont Berecz to the First Judicial District Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6AD2A.C0B705A0] ?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2020 Gov. Little appoints Lamont Berecz to the First Judicial District Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of the Honorable Lamont Berecz to the First Judicial District. "Idaho?s justice system is made stronger with the appointment of capable and compassionate judges such as Judge Berecz who have a strong understanding of and respect for the Constitution,? Governor Little said. ?The First Judicial District will be well served with his appointment.? Berecz received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has served as a magistrate judge for 12 years, the last eight in Valley County. Berecz was appointed to serve as an adjunct member of the Idaho Judicial Council in December 2018. "I am honored by Governor Little's appointment,? Berecz said. ?I look forward to continuing my public service as a judge and will strive to uphold the law, maintain justice, and serve my community.? The new judicial position in the First Judicial District was authorized by the Idaho Legislature during the 2020 legislative session and assigned to Bonner County. The First Judicial District is made up of Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone Counties. # # # ? 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: 43502 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Oct 30 13:32:56 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2020 19:32:56 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_Nov._2-6?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D69E52.7B475E70] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2020 There currently are no public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of Nov. 2-6. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Fri Oct 30 13:43:48 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2020 19:43:48 +0000 Subject: CyberStart America encourages Idaho Students to pursue cybersecurity education Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6AEC2.B11E9BF0] ?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2020 CyberStart America encourages Idaho Students to pursue cybersecurity education Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today the state?s participation in CyberStart America - an innovative, online cybersecurity competition sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and the SANS Institute and supported by the Idaho National Laboratory. ?My administration is focused on advancing Idaho?s education system so our talented young students have the opportunity to pursue technical careers in Idaho and beyond,? Governor Little said. ?Initiatives such as CyberStart America allow Idaho to partner with world-leading experts to develop the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and innovators.? Idaho students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science and win prizes, scholarships and recognition for their themselves and their schools. Through the free program, teams of students solve a series of online challenges and puzzles that teach skills such as code breaking, programming, networking, and digital forensics. To encourage the participation of young women and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets, specific communities have been established in the program for these groups that offer additional support and awards. Any student team that completes the first five challenges will be invited to participate in a national competition where millions of dollars in college scholarships will be awarded. The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation plans to award scholarships worth a total of $2 million for use at any accredited college to the 600 highest scoring students who participate in the national competition. There will also be additional incentives for Idaho high schools including exclusive access to cybersecurity education resources and cyber skills mastery badges. Students and teachers do not need prior knowledge or experience in information technology or cybersecurity to participate. The program provides all the resources and training to enable students to be successful. In addition, through Idaho National Laboratory?s Coding Coalition, teachers or counselors who support a student team are eligible for a $1,500 stipend and access to an INL cyber guide who will help mentor student competitors. Since 2018, more than 600 Idaho high school students have participated in the program, which was formerly known as Girls Go CyberStart. Last year, students from five Idaho schools earned an invitation to the national competition where they competed against more than 400 other schools. At the end of the competition, three Idaho schools placed among the top 30 nationwide. For more information on the program, or to register to play, visit cyberstartamerica.org. The program is open for play from now until Feb. 28, 2021. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov National contact: apaller at nationalcyberscholarship.org -- 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: 43502 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: