From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Sep 1 09:13:55 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2020 15:13:55 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Idaho_to_begin_payments_for_Trump=92s_Lost_Wages_program?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_this_week?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D68040.36DC2E30] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2020 Idaho to begin payments for Trump?s Lost Wages program this week Boise, Idaho ? The State of Idaho will begin making payments this week for the Trump Administration?s new conservative plan to offer extended unemployment benefits in order to continue Idaho?s economic rebound. ?Idaho is third among states for lowest unemployment rates, thanks to the investments and creativity of Idaho?s businesses in safely reopening,? Governor Little said. ?We chose 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. The Lost Wages program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Administration. ?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. To qualify for the additional $300 per week, claimants must be unemployed due to COVID-19 and receive a weekly benefit amount of at least $100. Payments will be retroactive for the week ending Aug. 1 for eligible claimants and will run as long as funding is available, up to five weeks, ending Aug. 29, 2020. To ensure individuals who need it most are receiving the new benefit, Governor Little directed the Idaho Department of Labor to make sure the $300 per week in additional benefits is also provided to individuals who receive less than $100 per week in unemployment benefits. The Idaho Department of Labor will request up to $15 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to cover this group. The Governor?s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee will consider the request Thursday. The state?s participation in President Trump?s new program is part of Idaho?s comprehensive approach to continue strengthening the economy. To date, more than 32,000 Idahoans have received Return to Work incentives, saving taxpayer dollars and benefitting more than 5,100 businesses that needed workers back on the job. More than $75 million was distributed to 9,000 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. More information on the Lost Wages program can be found at labor.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 Thu Sep 3 11:02:37 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2020 17:02:37 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little urges Idahoans to get flu shots Message-ID: ? [cid:image001.png at 01D681DC.2A042030] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 3, 2020 Gov. Little urges Idahoans to get flu shots Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today Idaho will remain in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks while emphasizing the need for Idahoans to get flu shots to protect themselves and their families and lighten the burden on Idaho?s healthcare system. Overall COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide are still too high to move past Stage 4, but Governor Little said a lot of progress is being made. ?Statewide, our numbers and metrics are looking pretty good. In fact, even in many of the ?hot spots? we are seeing encouraging trends. But that is not a reason to let our guard down. As we approach fall, the opportunity for community spread will increase and we need to ramp up our personal actions,? Governor Little said. Governor Little noted dropping temperatures will drive people indoors where they will be sharing physical space, and he encouraged all Idahoans to take steps to be safe and protect their friends and family. Importantly, flu season is approaching. Governor Little urged Idahoans to get a flu shot to free up healthcare resources. ?These variables threaten our healthcare capacity ? the very thing we are trying to protect so that our economic rebound can continue and so our students can learn in their classrooms where they deserve to be,? Governor Little said. Governor Little encouraged Idahoans to ramp up their personal actions to prevent the spread of coronavirus and the flu, including: * Wearing a mask in public * Avoiding large gatherings of people, especially indoors * Keeping physical distance from others * Washing hands and cleaning surfaces regularly * Staying home if you?re sick # # # 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 Sep 3 15:01:13 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2020 21:01:13 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little keeps taxes low for Idaho small businesses, ensures solvency of unemployment trust fund Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D68201.DD761590] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 3, 2020 Gov. Little keeps taxes low for Idaho small businesses, ensures solvency of unemployment trust fund Boise, Idaho - Idaho small businesses and employers will not see huge tax increases next year after Governor Brad Little approved a $200 million transfer today to keep the Idaho Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent. "Our move to put even more dollars toward supporting Idaho businesses helps keep jobs and continues our strong economic rebound," Governor Brad Little said. The Governor approved the transfer of federal coronavirus relief dollars today after a recommendation by the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee. The state has made record payouts in regular unemployment insurance benefits since March. Without today's transfer, businesses would have to pay nearly double in unemployment insurance taxes next year to keep the Idaho Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent moving forward. The move is intended to encourage more hiring by preventing tax increases for businesses of more than $300 per employee that could have occurred if Governor Little had not taken decisive action now. The Idaho chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which represents 4,000 small business owners in the state, praised the move. "The whole art to restoring the nation's economy begins with luring small business owners back to re-open and re-hire, and one of the most important ways to do that is to not hit them with additional costs. Your plan to use CARES Act money instead of raising their unemployment insurance taxes is the right one to take," NFIB Idaho State Director Suzanne Budge wrote to Governor Little. "States that can resist piling on more costs, such as UI tax increases, will be the ones to emerge faster from the coronavirus-induced recession. Small business thanks you for taking the right approach to solving the UI Trust Fund shortfall." In addition to today's transfer, the State of Idaho has taken multiple other steps to prioritize Idaho businesses in the allocation of federal relief dollars, including: * Helping 30,000 Idahoans get back to jobs by providing Return to Work incentives, saving taxpayer dollars and benefitting more than 4,800 businesses. * Distributing more than $75 million 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. * Supporting close to 37,000 businesses with their PPE needs to keep businesses open and workers and patrons safe. * Allowing local governments to use relief dollars to support businesses. * Supporting first responders and reducing property taxes for Idaho citizens and businesses in participating cities and 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: 47149 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Sep 4 11:46:42 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2020 17:46:42 +0000 Subject: Gov. Brad Little's public calendar for Sept. 7-11 Message-ID: [cid:image002.png at 01D67F8F.31CB8280] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 4, 2020 There currently are no public events on Governor Brad Little's calendar for the week of Sept. 7-11. # # # 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 Tue Sep 8 15:02:57 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2020 21:02:57 +0000 Subject: Idaho ranks first among states for financial stability, August revenues come in millions ahead of forecast Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D685F1.2208C160] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2020 Idaho ranks first among states for financial stability, August revenues come in millions ahead of forecast Boise, Idaho - Idaho's economic rebound continues to strengthen, with Idaho leading all 50 states for best financial shape, tax revenues beating the forecast by $37 million for the month of August and Idaho's employment rate better than 47 other states. "We're far better off in Idaho than elsewhere, thanks to our handling of the pandemic and fiscal conservatism in state government - our management of the state budget and watchful eye on regulations. We are well positioned to handle the ongoing impacts of COVID-19," Governor Brad Little said. Financial magazine Barron's ranked Idaho first among states last week for creditworthiness. The Division of Financial Management released the August tax revenue report today showing Idahoans are getting back to work and engaging in the economy, with sales taxes and income taxes coming in well above forecast. In addition, Idaho ranks third among states for lowest unemployment rate. Idaho has been able to lead the nation in financial solvency through conservative revenue forecasting, setting aside healthy reserves, limiting government spending, and rolling back state regulations. Idaho state agencies just submitted the lowest budget request in years - with just 1.68-percent growth for Fiscal Year 2022 starting next year. Under Governor Little's direction, the "no frills" budget reflects limited growth in state government. Thankfully, Idaho's public-school system will be minimally impacted by COVID-19 in current and future years because of Idaho's efforts to strategically leverage federal funds to offset planned reductions. Fiscal conservativism elsewhere in the budget combined with the relief funds Idaho directed to K-12 mean teachers, students, and parents won't feel as much of an impact in schools here like they will in other states. Idaho remains the least-regulated state in the nation after Governor Little and the Legislature achieved historic regulatory cuts last year. Seventy-five percent of regulations were cut or simplified in a matter of months, and through Governor Little's Zero-Based Regulation executive order earlier this year, regulatory reductions will continue. "Our economy has been open for months and we have managed to do so without maxing out our healthcare system statewide - a testament to the people and businesses of Idaho. I appreciate Idahoans for their strength and determination, and for the care they continue to show their neighbors. Let's keep up our preventive actions so we can continue our economic rebound and so our kids can learn in their classrooms where they deserve to be," 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 Wed Sep 9 08:36:10 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2020 14:36:10 +0000 Subject: Education Funding and Supporting Parents press conference Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D68683.F21CA690] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 9, 2020 Governor Brad Little will hold a press conference with Idaho education leaders regarding education funding and supporting Idaho parents on Friday, Sept. 11 at 12 p.m. MST in the Lincoln Auditorium. The press conference will be carried on Idaho Public Television and streamed at https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/governor/. 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: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Sep 11 12:04:55 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:04:55 +0000 Subject: Financial support for K-12 education grows 10.5-percent during pandemic Message-ID: ? [cid:image001.png at 01D6882E.AE89ADE0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 11, 2020 Financial support for K-12 education grows 10.5-percent during pandemic Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today Idaho public schools and families will receive even more financial support, making Idaho one of the only states in the country to significantly increase funding for K-12 education during the global pandemic. ?Idaho was just recognized for leading all 50 states in our economic momentum. That?s the reason we?re able to make these investments in education during the pandemic while other states face 20- to 40-percent budget cuts, including cuts to education,? Governor Little said. Governor Little is directing $99 million in relief funds to ensure schools are fully funded and prepared to educate Idaho?s children during the pandemic. The funds restore the budgets school districts set for the academic year, on top of $122 million already provided to K-12 education this year, including more than $60 million for safe reopening. All told, funds for K-12 education this year increased 10.5-percent to reopen our schools and minimize learning hurdles caused by the pandemic. Over the summer, Governor Little worked with the Trump Administration and Idaho?s Congressional Delegation, emphasizing the need for more flexibility in the allocation of relief dollars, including for public schools. The U.S. Treasury updated guidance last week giving states more authority to use federal coronavirus relief funds for COVID-related needs in public school budgets. Idaho seized the opportunity and acted within days to support our schools. Governor Little also announced $50 million will go directly to Idaho families as part of the new ?Strong Families, Strong Students? initiative. The initiative helps ensure parents are less likely to exit the workforce or expend household resources for their children to receive the education they deserve. ?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. Under the new Strong Families, Strong Students initiative, eligible Idaho families could receive $1,500 per eligible student with a maximum award of $3,500 per family. Families can use the funds to purchase eligible educational materials, devices, and services. The State Board of Education will administer the initiative and finalize eligibility criteria. Families can begin applying in October, and additional details will be provided in the coming weeks. The Governor asked the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee to fund both proposals at its next meeting. # # # 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 Sep 14 11:55:51 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2020 17:55:51 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Septem?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ber_14-18?= Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D68A8D.FD6D7840] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of September 14-18. All times local. TUESDAY, September 15, 2020 Governor Little will chair the Land Board meeting at 9 a.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium at the Capitol. All non-participatory individuals are encouraged to watch the meeting via live streaming at https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/ww02/ . 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/. Governor Little will issue a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month in the Capitol Rotunda at 3 p.m. WEDNESDAY, September 16, 2020 Governor Little will attend the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Portneuf Wellness Complex, 2375 Olympus Dr, Pocatello, at 9 a.m. Governor Little will attend the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Lunch, Westbank Center: 525 River Parkway, Idaho Falls, at 1 p.m. THURSDAY, September 17, 2020 Governor Little will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Project Supro, 2330 Ave. W., Jerome, at 10 a.m. FRIDAY, September 18, 2020 Governor Little will provide introductory remarks via Zoom at the Three Branch Behavioral Council meeting at 9 a.m. Meeting details are available at https://behavioralhealthcouncil.idaho.gov/. Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Idaho Rebounds in the JRW East Conference Room. 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: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Sep 14 11:58:18 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2020 17:58:18 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Correction:_Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_we?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ek_of_September_14-18?= Message-ID: **Time added for Friday?s Press Conference [cid:image001.png at 01D68A8E.54C36910] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of September 14-18. All times local. TUESDAY, September 15, 2020 Governor Little will chair the Land Board meeting at 9 a.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium at the Capitol. All non-participatory individuals are encouraged to watch the meeting via live streaming at https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/ww02/ . 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/. Governor Little will issue a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month in the Capitol Rotunda at 3 p.m. WEDNESDAY, September 16, 2020 Governor Little will attend the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Portneuf Wellness Complex, 2375 Olympus Dr, Pocatello, at 9 a.m. Governor Little will attend the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Lunch, Westbank Center: 525 River Parkway, Idaho Falls, at 1 p.m. THURSDAY, September 17, 2020 Governor Little will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Project Supro, 2330 Ave. W., Jerome, at 10 a.m. FRIDAY, September 18, 2020 Governor Little will provide introductory remarks via Zoom at the Three Branch Behavioral Council meeting at 9 a.m. Meeting details are available at https://behavioralhealthcouncil.idaho.gov/. Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Idaho Rebounds in the JRW East Conference Room 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 Fri Sep 18 13:04:14 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:04:14 +0000 Subject: Idaho leads in economic rebound, Gov. Little highlights steps taken to strengthen economy Message-ID: ? [cid:image001.png at 01D68DB9.563F6630] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2020 Idaho leads in economic rebound, Gov. Little highlights steps taken to strengthen economy Boise, Idaho ? As Idaho surges ahead in national rankings for economic prosperity, Governor Brad Little highlighted today the ways Idaho is accelerating a strong economic rebound amid the global pandemic. ?Idahoans have faced much hardship this year, but we have been working hard to ease the challenges and restore the prosperity Idaho had before the global pandemic,? Governor Little said. A few rankings demonstrating Idaho?s strong economic position include: Idaho is #1 state for economic momentum (FFIS index) Idaho is #1 state for financial solvency (Barron?s report) Idaho is #1 state in personal income growth over past year (PEW) Idaho is #3 state for best employment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Idaho is #3 state for most CARES investment in broadband Idaho is in the top 10 states for unemployment trust fund balance (U.S. Department of Labor) Idaho is in the top 10 states for rainy day fund balance (NASBO) Governor Little said there are six specific ways Idaho is accelerating such a strong economic rebound. Full details for each step are included at the end of the news release. 1. Idaho has responsibly managed the pandemic response. 1. Idaho has prioritized direct support for Idaho businesses and citizens in the allocation of federal coronavirus relief funds. 1. Idaho has cut red tape to ease the burden on businesses and strengthen the coronavirus response. 1. Idaho has demonstrated fiscal conservatism in the state budget. 1. Idaho has made historic investments in K-12 education during the pandemic to support students, families, and a strong economic rebound. 1. Idaho has prioritized transparency and has engaged the business community and experts in all aspects of the coronavirus response. Governor Little also said Idaho will remain in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks. Under Stage 4, all Idaho businesses are open while protocols are followed to minimize transmission risk. ?In nearly all the statewide metrics categories we are seeing encouraging trends. However, our COVID hospitalizations statewide remain too high again to move out of Stage 4,? Governor Little said. ?As temperatures start dropping, more transmissible moments will occur in the coming months. A primary reason we are able to achieve this remarkable economic position is because of our personal actions to slow the spread of coronavirus in our communities. I urge Idahoans, please do not let your guard down.? # # # Ways Idaho is Accelerating a Strong Economic Rebound #1: Idaho has responsibly managed the pandemic response. * Idaho was one of the first states with a plan in place to safely and responsibly rebound the economy in stages. The Idaho Rebounds plan for strengthening the economy has drawn praise from President Trump and White House officials. Idaho managed to rebound the economy without jeopardizing healthcare capacity statewide, thanks to the good actions of Idaho citizens and businesses. * Idaho set clear recommendations for businesses and others to mitigate COVID-19 spread early on. * Idaho shifted from an initial statewide approach in our COVID-19 response to a localized approach, with public health boards and professionals, counties, and mayors playing a critical role in implementing measures appropriate for their local circumstances. * Idaho directed millions to expand and expedite testing statewide and millions toward long-term care and correctional facilities to maximize safety in operations. #2: Idaho has prioritized direct support for Idaho businesses and citizens in the allocation of federal coronavirus relief funds. * Rebound Grants for Small Businesses ? Idaho distributed more than $75 million to 8,700 small businesses in cash payments up to $10,000. The Idaho Rebound grants helped the smallest of Idaho businesses impacted by COVID-19, from the self-employed to companies with fewer than 50 employees. * Personal protective equipment (PPE) for small business ? Idaho supported approximately 4,000 businesses with their PPE needs to keep them open and their workers and patrons safe. * Public safety initiative and lower property taxes ? Idaho leveraged federal coronavirus relief funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries, ensuring local communities are prepared to respond to the pandemic and giving cities and counties the opportunity to pass on the savings to property taxpayers. The move provides up to $200 million in property tax relief, or a 10-20-percent reduction in property tax bills this year across participating cities and counties. * Keeping taxes low for businesses by making Unemployment Trust Fund solvent ? Idaho small businesses and employers will not see huge automatic tax increases next year after a $200 million transfer to keep the Idaho Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent. Without the transfer, businesses would have to pay nearly double in unemployment insurance taxes next year. The move encourages more hiring. * Getting workers back on the job ? Nearly 32,000 Idahoans received Idaho?s Return to Work incentives, saving taxpayer dollars and benefitting more than 5,100 businesses that needed workers safely back on the job. The move helped put Idaho into the third spot for best employment rate in the country. * Supporting Idahoans on unemployment ? Idaho opted into President Trump?s Lost Wages program to ensure struggling families can continue to pay their mortgages and avoid debt, which helps stabilize consumer spending and prevent a deeper recession. * Local government supporting businesses ? Local governments were given the authority to direct $94 million to support businesses at the local level as they see fit. * Support for childcare businesses ? Idaho made emergency grants available to childcare businesses so they could safely stay open to support children and Idaho?s workforce. * Broadband investments ? Idaho directed $50 million toward more than 100 projects across Idaho that improve broadband infrastructure, equipment, and services to support student remote learning, telehealth, work-from-home opportunities, improved government services, and increased economic opportunities long-term. Most households served are in rural communities. * ONE Idaho ? Idaho initiated a campaign to encourage businesses and individuals to practice safety measures to ensure a strong economic rebound. Thousands took the ONE Idaho pledge. * Addressing food insecurity and rental and utility assistance ? Idaho made significant investments to address food insecurity and directed millions toward programs that provide rental and utility assistance for Idahoans in need. #3: Idaho has cut red tape to ease burden on businesses and strengthen the coronavirus response. * When we reduce regulatory friction, good jobs follow. Idaho became the least-regulated state in the nation in 2019 after 75-percent of regulations were cut or simplified in a matter of months. Governor Little?s Zero-Based Regulation executive order and other actions ensure regulatory rollbacks will continue ? something Idaho businesses need during and long after the pandemic. * Cutting red tape to strengthen coronavirus response ? Within days of Idaho's first confirmed coronavirus case in March, Governor Little directed all state agencies to examine their rules, placing specific emphasis on increasing the state?s healthcare provider capacity and reducing barriers to healthcare access for Idaho citizens. The result was more than 150 rules were waived. Governor Little took action to make the rule waivers permanent. * Cutting red tape to increase telehealth services ? Rule waivers prompted by Governor Little?s action increased telehealth services 40-fold during the pandemic. Private insurers also took steps to increase the accessibility of telehealth services. #4: Idaho has demonstrated fiscal conservatism in the state budget. Idaho ranks first in the nation for financial stability. Idaho has been able to lead the nation in financial solvency by: * Limiting government spending ? Shortly after the first coronavirus case was confirmed in Idaho, Governor Little asked state government agencies to do what businesses and families across Idaho were having to do ? tighten their belts. Agencies were asked to cut spending and freeze hiring and any planned salary increases. Idaho was one of the first states to announce a formal holdback. Idaho state agencies just submitted the lowest budget request in years ? with well under 2-percent growth next year. Under Governor Little?s direction, the ?no frills? budget reflects limited growth in state government. * Using conservative revenue forecasting ? Idaho uses a conservative revenue forecast to provide a greater cushion at fiscal year-end. Idaho also moved the tax filing deadline to June 15, giving citizens more time to file their taxes but kept filings in the same fiscal year. Other states had to look for ways to cover shortfalls. * Maintaining healthy rainy-day balances: While other states already withdrew billions from their rainy-day funds during COVID-19, Idaho strengthened its rainy-day funds with year-end transfers, preparing us well for the coming years. #5: Idaho has made historic investments in K-12 education during the pandemic to support students, families, and a strong economic rebound. * The pandemic has highlighted the significant role public schools play for students, families, communities, the economy, and the entire state. While most states face budget cuts across government, including education, Idaho is one of the only states that significantly increased funds for schools ? directing nearly 11-percent more to K-12 education during the pandemic. * Idaho directed $122 million K-12 public schools for the safe reopening of schools and other COVID-related needs ? for personal protective equipment, to bridge the ?digital divide,? for COVID-19 testing of teachers and school staff, and other needs. * Idaho directed $99 million to K-12 education to ensure public schools experience zero reduction in funding. * Idaho directed $50 million to the Strong Families, Strong Students initiative to ensure parents can remain in the workforce while meeting the educational needs of their children. * Governor Brad Little emphasized the expectation early on that students need to be back in their classrooms for in-person as much as possible during the pandemic. Idaho created a Framework for Reopening to guide local school officials in their decisions on reopening schools. #6: Idaho has prioritized transparency and has engaged the business community and experts in all aspects of the coronavirus response. * Economic Rebound Advisory Committee ? Governor Little assembled a group of business leaders to recommend actions for a safe and strong economic rebound, with an emphasis on rapidly deploying resources to support Idaho businesses large and small. Nearly all the committee?s recommendations were implemented in a matter of weeks. * Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee ? A broad group of leaders in government and business closely evaluate the best ways to allocate the federal coronavirus relief funds to support the pandemic response and promote a strong economic rebound. Every dollar spent of CARES funds is reported publicly at Transparent.Idaho.Gov. * Coronavirus Working Group ? Healthcare leaders and infectious disease experts routinely monitor coronavirus activity, healthcare capacity, and overall pandemic response, providing the Governor recommendations on appropriate actions to ensure the health and safety of Idahoans. -------------- 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 Sep 21 11:12:36 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:12:36 +0000 Subject: Risch, Little Recognize Idaho Resilience during National Small Business Week Message-ID: Contact: Marty Cozza (Risch) Emily Callihan (Little) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2020 Risch, Little Recognize Idaho Resilience during National Small Business Week WASHINGTON ? During a year that?s been unlike any other, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Idaho Governor Brad Little hailed the kick-off of National Small Business Week and the strength and tenacity of Idaho?s small business owners. This year?s National Small Business Week, which will be hosted online by the U.S. Small Business Administration, seeks to celebrate the small businesses who have persevered through the pandemic while supporting their employees and communities. ?Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Idaho?s small businesses have shown tremendous determination as they?ve hustled and scraped each day to serve their customers and keep their doors open,? said Risch. ?This year?s National Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize the resilience and courage of small businesses throughout the Gem State and encourage Idahoans to lend their support to the local shops, restaurants, and businesses that make our communities great.? ?Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need all the support we can offer, especially during the pandemic. At the state level, we have prioritized resources for small businesses in our COVID-19 response. On a personal level, we can all support small businesses with our dollars,? Little said. Senator Risch and Governor Little have prioritized supporting the economic recovery of Idaho?s small businesses throughout this pandemic. This spring, Risch, Little, and the Idaho Department of Commerce partnered to create the successful Support Local Gems campaign that encouraged Idahoans to support their favorite local businesses through low- and no-contact means. The one-day show of support, which Idaho Commerce spun into a 10-week campaign, translated into a surge in sales for small businesses throughout Idaho. In the U.S. Senate, Risch has advocated for Idaho small businesses, working to craft and pass the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses keep their workers on payroll. Earlier this month, Risch voted in favor of a bill that would have given small businesses a second round of the PPP and will continue to strongly support providing additional aid to the small businesses who are struggling due to the pandemic. Risch also serves on the President?s task force to support small businesses and reopen the economy. Idaho took several steps to support small businesses in the coronavirus response, including Idaho Rebound cash grants, supplies of personal protective equipment, and Return to Work incentives. Idaho kept taxes low for Idaho businesses by taking steps to keep the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent and continues to take steps to roll back regulations so small businesses can succeed. Small businesses wishing to participate in the National Small Business Week 3-Day virtual conference, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, can register online by visiting sba.gov/NSBW. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Sep 21 11:13:37 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:13:37 +0000 Subject: Gov. Brad Little's public calendar for Sept. 21-25 Message-ID: [cid:image002.png at 01D67F8F.31CB8280] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 21, 2020 There currently are no public events on Governor Brad Little's calendar for the week of Sept. 21-25. # # # 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 Sep 21 14:57:48 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2020 20:57:48 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints Jeff McCray as Idaho Tax Commission Chairman Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D69027.907BE010] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2020 Governor Little appoints Jeff McCray as Idaho Tax Commission Chairman Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Jeff McCray as chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission. "Jeff's history of success and experience with Idaho business, operations, and community make him uniquely qualified to fill this important role," Governor Little said. "I have no doubt he will continue to ensure the highest standards of fairness and service at the Tax Commission as he serves as Chairman." McCray has worked as Director of Operation at McCain Foods in Burley since 2008. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from University of Washington. "I am honored to be able to serve the great State of Idaho," McCray said. "I look forward to continuing the great work Chairman Tom Harris started by embodying the commission's core values of fairness, accountability, integrity, and respect. I am excited about working with all the people at the Tax Commission to further our vision, captured by the saying, 'Great People, Helping You, Serving Idaho.'" "I want to thank Chairman Tom Harris for his years of dedicated service to Idaho," Governor Little said. "Tom's leadership has played a major role in the culture of reliability and fairness at the Tax Commission. He will be missed, and I wish him the best in his retirement." McCray's appointment begins October 13. # # # 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: 67670 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Jeff McCray.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 503616 bytes Desc: Jeff McCray.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Sep 23 12:59:06 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2020 18:59:06 +0000 Subject: OPINION: Together, Idaho and President Trump are taking action to support small business Message-ID: [A close up of a logo Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2020 Together, Idaho and President Trump are taking action to support small business By Governor Brad Little It's National Small Business Week, a fitting time to reflect on the ways President Donald Trump and the State of Idaho are supporting small business - the backbone of our economy. We've been working with President Trump and his administration to put people over paperwork by reducing the volume and cost of regulation. President Trump created the Governors' Initiative on Regulatory Innovation to extend his historic regulatory reform to every level of government. The initiative aims to cut regulations and costs, advance occupational licensing reform, and better align state and federal regulations to support small businesses above all. President Trump targeted the behemoth National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, for change. Idaho's congressional delegation and I wholeheartedly backed his effort and will do everything we can to support the transformation, which enables much-needed transportation and land management projects to move forward more quickly while maintaining necessary environmental protections and public input. Exceeding his own 2-for-1 promise, President Trump has cut eight regulations for every new significant rule, saving American households an estimated $3,100 each year. Idaho has done our part, too. We became the least regulated state in the nation last year when we cut and simplified 75-percent of regulations in a matter of months. And our work isn't done. My Zero-Based Regulation plan earlier this year ensures Idaho regulations remain streamlined and simple moving forward. All these steps prevent small businesses from wasting time and money on compliance costs, enabling more resources to go toward innovation and creating jobs. I was pleased to join President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the White House this summer to continue our shared push for regulatory reform to support small businesses. In Idaho's response to the pandemic, we've also been in lockstep with the President. >From contact tracing to expansion of testing to our Idaho Rebounds plan, we have followed the President's guidance and leadership and implemented response measures that have protected lives and put Idaho in a leading economic position amid the global pandemic. Idaho also has benefitted from close and regular communication with the Trump Administration as we navigate the best ways to allocate our federal coronavirus relief dollars to respond to the pandemic and accelerate a strong economic rebound. Those strong relationships have resulted in the availability of Idaho Rebound cash grants to small businesses, Return to Work incentives to get workers back on the job safely, unemployment tax savings for small businesses and other employers next year, and a public safety initiative that ensures local communities are prepared to respond to the pandemic and provides a 10-20 percent reduction in property taxes this year across participating cities and counties. All these steps support our number one employer - small businesses. Idahoans can expect continued partnership between the state and the President moving forward to ensure a strong and smart pandemic response and the continuation of conservative principles of governing. # # # 480 words -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 19835 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Sep 23 14:35:49 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:35:49 +0000 Subject: Statement on firefighter death in Idaho Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D691B6.D3098460] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2020 Gov. Little's statement on firefighter death in Idaho Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today: "Tragically, a firefighter died when the single engine air tanker he was flying crashed during initial attack operations on the Schill Fire near Emmett Tuesday. Our hearts are heavy. The death of a firefighter is felt deeply and emotionally in the firefighting community. Pray for comfort for the pilot's family and colleagues, and please do your part to prevent needless wildfires. I am ordering American flags and State of Idaho flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the brave firefighter who lost his life protecting others." # # # 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 Fri Sep 25 12:14:28 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:14:28 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Septem?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ber_28-October_2?= Message-ID: [cid:e78cd1f7-ec7a-4dc2-a9a5-48406690903e] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2020 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of September 28-October 2. All times local. TUESDAY, September 29, 2020 Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. Secretary of State Lawerence Denney will join to answer questions about the upcoming election. 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 1, 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. FRIDAY, October 2, 2020 Governor Little will provide remarks at the building dedication ceremony for the Eames Advanced Technical Education and Innovations Complex at 1999 Alvin Ricken Dr. in Pocatello at 1 p.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 Wed Sep 30 16:00:45 2020 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:00:45 +0000 Subject: Next Steps Idaho connects students and adults to careers Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D69742.C3AF2740] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2020 Next Steps Idaho connects students and adults to careers Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little is calling on Idahoans of all ages to explore easy-to-find training and college and career opportunities on the recently upgraded web site NextSteps.Idaho.Gov, which now includes not only information for high school students but also adult workers looking for new training or a career change. "Our investments in resources that help Idaho students and workers plan for their careers is more important than ever. The global pandemic has rattled the workforce, creating changes in how we work, what employers need, and for some, the realization that a career change was needed anyway," Governor Little said. "Whether you're 15 or 55 or any age in between, the retooled Next Steps Idaho web site is a resource for you as you plan for your future." Next Steps Idaho walks users through career options, connects them to education and training resources, shows students the steps they should take each year starting in eighth grade to plan for postsecondary education and training, and includes other helpful planning tools. Governor Little proclaimed October "Next Steps Month," saying, "every Idaho student and adult has talents, aptitudes, interests, and a promising future, and Next Steps Idaho helps them discover theirs." The web site is hosted by the Idaho State Board of Education. The improvements to the online resource were made possible with financial support from the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which worked with employers and government agencies on the project. # # # 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: 96568 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: gov-little-next-steps-month.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 2494235 bytes Desc: gov-little-next-steps-month.JPG URL: