From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 2 12:29:43 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2021 18:29:43 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_April_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?5-9?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D727BB.DB51AE90] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of April 5-9. All times local. THURSDAY, April 8, 2021 Governor Little will issue a proclamation for Financial Literacy Awareness Month in the Lincoln Auditorium at 10 a.m. The Governor?s Office will notify newsrooms if bill signing ceremonies are scheduled and the media is invited. # # # 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: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Apr 6 14:12:20 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2021 20:12:20 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to make announcement regarding the COIVD-19 vaccine Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D72AEE.DA97BF40] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2021 Governor Little to make announcement regarding the COIVD-19 vaccine Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will make an announcement regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho on Wednesday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. MT. The announcement will be broadcast to the public online. # # # 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: 163875 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Apr 7 13:57:44 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2021 19:57:44 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_bans_=91vaccine_passports=92_in_Idaho?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D72BAE.DD79F460] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2021 Gov. Little bans ?vaccine passports? in Idaho Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed an executive order today banning any State of Idaho governmental entity from requiring so-called ?vaccine passports? ? or proof of COVID-19 vaccination for citizens to receive public services or access facilities. ?Idahoans should be given the choice to receive the vaccine. We should not violate Idahoans? personal freedoms by requiring them to receive it,? Governor Little said. ?Vaccine passports create different classes of citizens. Vaccine passports restrict the free flow of commerce during a time when life and the economy are returning to normal. Vaccine passports threaten individual freedom and patient privacy.? Some states are exploring the creation of vaccine passports, and the State of New York is promoting a software program that will facilitate the exclusion of Americans who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine from receiving services and fully participating in public life, the Governor?s executive order states. ?I have serious concerns that implementing COVID-19 vaccine passports will violate Idahoans? medial privacy rights, prejudice those unable to receive the vaccine, slow our economic recovery, cause division among our populace and, ultimately, be counterproductive to the widespread administration of the COVID-19 vaccines among Idahoans,? Governor Little said. Governor Little noted close to half a million Idahoans have received the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. He continues to urge Idahoans to choose to receive the vaccine to protect lives and return life, schools, and the economy to normal. Executive Order 2021-04 can be found here: https://gov.idaho.gov/executive-orders/ # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, 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 Thu Apr 8 10:55:33 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2021 16:55:33 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints new members to Idaho Water Resource Board and Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D72C65.B2780C90] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2021 Governor Little appoints new members to Idaho Water Resource Board and Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Brian Olmstead and Dean Stevensen to the Idaho Water Resource Board as well as the appointment of Ray Hinchcliff to the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. "I want to thank the appointees for their willingness to step forward to serve the people of Idaho," Governor Little said. "Their individual expertise will make them invaluable assets in their new roles." Olmstead is a Twin Falls resident and will retire from the Twin Falls Canal Company later this year after 21 years. He also served on the Idaho Water Users Board, Snake River Soil and Water Conservation District, the Upper Snake River Basin Advisory Group, Idaho Water Education Foundation, Goundwater/Surface Water Steering Committee, and the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Program Committee. Stevensen is a Paul resident. He is the current chairman of the Magic Valley Groundwater District and Vice President of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators. Previously, Stevensen served as President of the Minidoka County Grain Growers and as a board member of the Idaho Grain Producers. Hinchcliff is a Driggs resident with thirty years of experience working in the petroleum industry managing and supporting arctic, offshore, and land operations and projects. He is a graduate of Weber State University and University of Wyoming with degrees in accounting a petroleum engineering. Hinchcliff was appointed to the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission starting March 12, 2021. Olmstead and Stevensen were appointed to the Idaho Water Resource Board April 1, 2021. Roger Chase and Albert Barker have also been reappointed to the Idaho Water Resource Board starting January 1, 2021. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 163875 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 9 11:42:36 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2021 17:42:36 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_April_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?12-16?= Message-ID: [cid:d9f1f4ee-4aa3-421b-add5-45b1035c60e9] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of April 12-16. All times local. TUESDAY, April 13, 2021 Governor Little will sign HB 143 at the Division of Building Safety, 1090 E. Water Tower Ste. 150, Meridian, at 9:30 a.m. 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/. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Idaho Workforce Development Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. The Governor?s Office will notify newsrooms if bill signing ceremonies are scheduled and the media is invited. # # # 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: Outlook-rqq121up.png Type: image/png Size: 83585 bytes Desc: Outlook-rqq121up.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Apr 12 10:06:58 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:06:58 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?UPDATED:_Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?of_April_12-16?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D72F83.9262F8E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2021 **The signing of HB 143 has been postponed. Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of April 12-16. All times local. TUESDAY, April 13, 2021 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/. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Idaho Workforce Development Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. The Governor?s Office will notify newsrooms if bill signing ceremonies are scheduled and the media is invited. # # # 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: 83585 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 16 11:20:18 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:20:18 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to make announcement regarding emergency powers Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D73201.5CD618D0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2021 Governor Little to make announcement regarding emergency powers Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will make an announcement regarding emergency powers on Friday, April 16, at 3:00 p.m. MT. The announcement will be broadcast to the public online. # # # 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: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 16 15:16:25 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:16:25 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?All_four_living_former_Idaho_Governors_support_Gov._Litt?= =?Windows-1252?Q?le=92s_veto_of_emergency_powers_bills?= Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D732D3.76E13D40] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2021 All four living former Idaho Governors support Gov. Little?s veto of emergency powers bills Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today he will veto House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136, the ?emergency powers bills? that threaten the safety of Idahoans and the Idaho economy during future emergencies. Former Governors C.L. ?Butch? Otter, Jim Risch, Dirk Kempthorne, and Phil Batt all provided statements of support for Governor Little?s vetoes. Governor Little will veto the bills because they are overly restrictive and handcuff the state?s ability to take timely and necessary action to help Idahoans in future emergencies. The bills unnecessarily politicize the state?s emergency response efforts and jeopardize critical funding for local governments. The bills violate the separation of powers doctrine and are unconstitutional. The video of Governor Little?s announcement can be viewed here, which included speeches from Governors Otter and Kempthorne. Governor Little?s official veto letter can be found here. In addition, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (former Governor) and Governor Phil Batt provided the following written statements in support of Governor Little?s vetoes. Statement from former Governor Phil Batt ?I am proud to stand with all of Idaho?s living Governors in support of Governor Little?s veto of the emergency powers bills. During the 1996 Panhandle Floods ? a major natural disaster that spanned months ? I was able to initiate and continue an emergency declaration at the request of local communities so Idaho could access critical resources and overcome the crisis. Governors need the ability to act quickly during an emergency to protect lives, jobs, and the economy. That is the proper role of the executive. The Governor?s emergency authorities are recognized in our state Constitution and should be maintained,? former Governor Phil Batt said. Statement from U.S. Senator Jim Risch, former Governor ?Having spent decades in the Idaho legislature before serving as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and U.S. Senator for Idaho, I am no stranger to power struggles between the legislative and executive branches; those struggles are as old as our form of government. Those debates and tensions make clear that certain powers should rest with the legislative branch such as the power of the purse and certain powers should rest with the Chief executive, such as emergency powers where quick and sometimes instant action is needed. In times of crisis, the governor?any governor?must have the ability to quickly and effectively address an emergency challenge. Such authority should not be unlimited or perpetual but hampering a governor?s latitude and discretion to act in future unknown emergencies is not in the state?s best interest. A long list of realistic ?what if?s? could be produced and in an agricultural state like Idaho a governor?s inability to act on a livestock or crop issue could be catastrophic along with other humans focused disasters. I fully support Governor Little?s decision to veto the bills,? U.S. Senator Jim Risch said. Full speech by former Governor C.L. ?Butch? Otter The bills Governor Little is vetoing aren?t only about this Governor or Idaho?s COVID response. The bills Governor Little is vetoing today threaten the FUTURE ? all future Idaho Governors, all future emergencies, and the health, safety and prosperity of the people of Idaho during future calamities. Now, we know Idaho will face other disasters down the road. It?s a part of life, and we all pray the damage that?s done to our property and our people ? to families ? will be minimal. However, the Idaho Constitution gives the authority to the Governor to swiftly respond during a crisis to protect lives, jobs, and the economy. That?s the proper role of the executive, and that?s why the separation of duties is so clearly established in our state?s founding document. The Legislature is a deliberative body. It?s designed to move more slowly and formulate laws and policy in a thoughtful manner. And I know better than most that process matters. But in the middle of a crisis, days and even hours can mean the difference between life and death. An emergency is no time to slow things down. I applaud Governor Little for vetoing these bad bills. He and every future Governor must have the authority and tools they need to respond quickly, save lives, and protect livelihoods during a crisis. The people of Idaho expect their elected officials to lead responsibly and with their best interests at heart. If the Idaho Legislature really wants to constructively address how our state handles future disasters, it can start again by rejecting this flawed course and involve all parties in the conversation to get it right. Full speech by former Governor Dirk Kempthorne Today, I?m proud to join my fellow Governors in total support of the action you are about to take, Governor Little. When we became Governor, we all take the oath of office. Included in that oath is that we will support the Constitution of Idaho. The Constitution makes it very clear it is the responsibility of the executive branch of this government ? of the Governor ? to respond during emergencies. These are situations that are unanticipated, unexpected, but when they do happen ? and they do ? somebody needs to take action and make the tough decisions. The Governor is required to do that in our Constitution. There are those situations that may well exceed 60 days. I certainly experienced that with the fire season when I was Governor. Does it make sense that somehow on the 60th day of an emergency that a Governor would be precluded from making the tough decisions? It's not unusual during disasters that the Governor is at the scene of the incident with the incident commander. It was not unusual to have incident commanders ? leadership ? turn to say, "Governor, we need a decision." And they need a decision immediately. That is not the time that a Governor should say, ?I?ll get back to you, I must check with the Legislature." Governor, thank you for the action you are taking today. It is the correct action. It shows your leadership. And let me also say, as a father and a grandfather, on behalf of my family and families throughout Idaho, thank you for taking this action. You have affirmed that, as our Governor, you'll make those tough choices and to the extent possible, mitigate what these disasters can do to our fellow Idahoans. The transcript of Governor Little?s full speech on his planned vetoes of the emergency powers bills follows: My fellow Idahoans. For months now, the Idaho Legislature has debated its desired role in the state?s response to declared emergencies. The debate has culminated in two bills ? bills that threaten YOUR safety and our economy during future emergencies. House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136 are NOT about protecting your rights or improving the state?s emergency response. The bills handcuff the state?s ability to take timely and necessary actions to help Idahoans in future emergencies. The bills narrow the authority of future Governors to the point where a Governor could not deploy the National Guard to facilitate vaccine administration or repair bridges after a massive earthquake. The bills limit the state?s ability to help agriculture and industry minimize financial loss during a drought or flood. In addition, the bills limit the state?s ability to help reopen schools and businesses following a catastrophic disaster. We know future emergencies will include floods, fires, and drought ? the routine experiences of living in the West. A Governor must have the ability to handle those emergencies, but we must recognize that future disasters could include events much more drastic. We could face a potential multi-state disaster involving major earthquakes, enormous flooding, or devastating fires. We could experience a massive, sustained power grid failure. The list of potential devastating disasters is simply unknown. Future Idaho governors absolutely must be able to respond quickly and protect lives and livelihoods. The bills not only limit the state, but cities and counties as well. For example, our ability to evacuate a town in advance of a dam break is hindered by the bills. The bills politicize our emergency response efforts and jeopardize critical funding for local governments during large-scale events. The entire legislative body ? 105 individuals ? would have to convene in Boise to extend an emergency declaration requested by Lewis County for months-long flooding. Totally impractical and costly. And if the Legislature fails to extend an emergency declaration, disaster recovery and FEMA relief funding are jeopardized, and Idaho taxpayers are on the hook for emergency response costs. Idaho is a state that values the Constitution. These bills violate the Idaho Constitution on a number of fronts. The Idaho Constitution wisely prohibits the Legislature from performing executive duties. Declaring and responding to emergencies are core executive functions defined by the Idaho Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, and rightly so. The executive branch has the resources and can tap subject matter experts in emergency response to quickly and effectively deploy resources in fast-moving situations. The bills severely interrupt and slow down the emergency response because the response becomes subject to 105 different opinions, adding more red tape and government bureaucracy and potentially impacting lives and livelihoods. For these reasons, I will be vetoing House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136. To the Idaho Legislature, I agree with you that there is a time and a place for the Legislature to be involved during future emergencies. That is why I came to you early on this session and offered tangible solutions and a path forward for the Legislature to become more involved in a way that would not affect the state?s timely response during an emergency. I am extremely grateful for the members of the Legislature who HAVE taken the time to hear me out. You know who you are, and I appreciate you more than you know. Numerous stakeholders felt ignored: the National Guard, the cities, the counties, FEMA, state emergency managers, and business. That?s just plain irresponsible. Let?s be honest. These bills are an emotional kneejerk reaction because of anger about the pandemic and some of my decisions during a very uncertain time last year. But I still believe, when faced with difficult decisions and given the information I had at the time, I acted on balance during the pandemic response, and the strength of our economy today PROVES IT. I listened to the experts, and Idaho was one of only a handful of states with the fewest COVID restrictions. We avoided a crisis in healthcare and we now have the strongest economy in the nation, thanks in part to quick action during the pandemic and my ability to deploy resources quickly through the constitutional authorities given to the Governor during a crisis. Any changes the Legislature makes to the state?s emergency response processes should consider how Idahoans will be impacted during FUTURE emergencies. We need to look forward. Let?s do this the right way and involve stakeholders in the solution. That?s what Idahoans deserve. I urge my partners in the Legislature who voted for these ill-conceived bills to reconsider their votes on the override, and I urge Idahoans to share their concerns with their legislators as well. Now, I am proud to say that all of Idaho?s living Governors stand with me in support of my veto of these bills. Governor Phil Batt and Senator Jim Risch, also a former Governor, have provided statements of support. In addition, Governor Butch Otter is here with me today and Governor Dirk Kempthorne will offer some words remotely. I appreciate all our former Governors for your supportive statements today. The people of Idaho need to hear what you have to say. My friends, the level of divisiveness is too high. The basic duties of the legislative body ? perhaps better characterized as the everyday functions of state government and the most important in the day-to-day lives of the people we serve ? have taken a back seat to fringe topics. Anger has dominated the dialogue and, as a result, the REAL work the people sent us here to do is impacted. Anger is the wrong reaction in these troubled times. Anger drives people apart during a time when we should be working together to heal and move forward. Rather than politicizing important issues, such as the state?s response during future emergencies, I invite us to work together on solutions. It?s time to get back on track. The people of Idaho deserve our best. Our common goal is to create the best possible opportunities for us, our children, and our grandchildren. Let us return to addressing pathways to safety and economic prosperity for this and future generations. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Apr 19 09:38:16 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:38:16 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Mark Tschampl to lead Idaho Division of Veterans Services Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D734FE.9EAB1A30] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2021 Gov. Little appoints Mark Tschampl to lead Idaho Division of Veterans Services Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today he appointed Mark Tschampl as Chief Administrator at the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. "As a veteran himself, I have the utmost confidence Mark will serve and support those who have served our country," Governor Little said. "His career experience in the military and leadership roles in numerous civilian positions will prove to be extremely valuable in his new role." Tschampl was a Commander in the U.S. Air Force, Security Forces, serving from 1998 to 2005. He spent eight years as the director of the Health and Wellness Center on Mountain Home Air Force Base and has been working as a bureau chief within the Family and Community Services Division at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. He received his Master's in Health and Human Performance from Iowa State University. "It is my greatest honor to be appointed by Governor Little as the Chief Administrator of the Idaho Division of Veteran Services," Tschampl said. "As a combat veteran and member of a military family, no work is more important to me than serving those who have served our great nation!" Tschampl begins in his new role today. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 163875 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Tschampl.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1902790 bytes Desc: Tschampl.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Apr 22 13:44:38 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:44:38 +0000 Subject: OPINION: After a challenging year, Idaho education needs our support Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2021 After a challenging year, Idaho education needs our support By Governor Brad Little The past 13 months have presented enormous challenges for students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. The sudden changes in work life, home life, and social life, along with new ways of learning and instructing, have firmly placed the COVID-19 pandemic as one of our most difficult life experiences. We don't want the pandemic to set us back in preparing students to succeed. We want to emerge from the experience stronger and more committed than ever to public education in Idaho. Idaho's public education system is locally driven. If parents or teachers spot something that concerns them, they should bring it to the attention of the teacher, principal, superintendent, or school board trustees and root out the problem at the local level, which is the closest and most responsive to our students and parents. Curriculum in Idaho is always the responsibility of your local school board. A skilled workforce demands investing in education at every level. We should be demonstrating to parents that their children's education is our priority. We should be signaling to teachers that we value them, and we want to keep them in the profession. We should be laser focused on equipping teachers, parents, and schools with the tools they need to help students overcome learning challenges. We should be focusing our efforts on improving literacy, especially among the most challenged segments of our population so they have a strong bedrock for future learning. We should be getting our kids college- and career-ready by pairing students with job prospects and teaching them nuts-and-bolts skills they can use in jobs every day. We should be preparing our students to join our workforce and become lifelong learners. Idaho is on an incredible trajectory. We have the strongest economy in the nation. There is absolutely no reason not to continue that momentum by returning to our real priorities - students, families, teachers, and businesses. We should all be working collectively toward the same thing - to prepare today's young people to be fulfilled and productive into the future. There is a lot of work ahead coming out of this pandemic, addressing the challenges associated with learning loss across elementary and secondary education and preparing our students to be college- and career-ready. It's time to get back on track. That is what parents and employers expect and deserve. # # # 385 words -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 10484 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 23 11:56:43 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:56:43 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_April_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?26-30?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D73837.B9927960] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of April 26-30. All times local. MONDAY, April 26, 2021 Governor Little will provide virtual remarks to kick off Idaho Codes at 2 p.m. The virtual event is organized by the Idaho Technology Council. TUESDAY, April 27, 2021 Governor Little will deliver virtual remarks during the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership conference at 9:20 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: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Apr 27 13:33:38 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:33:38 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_signs_=91Fetal_Heartbeat_Bill=92_into_law, _p?= =?Windows-1252?Q?rotecting_the_lives_of_the_preborn?= Message-ID: [cid:image002.png at 01D73B62.845B78E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2021 Gov. Little signs ?Fetal Heartbeat Bill? into law, protecting the lives of the preborn Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 366 into law today, the bill commonly known as the ?Fetal Heartbeat Bill.? ?Idaho is a state that values the most innocent of all lives ? the lives of babies. We should never relent in our efforts to protect the lives of the preborn. Hundreds and hundreds of babies lose their lives every year in Idaho due to abortion, an absolute tragedy. I appreciate Idaho lawmakers for continuing to protect lives by passing this important legislation, and I am proud to sign the bill into law today,? Governor Little said. The bill bans abortions after a baby?s heartbeat is detected, around five or six weeks after conception. The legislation makes exceptions for medical emergencies and pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. Senator Patti Anne Lodge, the bill?s sponsor, said, ?We have a multitude of services available for women in crisis pregnancies. Choosing life is supported with compassionate help throughout the pregnancy and extends to 18 months after birth. Life goals can still be achieved for both the mother and child. With the availability of compassionate and supportive services and the rights pregnant women have in today?s world, a woman can give birth and continue her life goals. Encouraging life also provides two million families that want to adopt the opportunity to love and raise a child, if the mother chooses adoption.? # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Apr 29 11:37:47 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:37:47 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little comments on recommendation to expel Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D73CEC.13852400] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2021 Gov. Little comments on committee recommendation to expel Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today following the recommendation of the House Ethics and House Policy Committee that the full House of Representatives suspend Representative Aaron von Ehlinger for the remainder of his term. "I applaud Jane Doe and the other brave women for their courage in telling their stories and participating in this process to hold Representative Aaron von Ehlinger accountable for his deeply damaging and shameful actions. I fully support the House Ethics and House Policy Committee's recommendation to expel Representative Aaron von Ehlinger. Representative von Ehlinger's inappropriate and alarming actions stand in opposition to the values and behavior state elected officials must uphold. Being elected by the people and serving in a legislative body carries immense weight and responsibility to act with dignity, civility, and integrity at all times. State elected officials are held to a higher standard. As a former state senator and Lieutenant Governor, I personally understand the importance of preserving the credibility of the legislative institution so the people of Idaho can have confidence in their state government. Now, the public expects the full Idaho House Representatives to carry out the recommendation of the committee and ensure the integrity of the Idaho Legislature." # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 30 09:03:16 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:03:16 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little=92s_virtual_trade_mission_to_Mexico_continue?= =?Windows-1252?Q?s_to_strengthen_Idaho_economy?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D73D9F.A7B2DB50] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2021 Gov. Little?s virtual trade mission to Mexico continues to strengthen Idaho economy Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little said today he is seeing early positive results from Idaho?s first virtual trade mission to Mexico last week. Mexico is Idaho?s fourth largest export destination, accounting for the purchase of $224.2 million in Idaho products in 2020. Export markets continue to be critical to Idaho businesses and the state?s economy. The virtual mission to Mexico was organized by the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Mexico Virtual Trade Mission Highlights ?Idaho?s businesses have boundless potential, and this mission was a successful effort to help them continue to grow,? said Governor Little. ?Company feedback so far indicates there will be increased sales as a direct result of this mission.? The Idaho companies and organizations participating in the virtual trade mission represented a wide array of industries including dairy, beans and ancient grains, fresh produce, beef, livestock genetics, ag-tech, real estate, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. In just one week, the Idaho-Mexico trade office hosted more than 90 virtual matchmaking meetings between Idaho and Mexico companies. Governor Little?s leadership was instrumental in highlighting Idaho?s high-quality products and services, opening opportunities to important companies such as HEB and Grupo Aerom?xico, which gave Idaho companies the opportunity to present their products and establish contacts with the high-level decision makers. The virtual mission also was an opportunity to thank long standing customers for their valued business and strengthen relationships with key partners to help exporters grow their business and increase market share in Mexico. A virtual mission does not replace direct personal visits with prospective buyers, but the virtual mission was an excellent alternative. Quotes from trade mission participants: ?Although we are already established in Mexico, the mission helped us open some new doors for business. We are already setting up some additional follow-up meetings with potential customers and made some good contacts. Long term, we are looking at moving some of the MPC 70 from our expansion towards the Mexico market over the next year. The staff we worked with did an amazing job of facilitating and setting up the meetings, and overall it was a success.? ? Randy Robinson, High Desert Milk ?The trade mission has been a great success for Ramper Innovations, with new connections in a new region where the market has a strong potential. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity that the Governor's virtual trade mission has brought to Ramper Innovations. Governor Little and Director Kealey's direct involvement helped us get to the decision-makers quickly and effectively. ? ? Chris Stock, Ramper Innovations Inc. ?The Governor?s mission was truly helpful. While we have approached HEB in the past, this meeting was crucial in getting HEB interested in Idaho products, giving us the opportunity to present product and pricing for their specific needs. We are now in the process of introducing HEB to the higher end products from Idaho, with a high possibility of success? - Ruben Santiago Chavarria Mendiola, Atlantic Prime, Distributor for Agri Beef Co. ?We had informative, forward-looking meetings with potential partners and customers that are a good match with Encoder Products Company?s (EPC) capabilities and market focus. One of these prospects, a machine builder/system integrator, has already received a quote from (EPC) for an active project.? - Dave Wilson, Encoder Products Company ?We are very grateful with the work done by the Idaho-Mexico team. Thanks to their efforts, Cremeria San Jose and Qualtia Foods have formally opened their doors to our products with a clear intention to buy. This has been a great accomplishment as a result of this mission. Additionally, Schreiber Foods International has significantly increased their monthly volume of products from the Gooding, Idaho, facility. We are very thankful for these results, recognizing the excellent teamwork.? - Cesar Peredo, Glanbia Nutritionals ?We were pleasantly surprised that the Idaho Mexico Trade Office staff were able to successfully identify and schedule meetings for us with not just a few but seven very diverse companies qualified to introduce our new EdTech product, databot?, to the Mexican market. Although it is too early to tell what these relationships will ultimately produce, the companies and individuals appear to be an excellent fit for our needs and we are already scheduling follow-up meetings. The opportunity in Mexico for education products is significant and we?re excited to pursue this expansion.? - Databot, Robert Grover ?We believe that we may be able to market an additional 4 million to 8 million pounds of product into Mexico as a direct result of this mission. It is likely that we may be able to sell additional product, but our philosophy is that slow and steady wins the race! Overall, this mission was well planned, well thought out and well executed. We highly enjoyed getting to know these companies over the Zoom platform and it worked very well for establishing legitimacy and overall beneficial relationships. We couldn?t have done this without the support of the Governor?s office.? ? Kacy Gehring, Mountain States Oilseeds ?The meetings went great! These would be my first exports to the Mexican market. I would estimate potential sales in the 2021 calendar year as a direct result of participating in this trade mission at $30,000, with much higher values possible in future years after we have established our systems specific to Mexican exports.? - Seth Christensen, Christensen Genetics A strong list of Idaho businesses and organizations joined Governor Little and the Idaho departments of Commerce and Agriculture for meetings with companies in Mexico, including: 1000 Springs Mill Agri Beef Co. Berkshire Hathaway HS Silverhawk Realty Christensen Genetics Databot Encoder Products Company Glanbia Nutritionals High Desert Milk Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee Mountain States Oilseeds Muscle Foods Ramper Innovations # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, 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: 32179 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Apr 30 16:40:04 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2021 22:40:04 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292ZXJub3IgQnJhZCBMaXR0bGXigJlzIGNhbGVuZGFyIGZvciB0aGUgd2Vl?= =?utf-8?Q?k_of_May_3-7?= Message-ID: [cid:9652dfc9-5d5e-431a-8bee-9e0f8ad397a6] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of May 3-7. All times local. WEDNESDAY, May 5, 2021 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 hand out treats to state employees as part of State Employee Appreciation Day at the Idaho Capitol at 9 a.m. and the Chinden Campus at 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY, May 6, 2021 Governor Little will issue a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer on the Capitol steps at 6:15 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: pastedImagebase640.png Type: image/png Size: 156928 bytes Desc: pastedImagebase640.png URL: