From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Dec 1 12:53:41 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2021 19:53:41 +0000 Subject: Idaho tops lists for states with most freedom Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7E6B2.76AAA120] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 1, 2021 Idaho tops lists for states with most freedom Boise, Idaho ? The Cato Institute released its annual Freedom in the 50 States report, an index of personal and economic freedom, and Idaho scored top spots on a number of the rankings. ?There is a reason this sought-after report says Idaho is one of the most economically and socially conservative states in the country. Idaho prides itself on minimizing the role of government in the lives of citizens and in the operation of businesses,? Governor Brad Little said. Among the freedom rankings: * Idaho is a top 10 state for Overall Freedom * Idaho is a top 10 state for Overall Economic Freedom * Idaho is a top 10 state for Overall Regulatory Policy Freedom * Idaho is a top 10 state for Gun Rights * Idaho is a top 10 state for Occupational Freedom * Idaho is a top 10 state for Health Insurance Freedom The map of all 50 states? rankings can be found at https://www.freedominthe50states.org/. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Dec 3 11:04:52 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2021 18:04:52 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little announces appointments to Transportation Board, Blaine County Commission Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7E835.97B10330] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 3, 2021 Gov. Little announces appointments to Transportation Board, Blaine County Commission Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today he appointed Gary Osborn of Troy to the district 2 position on the Idaho Transportation Board, serving Nez Perce, Latah, Idaho, Clearwater and Lewis counties. Osborn is a lifelong farmer in Latah County who operates a family farm that was established in 1917. He has served on the Soil Conservation Board for Latah County, the local school board, and the local rural fire committee. ?I appreciate Gary and all our Idaho Transportation Board members for their role in helping create an effective, safe transportation system throughout our state. Transportation infrastructure is imperative to our quality of life in Idaho. Through our Leading Idaho initiative, we have achieved historic investments in transportation that will save Idahoans? time on the road and ensure commerce can move quickly, and I will seek continued investments in transportation to keep up with the pace of growth in our state,? Governor Little said. The Idaho Transportation Board establishes state transportation policy and guides the planning, development and management of a transportation network that is safe, efficient and enhances Idaho?s economy and quality of life. Osborn replaces Jan Vassar, who passed away this year after more than 12 years of service on the Idaho Transportation Board. Governor Little also announced his appointment of Muffy Davis to the Blaine County Commission. She will start in January and serve through the remainder of the term ending in January of 2023. She replaces Commissioner Jacob Greenberg, who is stepping away from the position at the end of December. Davis is currently serving in a district 26 seat in the Idaho House of Representatives, which includes Blaine, Lincoln, Camas, and Gooding counties. Governor Little will appoint a replacement for Davis? legislative seat before the start of the 2022 legislative session in January. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Dec 7 11:48:21 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2021 18:48:21 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?Q291cnQgaGFsdHMgQmlkZW7igJlzIGZlZGVyYWwgY29udHJhY3RvciB2YWNj?= =?utf-8?Q?ine_mandate?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7EB60.548E2AF0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 7, 2021 Court halts Biden?s federal contractor vaccine mandate Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that the courts put in place a nationwide injunction on President Joe Biden?s vaccine mandate for federal contractors. ?Yet another one of President Biden?s vaccine mandates have been temporarily shut down because the states ? including Idaho ? took a stand against his unprecedented government overreach into Americans? lives and businesses. Idaho is party to three lawsuits challenging this assault on Americans? freedom by their federal government ? the federal contractor vaccine mandate, the OSHA vaccine mandate on private business, and the CMS vaccine mandate on healthcare workers. All three mandates are now completely stalled. We will continue to press forward in our fight against the federal government?s bad policies,? Governor Little said. The Georgia court?s decision can be found here. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Callihan, Communications Director 208-334-2100 or Emily.Callihan at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Dec 8 13:41:33 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2021 20:41:33 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?OPINION:_Reflecting_on_Bob_Dole=92s_message_for_America_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?and_Idaho?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 8, 2021 Reflecting on Bob Dole?s message for America and Idaho By Governor Brad Little When I heard of the passing of WWII combat veteran and former presidential candidate U.S. Senator Bob Dole, I immediately recalled a man of integrity, humility, and patriotism. Senator Dole wrote his final column earlier this year. It has been published in the days since his death on Sunday. A member of the ?Greatest Generation,? he served our country during a time when civility in politics was a requirement for getting anything done ? and he reminds us that even though civility seems like a bygone value in American politics, it is STILL a requirement for getting the people?s work done. Indeed, our country?s future depends on the return of civility in politics and all aspects of our lives. We should all take a few minutes to read Senator Dole?s piece and reflect on his message for America. You can read the full column here. These passages particularly stood out to me: ?We have overcome our biggest challenges only when we focused on our shared values and experiences. These common ties form much stronger bonds than political parties? I cannot pretend that I have not been a loyal champion for my party, but I always served my country best when I did so first and foremost as an American? When we prioritize principles over party and humanity over personal legacy, we accomplish far more as a nation. By leading with a shared faith in each other, we become America at its best: a beacon of hope, a source of comfort in crisis, a shield against those who threaten freedom.? This week, I pulled an old book off my bookshelf. I remembered Senator Dole authored the introduction for the biography, ?Idaho Sheep King,? written in 1990 by Coeur d?Alene native Louise Shadduck about my grandfather, Andy Little. It was published in celebration of Idaho?s centennial. Senator Dole?s message for Idaho 31 years ago is as poignant today as it was then, perhaps more so. You can read his full introduction here, where he said, in part: ?My hometown of Russell, Kansas, appears to be akin to Emmett, Idaho, and thousands of other small American towns from whence come the sustaining traits of friendliness, helpfulness, and the building of extended families, to include employers, employees, friends and neighbors? I have known and become friends with a number of Idahoans, including sheep and woolgrowers. All of them have a strength of character and integrity that I am convinced is alive today throughout our land? ?We the People? need to be reminded of what went into Idaho, to Kansas, and indeed, into the entire United States, and rededicate ourselves to the ideas and ideals that served our forebears so well.? What a hopeful message for our people. Bob Dole?s life and contributions should be remembered through the generations. He was a true patriot who reminded us that Americans have been through hard times before and emerged stronger than ever when we put God and country first. # # # 491 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 Dec 17 09:14:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:14:06 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?SWRhaG/igJlzIHVuZW1wbG95bWVudCByYXRlIGRyb3BzIGFnYWluLCBlY29u?= =?utf-8?Q?omy_continues_to_strengthen?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7EB60.548E2AF0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 17, 2021 Idaho?s unemployment rate drops again, economy continues to strengthen Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that Idaho?s already low unemployment rate dropped yet again to 2.6-percent in November, down 0.2 percentage points from October. ?Idaho is consistently in the top five states for our very low unemployment rate. For four straight months, Idaho?s labor force has grown, and Idahoans are working. Our success shows that limited government regulations, low taxes, and responsible government lead to more opportunity and prosperity for our citizens. On behalf of the people of Idaho, I also want to express deep appreciation for our Idaho businesses for your continued dedication to making Idaho a great state and supporting your communities. Congratulations, Idaho!? Governor Little said. Idaho tied with Vermont for fourth lowest unemployment rate in the country. Nebraska, Utah, and Oklahoma came in first through third, respectively. Details about Idaho?s announcement on the November unemployment rate is available here: https://idahoatwork.com/2021/12/17/idahos-november-unemployment-rate-drops-to-2-6/ # # # ? 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: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Dec 20 16:00:48 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:00:48 +0000 Subject: Idaho files emergency motion asking SCOTUS to reinstate stay on OSHA vaccine mandate Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7EB60.548E2AF0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 20, 2021 Idaho files emergency motion asking SCOTUS to reinstate stay on OSHA vaccine mandate Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today that Idaho, joined by 26 other states, filed an emergency motion to reinstate the stay in the U.S. Supreme Court on Biden?s OSHA vaccine mandate on private business, after a three-judge panel in the Sixth Circuit dissolved the stay Friday, allowing the OSHA rule to go into effect. ?We are doing all we can to put a stop to Biden?s unprecedented government overreach into the private sector. The majority of the nation?s governors oppose Biden?s damaging and ineffective vaccine mandate policies, but he continues to push them on citizens, businesses, and the states. Thankfully, two other vaccine mandates remain stayed, and collectively the states will give a voice to the millions of Americans being coerced and cornered by the President,? Governor Little said. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously stayed the OSHA emergency temporary standard (ETS) from taking effect. That case subsequently was consolidated with numerous other challenges and transferred to the Sixth Circuit. One of the three judges on the Sixth Circuit panel opposed the decision to reinstate the stay. The Supreme Court is likely to rule on the states? motion in January. Two other mandates ? the federal contractors mandate and the CMS mandate on healthcare workers ? remained stayed. # # # ? 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: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Dec 21 12:56:15 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2021 19:56:15 +0000 Subject: National study finds Idaho one of best states for pandemic response Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7F659.AC0AA520] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 21, 2021 National study finds Idaho one of best states for pandemic response Boise, Idaho - A new State Pandemic Scorecard shows Idaho ranks #4 overall, #3 for education, and #4 for economy in our handling of the pandemic under the leadership of Governor Brad Little. "Idaho's high ranking among states for our pandemic response reinforces our emphasis on choice and freedom. Our businesses and schools stayed open. I never put in a place a mask mandate or a vaccine mandate. We banned vaccine passports, and our legal challenges to Biden's overreaching vaccine mandates are working," Governor Little said. Idaho came in #4 overall, behind Nebraska, Maryland and Utah. Education, the economy, health, and social impacts were considered. In education, Idaho ranked #3, behind South Dakota and Oklahoma. The study shows Idaho students experienced little or no learning loss in math and reading and change in school enrollment was minimal. On the economy, Idaho had strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and job growth. We ranked #4, behind Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah. View the full Politico State Pandemic Scorecard here: https://www.politico.com/interactives/2021/covid-by-the-numbers-how-each-state-fared-on-our-pandemic-scorecard/ # # # 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: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Dec 22 09:27:12 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:27:12 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints Whyte to Seventh Judicial District Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7F716.190A5E10] ? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2021 Governor Little appoints Whyte to Seventh Judicial District Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little appointed Michael Whyte of Idaho Falls to the Seventh Judicial District. Whyte is a partner at Thomsen Holman Wheiler, PLLC, in Idaho Falls. He attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated from Creighton Law School in 1992. ?Whyte?s long history of practicing law in the Seventh Judicial District gives him the knowledge and expertise to best serve the people of eastern Idaho,? Governor Little said. The Seventh Judicial District serves Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties. ?Thank you to Governor Little for this opportunity,? Whyte said. ?I am committed to lead with justice and integrity in this new role.? # # #? ?? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Michael J. Whyte.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 5502 bytes Desc: Michael J. Whyte.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Dec 23 10:22:40 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2021 17:22:40 +0000 Subject: Ned Burns appointed to District 26 legislative seat Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2021 Ned Burns appointed to District 26 legislative seat Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little appointed Ned Burns of Bellevue to the District 26 House seat vacated by Representative Muffy Davis. Burns currently serves as the Mayor of Bellevue and is a realtor. He has previously served as a substitute for Representatives Sally Toone and Muffy Davis in the Idaho Legislature. Burns is a Democrat who will serve out the remainder of Davis? term, which ends at the end of 2022. When a legislative seat is vacated midterm, the political party of the legislator who left the seat submits recommendations for replacements for the Governor?s consideration. # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Dec 28 11:23:09 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:23:09 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Grove and Whiting to Third Judicial District Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 28, 2021 Gov. Little appoints Grove and Whiting to Third Judicial District Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Randall Grove and Brent Whiting to the Third Judicial District. ?Both Grove and Whiting have long-standing relationships with the people and laws of Idaho,? Governor Little said. ?I look forward to these appointees continuing to promote justice and ethics in our judicial system as they serve.? Grove, a Nampa resident, has practiced law for more than 30 years and has served in the Canyon County Public Defender?s Office since 2014. He received his law degree from the University of Washington. ?I much appreciate Governor Little providing me with the opportunity to serve in a position I have long sought,? Grove said. ?I will serve the litigants of the Third District with dignity, integrity, and respect.? Whiting practices law in Idaho Falls where he has been a resident for the last 18 years. He received his law degree from the University of Montana. ?I am grateful to Governor Little for trusting me with this appointment,? Whiting said. ?I look forward to serving the great people of Canyon County and the Third Judicial District with fairness and respect.? The Third Judicial District serves Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties. Grove will fill the vacancy in the Third Judicial District created by legislation during the 2021 regular session. Whiting will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge George Southworth, appointed by Governor Butch Otter in 2013. # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Dec 31 13:33:36 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 20:33:36 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little comments on passing of Stephen Hartgen Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 31, 2021 Gov. Little comments on passing of Stephen Hartgen Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little commented today on the passing of former House member and Twin Falls Times News editor and publisher Stephen Hartgen. "Steve was a colleague and friend who served with distinction in the Idaho House of Representatives. He was a steady leader and icon of Twin Falls, having served as editor and publisher of The Times News and in numerous economic development roles. A well-educated man, he passionately shared his opinions on important issues facing our state - right up until the days before he died. Idaho and the Magic Valley are better today because of Steve's contributions. Teresa and I send our condolences to Steve's wife, Linda Wright Hartgen, who is serving now as a member of the Idaho House of Representatives, and their five children," Governor Little said. A Times News article on Hartgen's life can be found here: https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-rep-stephen-hartgen-dies/article_d9242147-9da5-52b1-b5a2-aa4ea9eb4efe.html # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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