From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Feb 1 16:30:55 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2021 23:30:55 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Februa?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ry_1-5?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6F8B7.9C46D640] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of February 1-5. All times local. TUESDAY, February 2, 2021 Governor Little will make an announcement regarding Idaho?s COVID-19 response at 10 a.m. The announcement will be streamed to the public online. Governor Little will participate in the Idaho Association of Counties Annual Legislative Conference at 10:30 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/. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Feb 2 10:37:40 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2021 17:37:40 +0000 Subject: Idaho advances to Stage 3 as COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations decline Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6F94F.6D805D70] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2021 Idaho advances to Stage 3 as COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations decline Boise, Idaho - After weeks of declining COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations, Governor Brad Little announced today that statewide metrics justify returning to Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan. "When we moved back to Stage 2 in November, case counts were spiking and hospitals were bracing for the worst. Today, thanks to our collective good efforts, those case counts are much lower and trending downward. Idaho now has one of the lowest rates of spread in the nation," Governor Little said. "However, moving forward to Stage 3 is not a signal to let up on our collective good efforts. Idaho has the strongest economy in the nation and the most financially solvent state budget. Let's keep it that way. We must stay vigilant." Idaho is surrounded by states that have detected a more contagious variant strain of COVID-19, and health officials say it is only a matter of time before we discover it in Idaho. Early indications show the COVID-19 vaccine will protect against the variant strains, highlighting the need for Idahoans to choose to get vaccinated to protect lives, our healthcare system, and our economy. Under the Stage 3 Stay Healthy Guidelines: * Idaho remains open but with necessary limitations to protect lives, healthcare access, and the economy. * Gatherings should be limited to 50 or fewer people. This does not apply to political and religious expression, educational activities, and health care related events such as COVID-19 testing or vaccination events. It does not apply to youth sporting events, as long as organizers comply with spectator plans administered by the Idaho State Board of Education. * Face coverings are strongly recommended. Face coverings continue to be required for long-term care facilities. * Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs should continue to operate with seating only. * Everyone, including businesses, should follow physical distancing and sanitation recommendations. * Large events, such as trade shows, weddings, and sporting venues with more than 50 people, may receive an exemption if the organizer submits an attestation to the local public health district confirming the event will follow necessary physical distancing and hygiene protocols as outlined in their safe operations plan. View the Stage 3 Stay Healthy Guidelines here. # # # 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 Wed Feb 3 09:41:09 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 16:41:09 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little issues half-staff flag directive in honor of three guardsmen killed Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6FA0F.80E12320] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2021 Gov. Little issues half-staff flag directive in honor of three guardsmen killed Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the three Idaho Army National Guard pilots killed in a helicopter crash near Boise Tuesday night. "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of three brave and talented pilots killed during service to our state and nation. Their tragic deaths leave an emptiness in the lives of their families and loved ones, the entire National Guard community, and all of us. Our women and men in the Idaho National Guard bravely take on the inherent dangers of their work to serve the people of Idaho and the United States whenever called upon. As Idahoans, let's quiet ourselves and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. Please join me in prayer for the heroes we lost and seek to comfort all the lives they touched," Governor Little said. The full text of the Governor's flag directive follows: Please be advised that flags should be lowered to half-staff starting Wednesday, February 3, 2021, for the tragic loss of three Idaho Army National Guard personnel who lost their lives during a training flight. The flags will be at half-staff Wednesday, February 3, 2021, until the day following the final memorial service, per Idaho Code 67-820. The Governor's Office will send out an additional notification and update the web site at https://gov.idaho.gov/flag-status/ when the date of the final memorial service is identified. Directive: American flags and State of Idaho flags shall be flown at half-staff from Wednesday, February 3, 2021, until the day following the final memorial service. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 43502 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Feb 5 13:53:40 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2021 20:53:40 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?January_revenues_blow_past_projections_again, _demonstrat?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ing_Idaho=92s_continued_economic_strength?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6FBC5.E4988C20] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2021 January revenues blow past projections again, demonstrating Idaho?s continued economic strength Boise, Idaho - Idaho?s economy continues to strengthen, with Idaho leading states for the best financial shape and January revenue figures beating the forecast by $58.5 million. It marks the seventh straight month that the state?s economy outperformed projections. ?An open economy, relentless focus on fiscal conservatism, quick action throughout the pandemic, and Idahoans? preventive actions against COVID-19 have positioned Idaho with the strongest economy in the nation and a historic record budget surplus,? Governor Little said. The Division of Financial Management released the January tax revenue report today showing Idahoans are working and engaging in the economy, with sales and income taxes coming in well above forecast. The report is available at https://dfm.idaho.gov/publications/eab/gfrr/gfrr2021/gfrr_feb2021.pdf. Governor Little?s proposal for the record budget surplus is called ?Building Idaho?s Future,? and it is making its way through the Idaho Legislature right now. Governor Little is proposing more than $450 million in tax relief ? among the largest tax cuts in Idaho history ? and strategic investments in education, transportation, broadband, water projects, and other areas. In addition, his ?no frills? budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2022 leaves a prudent, bolsters rainy-day funds, and reflects his continued priority on education, including our valuable teachers. 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. Governor Little emphasized the need for Idahoans to wear masks, keep their distance from others, and take other preventive steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 to keep our economic momentum going. # # # 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 Fri Feb 5 13:53:43 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2021 20:53:43 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?OPINION:_Building_Idaho=92s_future_requires_looking_forw?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ard,_not_back?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2021 Building Idaho?s future requires looking forward, not back By Governor Brad Little I am sure glad to live in Idaho. We have a proud history and bright future ahead. We have the strongest economy in the nation. We have one of the best employment rates in the country. We have been open longer than almost every other state during the pandemic and added thousands of employers during 2020, blowing previous years out of the water. We also have the most financially solvent state budget. Quick action during the darkest months of our pandemic fight, combined with years of fiscal conservatism, have resulted in a record budget surplus. We are positioned to provide citizens with historic tax relief and make strategic investments where they count. This is all good news. Pointing this out is not meant to downplay the lives we have lost during the pandemic and the hardship many parents, children, and businesses have endured. It was a hard, tragic year and the challenges continue as we get through the final stretch of our pandemic fight together. It?s also not meant to say we?re perfect ? nothing can be perfect. For one, the vaccine rollout needs to happen more quickly, and it remains my top priority. But consider other states. Instead of taking steps to give money back to citizens through tax relief, other states are considering tax increases to handle the 20- to 40-percent budget cuts they face because they haven?t managed their economy and state budgets as well as Idaho. There has been a lot of focus on the past 11 months. That is fine, but Idahoans are better served when we focus on our future. My plan to provide Idahoans tax relief and make strategic investments in transportation, education, broadband, other important areas. It is called ?Building Idaho?s Future.? I am proposing more than $450 million in tax relief ? among the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history. These tax cuts will boost your prosperity while keeping our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant. I am also proposing major investments in our roads to help preserve one of your most precious commodities: your time. We cannot ignore a growing problem that steals Idahoans? time and threatens their safety and our economic prosperity. I am proposing investments in literacy to close achievement gaps that widened for some students during the pandemic, along with investments in higher education and career technical education training programs across Idaho. My plan also includes expanding broadband infrastructure, to better connect Idaho and improve commerce, economic growth, and education. In addition, my plan supports major water infrastructure projects and needed projects for agriculture and outdoor recreation. I am seeking more support for small businesses, on top of the $300 million in direct support for small businesses last year. ?Building Idaho?s Future? also invests in the items necessary to support frontline personnel at the Idaho State Police and training for our local frontline police officers. While other states seek to defund the police, I am proud to say Idaho ?Backs the Blue.? Beyond my ?Building Idaho?s Future? plan, my ?no frills? budget for Fiscal Year 2022 leaves a prudent surplus, bolsters rainy-day funds, and reflects my continued priority on education, including our valuable teachers. My budget proposal is among the most conservative in years. Idahoans are fearless, forward-looking people. We have dealt with the pandemic by making the best of it and caring for our neighbors. But the battle isn?t over yet. We must remain vigilant and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Idaho as we work to get more and more Idahoans vaccinated. My partners at the local public health boards will continue to have my support, as they have had all along, in taking steps to protect the communities they serve. Given all our success and the bright future ahead of us, if you?re like me, you?re glad to live in Idaho, too. Let?s continue to work together to build Idaho?s future! # # # 648 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 Mon Feb 8 15:56:16 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2021 22:56:16 +0000 Subject: New COVID-19 vaccine administration transparency data now live Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D6FE26.1E54BAD0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2021 New COVID-19 vaccine administration transparency data now live Boise, Idaho - New COVID-19 vaccine administration transparency data that the Governor promised Idahoans in his Jan. 28 executive order is now live. The new tool, available at this link, shows the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses that individual providers and local public health districts have been allocated and the number of doses that remain for them to administer. The dashboard helps ensure vaccine is getting out in a timely fashion. "Safety and transparency are paramount in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho," Governor Little said. "We owe it to Idahoans to get first doses administered to people who want it within seven days of the doses coming into Idaho. Using the new COVID-19 vaccine administration transparency data available through my executive order, we will be able to tell if a provider is not administering their allocated doses quickly enough so we can step in to help speed things up." Idaho's progress with vaccine administration has improved since the Governor implemented new reporting requirements with his executive order. As of last Friday, 84-percent of first doses received in Idaho have been administered, and Idaho is keeping pace with the majority of states in the administration of vaccine doses received. Governor Little continued to urge patience among Idahoans in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine because demand still far outpaces supply. Governor Little continues to press the Biden Administration to make sure Idaho receives more doses of vaccine as quickly as the supply chain ramps up. A few important notes about the new dashboard include: * "Distributed doses" include first and second doses. Some doses that appear to have not been administered yet may be scheduled for an appointment or may not be reported in the state's immunization system yet because providers have 72 hours to report after a dose has been given. * The number of doses that remain to be administered could include a share of second doses that arrived early and cannot be administered yet because the second dose must be given at least 21 days for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna after the first use. * Idaho currently receives just over 25,000 first doses every week. The doses are shipped directly from the manufacturer to local public health districts based on population size. The local public health districts are responsible for distribution of doses to enrolled providers in their district. Some local public health districts will store doses for providers if they do not have adequate storage space until providers are prepared to administer doses. Each local public health district determines distribution of doses within the areas they serve. * Just because there are doses remaining to be administered with a specific provider or local public health district does not mean people should just show up expecting to receive one. Everyone seeking vaccine should make an appointment and keep their appointment. Information on when and where to receive vaccine is available at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccination. # # # 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 Fri Feb 12 11:25:16 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:25:16 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?OPINION:_Idaho_prioritizes_clean, _plentiful_water_to_bui?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ld_Idaho=92s_future?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2021 Idaho prioritizes clean, plentiful water to build Idaho?s future By Governor Brad Little There is nothing more essential to our health and way of life ? or Idaho?s future ? than clean, plentiful water. The availability of water has transformed much of our state from a desert into an abundant agricultural landscape that supports tens of thousands of Idahoans and their livelihoods. Across Idaho, water is the building block for careers and prosperity. How we manage ? or mismanage ? our water resources determines our success or failure as a state. Unlike the State of California, which continues to a face a water crisis due to mismanagement of its resources, Idaho can say with pride that our executive and legislative branches in Idaho are in lockstep in our commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply remains at the forefront of our priorities as a state moving forward. We are equally committed to maintaining and improving water quality in Idaho?s rivers, lakes, and communities. The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee moved today to advance a critical piece of my ?Building Idaho?s Future? investment package ? $50 million in strategic investments in long-term water projects and safe water systems for our communities. This investment provides for cleaner, more efficient water systems for rural communities and the agriculture industry across Idaho. It is one of the most significant investments for sustainable water infrastructure in our state?s history. Unlike many other states, Idaho is in a position to invest in ? rather than cut ? financial resources that support a safe, plentiful water supply for current and future generations of Idahoans. Our plan will increase the sustainability of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. The aquifer was declining at an unsustainable rate until recent investments by water users and the state. Now we have an opportunity to further improve aquifer levels for the benefit of farmers, ranchers, and communities across southern Idaho. In addition, Idaho is one of the few states with a U.S. Air Force base that has the ability to significantly expand, and a stable water supply is critical to the base ? an operation that contributes $1 billion annually to Idaho?s economy and ensures our security as a nation. Additional funding enables the State of Idaho to partner with the Mountain Home Air Force Base to secure a stable water supply for current and expanded missions at the base. This investment demonstrates Idaho?s proud support of a strong U.S. military and the women and men in our armed forces. Idaho has the strongest economy in the nation, the largest budget surplus in state history, and the most financially solvent state budget because the people of Idaho did their part to propel our state forward and keep their loved ones safe during the pandemic. Once again, thank you, Idaho. Our historic investments in agriculture and water today mean rural Idaho will remain a strong part of our heritage and economy for generations to come. # # # 470 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 Feb 12 14:14:43 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:14:43 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Februa?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ry_15-19?= Message-ID: [cid:ae959bde-6907-4de1-82ad-1fece7fe7b78] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of February 15-19. All times local. TUESDAY, February 16, 2021 Governor Little will chair the Land Board Meeting at 9 a.m. MT. Participation details available at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/. Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. MT. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. # # # 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-afejsban.png Type: image/png Size: 83585 bytes Desc: Outlook-afejsban.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Feb 18 10:33:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:33:06 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little issues expanded statement on dam removal proposal Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D705E1.70E8BB80] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2021 Gov. Little issues expanded statement on dam removal proposal Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little issued an expanded statement today on the proposal from Congressman Mike Simpson related to salmon recovery and dam removal. "My position on the lower Snake River Dams has not changed. I remain unconvinced that breaching the dams is a silver bullet for salmon recovery. Breaching the dams would have devastating impacts on Idahoans and vital segments of Idaho's economy. "We must continue to find creative, consensus-based solutions that help salmon thrive and foster a strong Idaho economy. Last year, I signed an agreement with the Governors of Washington, Oregon, and Montana, stating Idaho's commitment to working collaboratively on a regional level to advance our shared goal of successful salmon recovery and economic prosperity. I am also proud of the work of my Salmon Workgroup - a diverse group of stakeholders that worked for 20 months to come up with dozens of pragmatic recommendations that promote healthy salmon populations and thriving river communities in Idaho. It was the first time that broad interests worked collaboratively to help shape Idaho's policy on salmon and steelhead. While a lot remains to be done, I am confident we are moving in the right direction. "I have immense respect for Congressman Simpson and all the work he has done on behalf of the people of Idaho. We may not see eye to eye on this issue, but I am committed to continuing to work with local and regional stakeholders and the entire Idaho congressional delegation to improve salmon returns and ensure Idaho industries not only remain whole but are better positioned for the future," Governor Little said. # # # 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 Fri Feb 19 15:57:35 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2021 22:57:35 +0000 Subject: Susan Buxton to lead Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D706D7.111F2CB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2021 Susan Buxton to lead Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today Susan Buxton accepted the position of director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). "Susan's passion for outdoor recreation and her strong background in lands issues and management make her an excellent fit to lead the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation," Governor Little said. "Abundant opportunities to recreate outdoors is what makes Idaho special, and I appreciate Susan for stepping up to lead in this important aspect of Idahoans' lives." In her new role, Buxton will oversee management of 30 state parks, the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles, and other off-highway vehicles, and a number of outdoor recreation grant programs that support facilities and services to a variety of recreationists and the local organizations that serve them. "I am proud to give back to Idaho in my new role and will work hard alongside the outstanding team at the Department of Parks and Recreation to help improve Idahoans' quality of life through the great work we do in supporting outdoor recreation and resource stewardship," Buxton said. Buxton has served as the department's interim director since September, and she served on the Parks and Recreation Board from 2012 to 2016. She has been the administrator of the Idaho Division of Human Resources (DHR) since 2016 after working extensively as an attorney representing local governments and a variety of other clients in the areas of water rights, land use, public finance, employment and government relations. Buxton graduated from Whitman College and the University of Idaho College of Law. Buxton's last day at DHR will be April 16. David Fulkerson, longtime State Financial Officer and Deputy Administrator for the Division of Financial Management, will serve as interim DHR Administrator until a replacement is named. Fulkerson also previously served as interim DHR Administrator from 2014 to 2016. # # # 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... 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