From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Jul 1 13:21:40 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2021 19:21:40 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little details his plan to help secure U.S.-Mexico border and protect Idahoans Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D76E7C.052FFCB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2021 Gov. Little details his plan to help secure U.S.-Mexico border and protect Idahoans Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the details of his plan to send Idaho State Police (ISP) troopers to Arizona to help secure the United States-Mexico border and curb the flow of illegal drugs into Idaho due to failed Biden-Harris immigration policies. "The crisis at the Unites States-Mexico border and the alarming bump in illegal drug activity are direct results of failed polices of the Biden-Harris administration that harm the people of Idaho," Governor Little said. "Drug seizures for meth, fentanyl, and heroin have doubled since Biden took office and we've seen the highest number of illegal crossings this year in 21 years. Biden reversed numerous Trump policies that kept the American people safer, and now our nation's governors must step up to protect Americans because the Biden-Harris administration won't. The State of Idaho proudly stands with our fellow Americans along the United States-Mexico border." Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey sent a letter to the nation's governors in June pleading for extra manpower through other states' law enforcement agencies to help secure the border. Governor Little quickly committed to supporting their efforts. Since Governor Little's office received the letter, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and ISP have been working closely with the State of Arizona to determine how Idaho's resources can best support the mission. The collaboration resulted in an emergency mutual aid compact (EMAC) that Idaho will fulfill to support Arizona's efforts. Idaho will send a specialized team of five ISP troopers on a 21-day mission commencing July 6 to assist Arizona State Police with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. The specialized team of ISP troopers will act as a "force multiplier" to augment Arizona's drug interdiction team. "We did our homework and worked closely with Arizona State Police to determine the true needs and how Idaho can help in a meaningful, impactful way without compromising public safety here at home. States frequently assist each other through the emergency response system with fires, floods, and other emergencies, and this situation is no different," Governor Little said. "Our specialized team will help curb the flow of illegal drug smuggling and organized crime into our country and our state, and the troopers will gain valuable hands-on training that will improve their ability to serve the people of Idaho when they return." The ISP troopers will be cross deputized with the State of Arizona and will act under the same authority given to Arizona State Troopers. The support will cost the State of Idaho $53,391 - $16,149 in travel and other costs and $37,242 in personnel costs. The ISP leadership is ensuring the troopers' duties at home are covered while they serve their mission. With his plan, Governor Little joins Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts in lending support. "Idaho will continue to evaluate our resources and the border states' needs to determine if we can do even more to help in the fight to protect Americans against the Biden-Harris inaction," 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: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Jul 7 13:52:18 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2021 19:52:18 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Bill Gilbert to State Board of Education Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D77337.4CAC1320] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2021 Gov. Little appoints Bill Gilbert to State Board of Education Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Bill Gilbert of Boise to the State Board of Education. "As the co-chair of my 'Our Kids, Idaho's Future' task force, which led to more than $225 million in additional funds toward educator salaries by expanding the career ladder, Bill demonstrated his commitment to strengthening public education in Idaho," Governor Little said. "As a businessman and community leader, Bill brings a perspective that will benefit Idaho's kids because he is keenly aware of what employers are seeking in a prepared and fully-equipped work force. Education remains my top priority, and I am pleased Bill accepted this position. His insights will help shape Idaho's education system for the better." A native Idahoan, Gilbert is cofounder of Caprock, a multi-family office investment advisor, overseeing more than $7 billion in client assets. Gilbert serves on the board of Idaho Business for Education and was appointed co-chair of the 'Our Kids, Idaho's Future' task force by Governor Little in 2019. Gilbert is also chairman of the board of directors of the St. Luke's Health Foundation and serves on the St. Luke's Health System Finance and Investment Committee. He served on the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) Council and was chairman of its investment committee. Gilbert is a former Chairman of the Board and Emeritus Director of the University of Idaho Foundation. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Finance. He is a graduate of Borah High School. "This is an important time for public education in Idaho, and I look forward to continuing to press ahead with the work that began two years ago," Gilbert said. "At that time, we could not have imagined what was to come for our students, parents, and educators mere months after the K-12 task force completed its work. Coming out of the pandemic, we need to be focused on closing the gaps in student achievement, accelerating learning in our schools, and continuing our momentum in areas such as early literacy and college and career readiness." Seven of the eight voting members of the State Board of Education are appointed by the Governor for five-year terms. The eighth voting member is the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gilbert replaces Andy Scoggin, whose term on the board ended on July 1, 2021. # # # 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 Thu Jul 8 12:48:37 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2021 18:48:37 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Troy_to_host_Governor_Little=92s_=91Capital_for_a_Day=92?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_event?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D773F7.9188FFB0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2021 Troy to host Governor Little?s ?Capital for a Day? event Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little?s next ?Capital for a Day? event will be held in Troy on July 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Troy Lion's Club: 415 S Main St. Officials joining Governor Little include: * Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra * Treasurer Julie Ellsworth * Department of Labor Director Jani Revier * Department of Environmental Quality Director Jess Byrne * Department of Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever * Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey * Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould * Division of Financial Management Administrator Alex Adams * Representatives from Idaho?s congressional delegation In addition, representatives of the following agencies and state entities will be on hand to help answer questions: Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. ?I am happy to announce Troy as the next Capital for a Day in Idaho,? Governor Little said. ?It is important to me to continue this monthly tradition, and I look forward to hearing from the people of Latah County as they share their thoughts and concerns with state leaders.? # # # 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 Jul 9 08:34:42 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2021 14:34:42 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor=92s_Office_aids_water_users_in_reaching_histori?= =?Windows-1252?Q?c_crop-saving_settlement_amid_extreme_drought?= Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D7749D.420106D0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2021 Governor?s Office aids water users in reaching historic crop-saving settlement amid extreme drought (Boise, Idaho) ? As the State of Idaho faces the worst drought in years, a group of water users in Blaine County ? with the aid of the Governor?s office, House Speaker Scott Bedke, the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and others ? came together to reach a historic settlement this week, ensuring the continued growth of crops in the area. Governor Brad Little commended the ground water and surface water users in Blaine County for reaching a settlement to avoid the curtailment of about 140 ground water users on approximately 23,000 acres of land in the Bellevue Triangle area, while also ensuring that senior water users on Silver Creek and the Little Wood River are mitigated for their injury from ground water pumping in this extreme drought year. ?This settlement is an important first step and sets the stage for a long-term solution in the Wood River area. I appreciate the efforts by the surface and ground water users to come to a resolution that protects senior water rights while allowing some groundwater pumpers the ability to provide valuable crops,? Governor Little said. ?I would also like to thank Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Gary Spackman and his team for their expertise and genuine desire to reach a meaningful resolution. This kind of coming together to face our challenges head on ? especially during an extreme drought year ? is what Idahoans do.? Many Idaho counties, including Blaine County, have been declared drought emergency areas to assist with water shortages, drought conditions, and receiving federal aid. Weeks of unrelenting triple-digit heat in southern Idaho have compounded the drought situation, causing higher water evaporation and increased demand for meager water supplies. Officials credited Speaker Bedke with assisting surface and ground water users in reaching a settlement, the components of which were outlined in a ?Term Sheet,? which was submitted to IDWR Director Gary Spackman as an amended mitigation plan on July 7. Director Spackman agreed to adopt the Term Sheet as the basis for the amended mitigation plan, which he approved July 8. In addition to approving the amended mitigation plan, Director Spackman stayed his curtailment order for the Bellevue Triangle area, which had been in place since July 1. Director Spackman instructed Basin 37 Watermaster Kevin Lakey to monitor ground water diversions in the Bellevue Triangle and reinstate curtailment if the ground water users do not fulfill the components of the Term Sheet, officials said. The signatory parties to the settlement include the South Valley Ground Water District, Galena Ground Water District, Big Wood and Little Wood Water Users Association, Big Wood Canal Company, and Blaine County landowner Larry Schoen, a former county commissioner. Under the terms of the settlement, the mitigation plan obligates ground water irrigation users to provide 23 cubic feet per second (cfs) of natural flow on the Little Wood River as measured at the Milner-Gooding Canal crossing of the Little Wood River, acquire 2,500 acre-feet of storage water rights for delivery via the Milner-Gooding Canal to the Little Wood River, and to end ground water diversion for the season by Aug. 15, with some exceptions for seed potatoes. The Term Sheet also requires ground water users to work through the Big Wood Ground Water Management Area Advisory Committee in coordination with surface water users affected by ground water pumping, to develop and submit a Ground Water Management Plan for the long-term sustainable management of the Wood River Valley Aquifer by Dec. 1, 2021. IDWR officials sent a letter detailing water settlement to approximately 140 water users facing curtailment in the Bellevue Triangle area on Thursday, July 8. For more information on the settlement Term Sheet and the Director?s order, go to the following IDWR web site link: https://idwr.idaho.gov/legal-actions/administrative-actions/basin-37.html. # # # 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: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 86392 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Jul 9 13:11:01 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2021 19:11:01 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little mobilizes Idaho National Guard firefighters Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D774C3.DAB88710] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2021 Gov. Little mobilizes Idaho National Guard firefighters Fire managers expected to implement fire restrictions in the coming days Boise, Idaho - Amid extreme drought, excessive heat, multiple fire starts, and dwindling firefighting resources regionwide, Governor Brad Little issued an emergency declaration for wildfire today and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the effort. "Wildfire is presenting an imminent threat to life, property, and the environment, and we need all hands on deck. I appreciate our firefighters and fire managers for working so hard under such challenging conditions, and I am grateful that our guardsmen are able to step in once again to support Idaho communities," Governor Little said. "I want to thank Idahoans for doing their part to prevent wildfires during a season where Idaho is particularly vulnerable to human-caused wildfires." North Idaho is experiencing multiple wildfires resulting from dry lightning events. Extreme fire conditions are now at an all-time maximum or exceeding all-time maximum levels, and weather forecasts indicate no break in fire weather conditions in the weeks ahead. Fire suppression resources available to respond to ongoing wildfires or new wildfire ignitions are significantly diminished in the region because of the number of significant fires burning in the West. It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has requested the Governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire on the 6.2 million acres of land across mostly North Idaho where IDL provides fire protection. The Governor's emergency declaration authorizes National Guard personnel with fire line qualifications to work on active wildfires and for other personnel to support fire logistic activities. In addition, the Governor's emergency declaration makes National Guard aircraft resources available. In anticipation of the emergency declaration, the IDL has been working with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to begin the process of activating National Guard resources for fire suppression and logistics support. In 2020 and in the spring of 2021, in preparation for severe fire conditions like Idaho now faces, the IDL provided wildland firefighter training to National Guard personnel, a phenomenal collaboration between agencies. In addition, the IDL has requested its own agency personnel - anyone with fire line qualifications - to make themselves available for fire assignments. FIRE RESTRICTIONS EXPECTED IN COMING DAYS Fire managers are expected to announce in the coming days that parts of Idaho will enter Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions. More than 80-percent of the nation's fires are started by people, not lightning. What are fire restrictions? Fire restrictions are meant to prevent human-caused wildfires. There are Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions, with specific prohibited activities for each listed below. Restrictions can be declared in a portion of the state, or in multiple areas by local authorities. Who can declare fire restrictions? Fire restrictions can be implemented on state, federal, Tribal Trust and private lands under applicable federal and state laws. These laws grant the respective agencies the general authority to protect lands entrusted in their care by restricting use or closing areas to entry for protection of life and safety of public. Why are fire restrictions done locally rather than for the entire state? Local agencies follow established, statewide-approved guidelines for implementing fire restrictions in their geographic areas. There are eight main fire restriction zones in Idaho, with additional fire restriction areas within those zones. Area representatives use their hyper-local expertise and specific, objective criteria to determine if restrictions are needed. The local decision-making approach is critical for determining the right place and the right time for fire restrictions. One zone's determination for restrictions may not be appropriate statewide. What is prohibited during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site. If you live within a city limit or incorporated area, follow local direction. If you own land outside city limits or incorporated area you may have a campfire on your own land but only within a fire structure. Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. What is prohibited during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire (wood or gas fueled), or stove fire. Campfires are not allowed anywhere when under a Stage 2 restriction. Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material. Using an explosive. A patrol is required for one hour (three hours for anyone engaged in a Forest Operation requiring a Certificate of Compliance) following cessation of all work as described above. The latest recorded information on fire restrictions is available by calling 1-844-ID-FIRES or 1-844-433-4737. For specifics on exemptions, frequently asked questions, and more, please refer to the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan. Find out more about fire restrictions at www.idl.idaho.gov. # # # 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: 86776 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Jul 12 14:34:24 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:34:24 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints Kaitlin Maguire as Executive Director of STEM Action Center Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7772B.024A6CD0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2021 Governor Little appoints Kaitlin Maguire as Executive Director of STEM Action Center Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Kaitlin Maguire as executive director of the STEM Action Center. "I am happy to announce Kaitlin's appointment as executive director," Governor Little said. "Kaitlin has dedicated her life to the pursuit of curiosity in numerous scientific fields, a trait essential for this position. She will serve Idaho's students and families well in this role as she assists them in preparing for an ever-changing workforce." Maguire has served as served as interim executive director of the STEM Action Center since November 30, 2020. Maguire received her undergraduate biology degree at George Washington University and master's degree in geology at Ohio University. She earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Berkeley in 2013. "I am honored to be appointed by Governor Little as the Executive Director of the STEM Action Center," Maguire said. "It is a critical time for STEM education to ensure Idaho's workforce has the necessary skills to be prepared for the jobs and challenges of the future. I look forward to continuing to serve Idaho students, educators, and community members in preparing them for success and supporting Idaho's economic prosperity." During Maguire's tenure as interim executive director, the STEM Action Center continued to build momentum in numerous areas. The externship program places educators around the state into STEM business during the summer to learn STEM skills and workforce needs to apply this experience back in the classroom. The Idaho STEM Ecosystem is a network of STEM education and workforce development stakeholders working collectively to provide resources and opportunities for students and educators in STEM education, and the Learning Blade program provides STEM curriculum focused on STEM career pathways and has an easy-to-use online format with hands-on activities. The STEM Action Center was established within the Office of the Governor by the Idaho Legislature in 2015. The center serves to develop unique grant, training, professional development, and student opportunities aligned to Idaho's workforce needs from kindergarten to career. Decisions about the STEM Action Center are guided by a nine-member board appointed by the Governor. # # # 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 Tue Jul 13 13:19:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2021 19:19:06 +0000 Subject: Idaho faces potential for worst fire season in years Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D777E9.A78B5290] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2021 Idaho faces potential for worst fire season in years Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little joined state and federal fire managers during a press conference today at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise to urge Idahoans to be safe and smart in the outdoors to minimize the risk of wildfire during what could be the worst fire season Idaho has faced in years. "Idaho has been fortunate in recent years to avoid the devastating kind of fire seasons other states have faced, but this year could be different," Governor Little said. "On top of extreme drought in many parts of Idaho, we are in the middle of a prolonged, regional excessive heat wave. Fires burning in other states are putting strain on the availability of firefighting resources across the West. Just last week, I signed an emergency declaration and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist the Idaho Department of Lands in the northern part of the state." "We are seeing unprecedented wildfire conditions in Idaho right now with no relief from extremely hot, dry conditions in the forecast," Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Director Dustin Miller said. "The biggest issue we face right now is extremely limited resources to manage these fires, including a lack of aircraft and crews on the ground. We typically tap into our shared resources during these times, but they have very limited availability due to fires in our neighboring states. The public can help by avoiding any outdoor activity that could spark a human-caused fire." Portions of Idaho are under Stage I and Stage II fire restrictions, and fire managers expect to announce in the coming days that additional areas of Idaho will enter restrictions. Governor Little said we all need to do our part to follow what fire managers are asking of us. "Idaho entered the fire season prepared as we always are - with additional investments in the Idaho Department of Lands fire program - but Idaho will only get through this fire season if we all do our part not to unintentionally start fires," Governor Little added. The IDL just unveiled a new interactive tool this week to help the public better track and understand fire restrictions. It is available at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. NIFC, located in Boise, is the nation's support center for wildland firefighting. Eight different agencies and organizations are part of NIFC including, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Weather Service, U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Association of State Foresters. # # # 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 Jul 14 12:16:52 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2021 12:16:52 -0600 Subject: =?UTF-8?Q?State_police_start_receiving_=241=2C000_=E2=80=9CDefend_the_Po?= =?UTF-8?Q?lice=E2=80=9D_bonuses?= Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2021 *State police start receiving $1,000 ?Defend the Police? bonuses* Boise, Idaho ? Hundreds of frontline Idaho State Police personnel received their $1,000 ?Defend the Police? bonuses last Friday. Governor Brad Little announced in May that he would show our law enforcement that Idaho ?backs the blue? by providing the $1,000 hazard pay bonuses to more than 360 commissioned officers and regional communications center personnel at the Idaho State Police. *?Idaho truly is a state that ?backs the blue.? While other places seek to ?defund the police,? here in Idaho we are defending the police! Our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us. The $1,000 ?Defend the Police? payments are one small way we can recognize their courage and sacrifice,?* Governor Little said. # # # *Sign up to receive news from Governor Little* *Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Jul 14 12:37:37 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2021 12:37:37 -0600 Subject: =?UTF-8?Q?New_Plan_Sets_Idaho=E2=80=99s_Steps_to_Improve_Behavioral_?= =?UTF-8?Q?Health_Care?= Message-ID: [image: A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] JOINT NEWS RELEASE >From the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative Branches of the State of Idaho FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2021 *New Plan Sets Idaho?s Steps to Improve Behavioral Health Care* (Boise, Idaho) ? Changes are coming to Idaho?s behavioral health system with the release of a long-awaited strategic plan. Members of the Idaho Behavioral Health Council in recent days presented the council?s first strategic plan to Gov. Brad Little, Idaho House and Senate leadership and the Idaho Supreme Court. The plan covers state actions through 2024 and is posted for the public to view at behavioralhealthcouncil.idaho.gov . Created last year, the council is a joint effort of Idaho?s Executive Branch, Legislature and Judicial Branch and includes members from each. It is chaired by Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and Administrative Director of Courts Sara Omundson. Behavioral health issues affect Idaho?s corrections system, judicial system, hospitals, schools and local communities. The council is tasked with helping Idahoans who live with mental illness and addiction to receive the behavioral health care services they need, when they need them ? improving quality of life, health and safety in this state. The council worked with local governments, providers, community partners and consumers of behavioral health services and their families to create the new plan ? a set of 34 recommendations to improve access to care, with nine identified as key priorities for the next three years. Now, the council will oversee turning the plan?s advice into action. Agencies across state government will continue to collaborate on these steps, with full details on their planned implementation expected by Oct. 1, 2021. ?I am very pleased with the council?s work on this strategic plan. I am encouraged by the recommendations and action steps they have identified, particularly related to an adequate behavioral health workforce in both rural and urban Idaho,? Gov. Little said. ?From my earliest days as Governor, I have maintained that my primary goal is for all Idahoans, now and in the future, to be able to enjoy the highest quality of life. I commend the council for its accomplishments in identifying solutions to improve Idahoans? health, safety, and quality of life.? ?The Idaho Behavioral Health Council serves as a vehicle to make needed improvements to the behavioral health system in Idaho. We are grateful to have participated in the development of the council?s Strategic Action Plan and are pleased with the collaborative process used in developing the plan,? said Rep. Laurie Lickley, Rep. Brooke Green, Sen. David Nelson and Sen. Jeff Agenbroad, who each represented the Legislature on the council. ?We are especially grateful for the tremendous amount of talent and dedication of both public and private behavioral health professionals across the state and they should be commended. We look forward to the next phases of the process and are committed to being a part of the continued stakeholder cooperation necessary for a successful implementation. We have confidence that implementation of this plan will lead to an improved behavioral health system for Idahoans living with mental illness and addiction.? ?This plan is more than a path to better health outcomes for Idahoans ? it is a model for collaboration across Idaho?s government,? Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan said. ?I commend Directors Omundson and Jeppesen and the members of the council for the leadership they brought to this issue. The work is not over, and the Supreme Court will help to thoughtfully advance these recommendations and continue this important partnership.? Anyone still wishing to submit feedback on the final plan can email IBHC at dhw.idaho.gov. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Nate Poppino, Court Communications Manager State of Idaho Judicial Branch 208-296-9055 | npoppino at idcourts.net Marissa Morrison, Governor?s Office Press Secretary 208-943-1686 | marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Jul 14 15:30:34 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:30:34 -0600 Subject: =?UTF-8?Q?U=2ES=2E=2DMexico_border_driving_Idaho=E2=80=99s_growing_drug_th?= =?UTF-8?Q?reat?= Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2021 *U.S.-Mexico border driving Idaho?s growing drug threat* Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little today hosted a roundtable with law enforcement leaders at Idaho State Police (ISP) headquarters in Boise to discuss Idaho?s growing drug threat and the connection to the United States-Mexico border. ?The sustained availability of drugs and the impact from crime related to drug abuse ? including property and violent crimes ? present continuing threats to the health and safety of Idahoans,? Governor Little said. ?Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho and there is a direct tie to the loose border with Mexico.? For example, in the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), law enforcement reporting shows the supply of illicit fentanyl from Mexico in the region has become more prevalent. More than half of officers surveyed this year reported that investigations involving fentanyl were directly tied to sources in Mexico. Law enforcement reporting shows meth is primarily transported into Oregon and Idaho from Mexico through California. Of the Drug Trafficking Organizations investigated last year, 23 of 24 identified Mexico as the source country for drugs trafficked into the region. The trend reinforces the Governor?s decision to send a team of five ISP troopers to the border to assist the State of Arizona with their drug interdiction efforts. The troopers are five of ISP?s expert criminal interdiction team. They are in Arizona to serve both as a force multiplier for local efforts at a time when it?s needed along the border and, importantly, to bring back to Idaho the experience of seeing and learning up-to-the-minute enforcement techniques. The troopers deployed are trainers themselves and help teach hundreds of other state and local law enforcement right here in Idaho on illegal drug trends and updated enforcement techniques. ?It is truly a fantastic opportunity to send our best criminal interdiction troopers to learn what?s happening and what?s working with law enforcement efforts to fight the flow of illegal drugs, and to be a force multiplier along the border when it is badly needed,? Governor Little said. ?I want to thank these law enforcement leaders here with me today for sharing with us what they are facing.? Law enforcement leaders who participated in today?s roundtable include ISP Colonel Kedrick Wills, Twin Falls Chief of Police Craig Kingsbury, Bannock County Sheriff Tony Manu, ISP Lt. Colonel Sheldon Kelley, ISP Lt. Colonel Bill Gardiner, ISP District 1 (Coeur d?Alene) Captain John Kempf, and Fusion Center ISP Sgt. Bret Kessinger. Additional information about drug activity in Idaho is available in the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA 2022 Threat Assessment available at https://oridhidta.org/reports. # # # 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: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Jul 20 11:38:09 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:38:09 +0000 Subject: Idaho closes Fiscal Year with record surplus Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D77D58.966F9C90] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2021 Idaho closes Fiscal Year with record surplus Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today that Idaho ended its fiscal year with a surplus of nearly $900 million, adding to the largest surplus in state history. State revenue collections exceeded $5 billion for the first time, representing 24.2% growth over the previous fiscal year. This growth percentage represents the single largest annual increase in General Fund revenue according to available records. The two largest drivers of Idaho's record surplus are income tax filings, exceeding projections by $469 million, and sales tax collections of $166 million more than forecast. "Idaho's economic numbers show even in the middle of a global pandemic, conservative governing works," Governor Little said. "We have worked hard to curb government spending while providing tax relief and making investments where they count. We are seeing the impact of those conservative principles in action." This year, Governor Little and the Idaho Legislature achieved the largest tax cut in state history and made strategic investments in transportation, education, and other key areas as part of Governor Little's "Building Idaho's Future" plan. Governor Little announced previously that with the record surplus he will continue to advocate for more tax relief and strategic investments in key areas, with education topping the priority list. "The tax dollars of Idaho's citizens are accounted for in accordance with the law, and the state of Idaho closed its fiscal year with a remarkable surplus," State Controller Brandon Woolf said. "Due to prudent leadership and our fiscally conservative values, the state of Idaho was better prepared for the hardships of the pandemic and has come out of these unprecedented times with the best economic footing in the nation." The June revenue figures posted by the Division of Financial Management today are available here: https://dfm.idaho.gov/ # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 163875 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Jul 27 12:36:02 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:36:02 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little urges Biden, Canadian prime minister to open U.S.-Canada border Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D782E3.F4E144F0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2021 Gov. Little urges Biden, Canadian prime minister to open U.S.-Canada border Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little joined the governors of Montana and North Dakota and two premiers of Canadian provinces in urging President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to "restore normal movement" and securely open the United States-Canada border immediately. Business, shopping, and tourism between the two countries remain slowed because of national policies related to the pandemic. As leaders of states and provinces forming the border between the United States and Canada, Governor Little, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Premier Jason Kenney of the Province of Alberta, and Premier Scott Moe of the Province of Saskatchewan sent a letter last week to President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau. "The time has come to allow our citizens to move safely and securely across our shared border," Governor Little and the other leaders said in the letter. "For the well-being and future prosperity of both our nations, we must embrace personal responsibility by providing vaccinations to citizens seeking the vaccine, reduce mitigations that cause economic harm and encourage travel for commerce and tourism." Governor Little and the leaders noted the strong trade relationship and alliance between the two countries. Goods and services traded with Canada totaled $718 billion in 2019. # # # 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 Thu Jul 29 10:30:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:30:06 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_signs_on_to_pro-life, _states=92_rights_amicu?= =?Windows-1252?Q?s_brief_seeking_SCOTUS_overrule_of_Roe_v._Wade?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D78464.B2391380] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2021 Gov. Little signs on to pro-life, states? rights amicus brief seeking SCOTUS overrule of Roe v. Wade Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed on to an amicus brief today related to a case before the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), seeking to protect the lives of preborn babies and restore state sovereignty. ?Protecting the lives of preborn babies has always been and will continue to be a priority of mine. I am also a defender of state sovereignty. My decision to join this lawsuit to protect lives and states? rights reflects my conservative approach to constitutional interpretation. The ?right? to an abortion is a judicial creation. It is not a right expressed in the U.S. Constitution. I am asking the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify there is no constitutional right to an abortion and restore state sovereignty by allowing states to regulate all abortions consistent with the principles of democratic self-governance,? Governor Little said. As of today, the governors of Idaho, Montana, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Iowa, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, and Oklahoma have joined a Governors? amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women?s Health Organization. The case centers around a 2018 Mississippi law prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks except in medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormality. Lower courts held that Mississippi?s law violated the holdings in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), in which non-elected justices recognized a right to abortion exists contrary to the text and original meaning of the Constitution. The Governors? amicus brief supports the State of Mississippi?s cert petition, which SCOTUS accepted, to determine whether ?all pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional.? The Governors? amicus brief requests SCOTUS overrule Roe and Casey because there is no constitutional right to an abortion and, according to the principle of federalism, rights not granted in the U.S. Constitution should be entrusted to states to control. SCOTUS is expected to hear the case in the fall. The Governors? amicus brief can be found here. Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden joined 17 other attorneys general in a similar amicus brief earlier this year. Governor Little also signed the ?Fetal Heartbeat Bill? into law in April to protect the lives of preborn babies. # # # 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 Fri Jul 30 08:22:39 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:22:39 +0000 Subject: Idahoans start receiving tax relief next week Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7851C.0E3064B0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2021 Idahoans start receiving tax relief next week Boise, Idaho - Idahoans will begin receiving direct deposits or mailed checks in the form of income tax relief starting next week following the passage of Governor Brad Little's historic tax relief package earlier this year. The refunds are part of Governor Little's "Building Idaho's Future" plan to use our record budget surplus for tax relief and key investments in critical areas to keep up with the state's unprecedented growth. "Idaho's economy continues to blow past projections. We are leading the country in economic prosperity. This year, we achieved the single largest tax cut in state history! We've returned your tax dollars with our record budget surplus," Governor Little said. "These tax cuts boost Idahoans' prosperity, and they keep our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant." Idahoans are benefitting from the single largest income tax cut in state history - $445 million for Idaho families and businesses, including $163 million in permanent, ongoing income tax cuts, and $8 million in ongoing property tax cuts offset by the General Fund. "Curbing government spending should be the perpetual mission of public servants. Returning taxpayer dollars should always be our goal," Governor Little added. The Idaho State Tax Commission has a web page with FAQs on the tax rebate here: https://tax.idaho.gov/i-2082.cfm Governor Little also announced in July that Idaho ended its fiscal year yet again with a record budget surplus - this time amounting to close to $1 billion - and that he would continue to pursue added tax relief and key investments during the 2022 legislative session. # # # 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: