From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Nov 4 13:57:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2021 19:57:06 +0000 Subject: Idaho will sue Biden Administration Friday over OSHA vaccine mandate Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7D183.9D9E7ED0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 4, 2021 Idaho will sue Biden Administration Friday over OSHA vaccine mandate Boise, Idaho ? The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration released an Emergency Temporary Standard today, a new rule requiring private employers with 100 or more employees to require vaccination or testing and masking for its employees. The move stems from another one of President Joe Biden?s vaccine mandates. The rule impacts an estimated 84 million workers. Under the standard, covered employers must develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work. Governor Brad Little issued the following statement in response: ?I joined Idaho leaders in communicating to President Joe Biden in September our concerns with his federal vaccine mandate on private business, and we threatened legal action if he did not rescind the directive. Not surprisingly, President Biden is plowing forward with his OSHA rule to punish America?s businesses ? yet another unprecedented federal overreach into the private sector. I have been actively working with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and my legal team, and we will join a multistate lawsuit Friday to stop this latest attempt to force the private sector to police President Biden?s vaccine mandates.? Governor Little and other Idaho leaders detailed their concerns with the mandate in a September 17, 2021, letter to President Biden, available here. In addition, Governor Little announced last week he signed onto another multistate lawsuit challenging President Biden?s vaccine mandates for federal contractors. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor 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 Thu Nov 4 14:14:49 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2021 20:14:49 +0000 Subject: Idaho achieves AAA credit rating, saving taxpayer dollars and signaling strength of state economy Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7D16A.807181E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 4, 2021 Idaho achieves AAA credit rating, saving taxpayer dollars and signaling strength of state economy Boise, Idaho ? Fitch Ratings announced today it upgraded Idaho to the best credit rating a state can achieve ? the AAA credit rating ? a step that saves taxpayer dollars on financing of road construction and other public works projects and signals the structural strength of Idaho state government and our economy. At any one time, only about 10 states have carried the AAA credit rating, indicative of a high level of confidence in how a state?s budget is managed and the strength of the state?s economy. The higher a state?s credit rating, the lower the cost to repay its bonds, saving taxpayer dollars on interest costs. Governor Little?s comment on the historic credit rating follows: ?We all know the value of an excellent credit score in our personal finances ? it enables us to acquire loans at a lower interest rate, saving money in our household budgets. It also indicates discipline and responsibility in how we spend our money. The same is true for states when they achieve the best credit rating out there. ?Thanks to our diligent and unrelenting focus on reining in state spending and saving healthy amounts for rainy days, Idaho has received the AAA credit rating for the first time, and I am very proud. When I took office as Idaho?s 33rd Governor close to three years ago, one of my biggest priorities and one of our most important fiscal accomplishments would be to achieve the AAA credit rating. ?This achievement may not grab headlines the way politically charged issues can, but let me tell you ? this will have an impact on your wallets. This is what good government is all about. I appreciate my partners in the Legislature for sharing my passion for maintaining a lean state budget and stable rainy-day funds. Our partners in the private sector, too, have done a tremendous job propelling Idaho?s economy forward.? Highlights from the Fitch Report on Idaho?s upgraded credit rating include: ? "Idaho has superior financial resilience... Financial resilience is bolstered by the state's practice of maintaining healthy reserve balances and its very strong budget control. The state has shown a willingness to sharply cut spending when needed..." ? "In addition to tax relief, the governor's... plan directed state surplus moneys to fund one-time investments in education and transportation, water, broadband and other infrastructure needs... Idaho's long-term liability burden is low, and is expected to remain low even with expected additional debt issuance under a new transportation bond program." ? "The AAA IDR reflects Idaho?s credit strengths, including? willingness to take action to maintain budget balance and rebuild reserves to strong levels, a low long-term liability burden and expected solid long-term economic growth." ? "The upgrade of Idaho's IDR reflects a sustained trend of balanced finances and rebuilding and maintenance of strong reserves that strengthen the state's financial resilience, and strong revenue trends benefitting from population growth and economic expansion and diversification.? ? "The state's superior gap-closing capacity stems from its practice of building up reserves during periods of economic expansion and a willingness to make spending cuts if necessary, including mid-year, to address economic and revenue weakness." ? "Idaho's economy has seen very strong growth in recent years? The state's economy has been diversifying beyond traditional strengths in agriculture and mining, with growth in the health care, construction, technology, tourism and service sectors." ? "(Idaho's pandemic) recovery has out-paced the national level as have the state's labor market trends generally." View the Fitch Ratings report for Idaho 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Nov 5 10:05:13 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2021 16:05:13 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Duggan to First Judicial District, Monson to Second Judicial District Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7D16A.807181E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2021 Governor Little appoints Duggan to First Judicial District, Monson to Second Judicial District Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today he appointed Barbara Duggan of Wallace as District Judge in the First Judicial District and Mark Monson of Moscow as District Judge in the Second Judicial District. ?Barbara Duggan and Mark Monson are strong legal minds who have proven their commitment to upholding the law as they serve the people of Idaho,? Governor Little said. Duggan has more than 30 years of experience. As an attorney, Duggan practiced law in Twin Falls, Kootenai, and Ada Counties. She was appointed as a magistrate judge in Shoshone County in 2016. Duggan serves as a pro tem district judge in treatment courts, specificity, felony drug court and DUI court. She received her law degree from the University of Idaho in 1991. ?I am looking forward to continuing to serve the state and my community as a district judge in the first judicial district, and I appreciate Governor Little?s confidence in me,? Duggan said. Monson is a partner at Mosman & Monson in Moscow. He has spent the last 20 years practicing law in Moscow. Monson is a member of the Idaho Professional Conduct Board and has served on that board since 2010. He graduated from Arizona State University, magna cum laude, in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. In 1997, Mark moved to Moscow to attend law school and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho in 2000. ?I am deeply honored that Governor Little placed his confidence in me to serve as a judge in the Second Judicial District,? Monson said. ?I look forward to serving our community alongside our other outstanding judges.? # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Nov 5 13:11:20 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2021 19:11:20 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Monday Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D795BB.BD0EB680] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 5, 2021 Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Monday Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little will answer questions from the public about COVID-19 during an hourlong AARP telephone town-hall on Monday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. Participants can join by: * dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call * registering to be called in advance at https://vekeo.com/event/aarpidaho-69955/ * streaming live at www.facebook.com/aarpidaho # # # ? 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: 47293 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 10 12:51:53 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:51:53 +0000 Subject: Idaho increases its lead as least regulated state Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7D631.BBC461B0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2021 Idaho increases its lead as least regulated state Boise, Idaho ? The Mercatus Center at George Mason University recently released new regulatory data showing Idaho widened its gap as the least regulated state in the nation. ?In my first year as Governor, we surpassed South Dakota and achieved the title of least regulated state in the country. We cut or simplified 75-percent of regulations in a matter of months, transforming our administrative code. We?ve taken other steps since then to ensure Idaho regulations remain streamlined, user-friendly, and easy to understand,? Governor Brad Little said. ?Here in Idaho, we are demonstrating that if you roll up your sleeves, stay focused on your goal, and work effectively with others, you can get things done. When we reduce regulatory friction, good jobs follow.? The Mercatus data show Idaho held the line with 39,000 regulations in 2020, demonstrating the success of Governor Little?s rules moratorium over the past year. Governor Little expects cuts made this year, when finalized, will put Idaho at fewer than 35,000 regulations given the success of the first year of zero-based regulation. Meanwhile, in the same time period, the Democrat-led neighbor states of Oregon and Washington increased their regulatory burden; Oregon went from 200,000 regulations to 205,000 regulations, and Washington increased from 197,000 restrictions to 200,000 restrictions. Cutting red tape has been a key achievement and unrelenting focus of Governor Little?s since he took office close to three years ago. Within his first few weeks in office, he issued two executive orders aimed at scaling back regulations ? the Red Tape Reduction Act and Licensing Freedom Act of 2019. In addition, Governor Little?s Zero-Based Regulation executive order last year forces a routine review of rule chapters annually. Finally, Governor Little signed an executive order last year shrinking the size of state government by consolidating 11 separate agencies in the new Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, a move that has led to efficiencies and resulted in better service at a lower cost for Idahoans. The Mercatus data is publicly available at this link: https://www.quantgov.org/regcensus-explorer # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Nov 12 09:47:07 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2021 16:47:07 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?OPINION:_Apprenticeships_help_solve_Idaho=92s_labor_chal?= =?Windows-1252?Q?lenges?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 12, 2021 Apprenticeships help solve Idaho?s labor challenges By Governor Brad Little The ?Now Hiring? and ?Help Wanted? job postings are everywhere. Idaho?s economy is booming, and jobs are readily available, but some employers still cannot fill jobs with the skilled workers they need. The labor market challenges are multifaceted, but employers across the state have one thing in common ? they need a pipeline of workers with industry-specific training and hands-on experience. The good news is that through apprenticeships ? a proven career pathway Idaho is strongly pursuing to build our pool of skilled workers ? employers can create a sustainable talent pipeline with employees that receive extensive education and training in one of more than 1,200 occupations in Idaho. Next week is National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships offer a win-win for employees and employers. Employees get on-the-job training and classroom instruction specifically designed for the career they choose, along with opportunities to advance. Apprentices learn while they earn a certification, gain practical experience, start working immediately, and receive built-in mentoring and support. Employers get an immediate employee more likely to stay in the job, reducing turnover costs and improving employee retention and productivity. It is an excellent return on investment. Idaho jumped on new resources that connect employers to apprentices. One new program will align apprenticeship with degree programs at Idaho?s postsecondary and workforce training institutions, benefitting up to 2,000 new workers. Another new program will connect employers with 400 Idaho youth between ages 16 and 24 in high school and career technical education programs. Through another effort, we are expanding the number of employers enrolling in registered apprenticeships throughout the state in the health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and energy sectors. We have nearly tripled the number of Idaho businesses sponsoring apprenticeships in the span of three years. Hundreds of Idaho employers have almost doubled the number of apprenticeship opportunities since just last year. In short, all our efforts have created a pool of Idahoans who want to hone their skills to meet Idaho employers? needs. It?s a tight labor market right now. We will continue to do all we can to get more skilled workers into the satisfying, rewarding careers and help employers who, like all of us, want to see Idaho?s economic trajectory continue to strengthen. # # # 366 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 Nov 15 20:01:52 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2021 03:01:52 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little joins third lawsuit challenging Biden vaccine mandates Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7DA5B.A108DA30] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 2021 Gov. Little joins third lawsuit challenging Biden vaccine mandates Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today Idaho joined another lawsuit challenging President Joe Biden?s unprecedented government overreach and vaccine mandates. Idaho and 11 other states are part of a Louisiana lawsuit seeking to stop Biden?s vaccine mandate on healthcare workers. The lawsuit follows a similar but separate 10-state challenge filed in Missouri. The Biden Administration proposed using the Medicare and Medicaid system to impose a vaccine on 17 million healthcare workers. ?President Biden has no legal authority to force hospitals and other healthcare facilities to require their employees to get vaccinated. His illegal attempt would intensify a problem confronting our country ? we already have a short supply of healthcare workers available to handle the pandemic. As I?ve stated before, Biden?s coercive, threatening attempts to increase vaccination rates damage a country already divided. He is breeding a level of resentment and distrust of government that will take generations to heal. His actions simply are not good for our country, now or in the long term,? Governor Little said. At Governor Little?s direction, Idaho is party to two other lawsuits challenging Biden?s mandates ? one involving federal contractors and another involving private employers with 100 or more employees. Idaho?s involvement in each was facilitated by Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his office. The states? complaint filed today states: ?The Biden Administration is playing statutory shell games with the courts, straining to justify an unjustifiable and unprecedented attempt to federalize public health policy and diminish the sovereign States? constitutional powers. The Administration has announced three COVID-19 vaccine mandates to?as the President himself has confirmed?increase societal vaccination rates. There?s just one problem: no statute authorizes the federal Executive to mandate vaccines to increase societal immunity. The Administration?s solution? Use statutory schemes never before interpreted to allow federal vaccine mandates to shoehorn the President?s goals into the fabric of American society. In one instance, the Administration grabbed an obscure workplace safety statute to impose a vaccine mandate on 100 million Americans. That mandate suffers from so many patent constitutional and statutory problems that the Fifth Circuit stayed it a day after it issued and reaffirmed its stay within a week. BST Holdings, L.L.C. v. OSHA, No. 21-60845 (Nov. 12, 2021). Second, the Administration tried to use the federal procurement system to impose a vaccine mandate on another fifth of the American workforce. That mandate, too, is already subject to multiple challenges. The third mandate is the one at issue here: the Administration has coopted the Medicare and Medicaid system to impose a vaccine on 17 million healthcare workers. ?But the Social Security Act focuses on patient welfare and patient access to care. By forcing a significant number of healthcare workers to take the shot(s) or exit the Medicare and Medicaid workforce, CMS?s Vaccine Mandate harms access to (and thus quality of) patient care. This ?one-size-fits-all sledgehammer? expressly undermines the Social Security Act?s singular focus on providing access to care. BST Holdings, No. 21-60845, slip op. at 6 (5th Cir. Nov. 12, 2021). By forcing employees to choose ?between their job(s) and their jab(s),? id. at 19, the Mandate completely ignores the unprecedented labor shortage prevailing in the healthcare sector and patient wellbeing in favor of the President?s ambition to increase societal vaccination rates. ?Aside from being fundamentally at odds with the Social Security Act, the Vaccine Mandate suffers from a host of fatal flaws. It exceeds CMS?s statutory authority; violates the Social Security Act?s prohibition on regulations that control the selection and tenure of healthcare workers; is arbitrary and capricious; and violates the Spending Clause, the Anti-Commandeering doctrine, and the Tenth Amendment. Furthermore, CMS flouted the basic procedural requirements that Congress imposed on it, including the Administrative Procedure Act?s notice-and-comment requirement, the Congressional Review Act?s publication-and-review requirements, and the Social Security Act?s consultation and regulatory-impact-analysis requirements. The Vaccine Mandate causes grave danger to the vulnerable persons whom Medicare and Medicaid were designed to protect?the poor, children, sick, and the elderly?by forcing the termination of millions of essential ?healthcare heroes.?? # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 17 11:12:24 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:12:24 +0000 Subject: Capitol Christmas Tree to arrive at Capitol Monday, Nov. 22 Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7DBA3.F19DECD0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2021 Capitol Christmas Tree to arrive at Capitol Monday, Nov. 22 Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite Idahoans to view the Idaho State Capitol's Christmas Tree and Capitol Christmas decorations beginning the week of Nov. 22. This year's tree is donated by David, Lisa, and Delaney Beale. The tree is located at 1414 N. Harrison Boulevard in Boise. Cutting begins about 9 a.m. Monday. Its journey to the Statehouse is estimated to begin sometime around 11:30 a.m. There will be no in-person tree lighting ceremony this year, but the Idaho Department of Administration's Facility Services crew will begin stringing thousands of LED lights on the tree and decorating the interior of the Capitol starting Tuesday morning. "The Idaho State Capitol's holiday atmosphere comes alive with splendid decorations and the beautiful Christmas tree, reminding us all of the blessings of the season," Governor Little said. "I hope you, your family, and loved ones can visit and reflect on the joy and peace this time of year brings." The Idaho Department of Lands will cut and rig the tree for lifting, Boise Crane will load, and the Idaho Transportation Department will haul the tree to its destination at the Statehouse. Boise City Police will provide the escort. "After agonizing with what to do with this gorgeous tree that was planted too close to our home, we came to the unfortunate realization that the tree must be removed," David Beale said. "Almost simultaneously, we received a surprise knock on our door from the State, asking us if we would be interested in donating our tree to become the Capitol Christmas Tree. That visit was an absolute blessing. Yes, this fine tree needed to be removed, but to go out serving as a beacon of the holiday season for the steps of the Capitol building, we could not be more pleased, or ask for a sweeter outcome!" # # # 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: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Capitol Christmas Tree.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1281215 bytes Desc: Capitol Christmas Tree.jpg URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 17 12:53:54 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:53:54 +0000 Subject: Biden administration suspends enforcement of OSHA vaccine mandate Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7DBB2.2CE51030] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2021 Biden administration suspends enforcement of OSHA vaccine mandate Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that the Biden Administration, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), announced it has suspended enforcement of the president?s vaccine mandate on private companies with 100 or more employees. ?The Biden administration is putting his OSHA vaccine mandate on hold, thanks to the states, including Idaho, which are taking a stand against this unprecedented government overreach into the private sector. Our work is not done, and we will continue to fight the Biden vaccine mandates, but this is very welcome news for many Idahoans,? Governor Little said. On Nov. 12, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion to stay OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard. Under Governor Little?s direction, in cooperation with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his office, Idaho is party to three lawsuits challenging Biden?s vaccine mandates ? one involving this OSHA rule for private employers with 100 or more employees, one involving federal contractors, and another involving CMS and healthcare workers. # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Nov 19 14:35:47 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:35:47 +0000 Subject: Idaho, other GOP-lead states top list for lowest unemployment rates Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7DBB2.2CE51030] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2021 Idaho, other GOP-lead states top list for lowest unemployment rates Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that Idaho?s unemployment rate dropped to 2.8-percent for October, making Idaho?s unemployment rate the fourth best in the nation. ?It?s not surprising at all that the top 10 states for lowest unemployment rates ? including Idaho ? are led by Republican governors. Our unrelenting focus on keeping taxes low, governing responsibly, and structuring regulations so they support, not hinder, business have lead to prosperity and opportunity for the people we serve. Our economy just continues to build steam. Congratulations, Idaho!? Governor Little said. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho?s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8-percent in October, down 0.1 percentage points from September. The state?s labor force grew by 1,470 (0.2-percent) people to 907,622 - the second largest over-the-month increase this year. The labor force participation rate remained at 62.4-percent. The top states for lowest unemployment rates are: * Nebraska * Utah * Oklahoma * Idaho * South Dakota * Vermont * New Hampshire * Alabama * Georgia * Montana View the full rankings list here: https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Nov 22 15:04:22 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:04:22 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Tuesday Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D795BB.BD0EB680] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 22, 2021 Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Monday Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen will answer questions from the public about COVID-19 during an hourlong AARP telephone town-hall on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at noon Mountain Time. Participants can join by: * dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call * registering to be called in advance at https://vekeo.com/event/aarpidaho-69955/ * streaming live at www.facebook.com/aarpidaho # # # ? 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: 47293 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Nov 23 12:18:34 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:18:34 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?4oCcT3BlcmF0aW9uIE9wZW4gUm9hZHPigJ0gLSBHb3Zlcm5vcnMgY3V0IHJl?= =?utf-8?B?ZCB0YXBlLCBhZGRyZXNzIHdvcmtmb3JjZSBzaG9ydGFnZSBhaGVhZCBvZiBo?= =?utf-8?Q?olidays?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7E063.B22B1130] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 23, 2021 ?Operation Open Roads? - Governors cut red tape, address workforce shortage ahead of holidays Boise, Idaho ? With an American supply chain in crisis under the Biden Administration, Governor Brad Little signed on to ?Operation Open Roads,? a commitment from America?s governors to cut red tape and address the workforce shortage to ensure everyday goods are available to Idahoans for the holiday season. Since Governor Little took office close to three years ago, 30-percent of total restrictions and 38 rule chapters have been eliminated from the Idaho Transportation Department rules. ?We?ve already cut red tape to enable faster, freer flow of commerce in Idaho, and I am calling on state agencies within my administration today to identify additional specific actions we can take to ensure Idahoans have what they need for the holidays. Governors across America are working to address the supply chain crisis since the President won?t,? Governor Little said. The Governors are calling on President Biden to suspend the burdensome federal mandate for COVID-19 vaccines for all private employees, specifically for the trucking and transportation industry so that driver shortages are not further exacerbated by an additional barrier to employment. Highlights from the ?Operation Open Roads? policy statement include: * Rather than unleashing the economy, President Biden dramatically increased regulations and rulemaking authority that prevent private sector growth. * The President mandated vaccines on private businesses, putting more jobs in jeopardy as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. * We have a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers, an all-time high for the trucking industry. * With more paychecks at risk, American families are forced to pay more for food, gas, and everyday goods as inflation surges to a 30-year high under President Biden?s watch. * If we can get government out of the way, our trucking industry can safely do what it does best: move. Our state economies are on the rise, and Operation Open Roads will help reinforce America?s economic comeback. The governors of Florida, Texas, Montana, Arizona, North Dakota, Tennessee, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina also joined the pledge. Read the full "Operation Open Roads" policy statement 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 24 14:28:53 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2021 21:28:53 +0000 Subject: Carrie Semmelroth appointed to District 17 legislative seat Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7E13F.9A1AB5F0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2021 Carrie Semmelroth appointed to District 17 legislative seat Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little appointed Carrie Semmelroth of Boise to the District 17 Senate seat vacated by Senator Ali Rabe, who moved to a different district. Semmelroth works in the College of Education at Boise State University. She earned her Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) with a focus on Special Education from Boise State University. She also holds a Master?s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor?s degree in Sociology, both from Boise State University. Semmelroth is a Democrat who will serve out the remainder of Rabe?s 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 to the Governor for consideration. # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Nov 30 17:11:10 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2021 00:11:10 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?Q291cnQgaGFsdHMgaW1wbGVtZW50YXRpb24gb2YgQmlkZW7igJlzIGhlYWx0?= =?utf-8?Q?hcare_worker_vaccine_mandate_in_Idaho?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7E60D.4404D650] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2021 Court halts implementation of Biden?s healthcare worker vaccine mandate in Idaho Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the action by a Louisiana court granting a nationwide injunction today in the ?CMS case,? which temporarily stops implementation of President Joe Biden?s vaccine mandate on healthcare workers in Idaho. Governor Little and Attorney General Wasden filed the lawsuit on behalf of the State of Idaho earlier this month. ?The courts are recognizing President Biden has no legal authority to force hospitals and other healthcare facilities to require their employees to get vaccinated. His illegal attempt would intensify a problem confronting our country ? we already have a short supply of healthcare workers available to handle the pandemic. As I?ve stated before, Biden?s coercive, threatening attempts to increase vaccination rates damage a country already divided. He is breeding a level of resentment and distrust of government that will take generations to heal. His actions simply are not good for our country, now or in the long term,? Governor Little said. At Governor Little?s direction, Idaho is party to two other lawsuits challenging Biden?s mandates ? one involving federal contractors and another involving private employers with 100 or more employees. The Biden administration already suspended implementation of the OSHA mandate on private businesses. Courts elsewhere have halted implementation of the federal contractor vaccine mandate in other states, which does not directly affect Idaho but it bodes well for Idaho?s case. There is a hearing Friday morning to determine whether the court will stay the federal contractor vaccine mandate in Idaho. Idaho?s involvement in all the lawsuits was facilitated by Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his office. # # # ? 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: