From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Oct 4 14:36:25 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2021 20:36:25 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little, nine other governors to visit U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7B92D.35262C40] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 4, 2021 Gov. Little, nine other governors to visit U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little will join nine other governors for a visit to the United States-Mexico border in Texas Wednesday to witness firsthand the crisis playing out, reveal their proposed solutions, and once again call on President Joe Biden to act to secure the border immediately. Governor Little plans to take a boat tour of the Rio Grande River, which forms part of the border between the two countries, with Texas Department of Public Safety agents. Governors in attendance in Texas Wednesday include: * Texas Governor Greg Abbott * Arizona Governor Doug Ducey * Idaho Governor Brad Little * Montana Governor Greg Gianforte * Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon * Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds * Georgia Governor Brian Kemp * Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts * Ohio Governor Mike DeWine * Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Governor Little and 25 other governors recently requested a meeting with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., to work together on solutions to the national security and public health crisis created by the unenforced border with Mexico. The president did not agree to meet with the governors. As Governor Little pointed out in a FOX & Friends news story last week, Idaho is experiencing a surge in drug overdoses due to the abundance of cheap supplies of meth and fentanyl, almost all of which comes across the loose border with Mexico. Governor Little sent a specialized team of Idaho State Police troopers to the border this summer to assist with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. The troopers completed their weeks-long mission, serving 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. Governor Little?s office will send out detailed information Thursday on the Governor?s trip to the border along with the solutions proposed by the nation?s governors to address the crisis. # # # ? 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: 47293 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Oct 6 11:58:50 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2021 17:58:50 +0000 Subject: Governors detail their policy solutions to alleviate border crisis Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7BAA9.8652ED60] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2021 Governors detail their policy solutions to alleviate border crisis MCALLEN, TX ? Governor Brad Little and the 25 other Governors who requested a meeting with President Joe Biden to discuss the border released ten policy solutions today that the Biden Administration could enact immediately to protect America, restore security, and put us on a path to end the crisis at the southern border. Nearly a dozen governors, including Governor Little, joined together in Mission, Texas, today to meet with Texas Department of Public Safety officials and discuss how these steps could reduce record levels of illegal immigration. ?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. 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. America?s governors, including me, are asking the President to talk to us and work with us on solutions to the crisis,? Governor Little said. The governors last month requested a meeting with the President to discuss the crisis on the southern border ? including a nearly 500-percent surge in border apprehensions and the seizure of more fentanyl this year than the last three years combined. The president has not yet agreed to meet with the Governors. Governor Little sent a specialized team of Idaho State Police troopers to the border this summer to assist with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. The troopers completed their weeks-long mission, serving 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 ?Joint Policy Framework on the Border Crisis? from the majority of the nation?s Governors follows. JOINT POLICY FRAMEWORK ON THE BORDER CRISIS 10 Policies to Protect America, Restore Security, and End the Crisis 1. Continue Title 42 public health restrictions: The Biden Administration should continue to invoke Title 42 to refuse entry to individuals coming into the country due to the COVID-19 public health risk, which was initially issued by the previous administration. Title 42 currently expels approximately 44% of apprehensions. In July, more than 18% of migrant families and 20% of unaccompanied minors tested positive for COVID-19 upon being released from Border Patrol custody. Reports estimate that the Biden Administration has placed approximately 40,000 COVID-19 positive migrants into American cities. 1. Fully reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols: The Biden Administration should comply with recent federal court rulings and fully reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) established by the prior administration, which require asylum seekers to return to Mexico to await their court hearing outside of the United States, serving as a deterrent to cross. Upon taking office, President Biden issued a directive to terminate the MPP, and although litigation may continue, the Biden Administration should halt any attempts to appeal and fully reinstate the policy. 1. Finish securing the border: The Biden Administration should reopen construction contracts to continue building the border wall and invest in infrastructure and technology, such as lights, sensors, or access roads, to complete the border security system. Upon taking office, President Biden terminated the national emergency at the border, stopped all border construction, and redirected funds to build the wall. 1. End catch and release: The Biden Administration should end the Obama-era policy of catching and releasing apprehended migrants into U.S. cities along the South Texas border, leaving illegal immigrants paroled and able to travel anywhere in the country. Upon taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order reinstating catch and release policies that incentivize illegal immigration and make deportation laws difficult to enforce. 1. Clear the judicial backlog: The Biden Administration should dedicate additional judges and resources to our U.S. immigration courts to end the growing backlog and expedite court appearances for illegal migrants. Reports indicate backlogged cases total more than 1 million, the most ever. 1. Resume the deportation of all criminals: The Biden Administration should enforce all deportation laws of criminally convicted illegal aliens. Upon taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order ordering the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prioritize only the deportation of aggravated felons, gang members, or terrorists, leaving other criminals to remain in the United States. 1. Dedicate federal resources to eradicate human trafficking and drug trafficking: Due to the rapid increase of cartel activity, the Biden Administration should dedicate additional resources to eradicate the surge in human trafficking and drug trafficking, arrest offenders, support victims, and get dangerous drugs?like fentanyl and methamphetamine?off our streets. 1. Re-enter all agreements with our Northern Triangle partners and Mexico: President Biden should re-enter the prior administration?s agreement with the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) and Mexico. The countries agreed to enforce their respective borders, fix their asylum systems, and receive migrants seeking asylum before they journey north to the United States. Upon taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order terminating the agreements. 1. Send a clear message to potential migrants: President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Biden Administration officials at every level should state clearly and unequivocally that our country?s borders are not open and that migrants seeking economic opportunity should not attempt to abuse or misuse the asylum process. Prior to and after taking office, President Biden blatantly encouraged illegal immigrants to come to the United States. 1. Deploy more federal law enforcement officers: Due to overwhelming needs at the border, the Biden Administration should deploy more and provide greater resources to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Due to a lack of federal resources, Arizona and Texas have had to initiate an Emergency Management Assistance Compact to request law enforcement resources directly from states, receiving offers from eight states, to arrest and detain illegal trespassers. # # # ? 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 Oct 6 12:42:15 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2021 18:42:15 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little recognizes Idaho hospitality workers with Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel and Tourism Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7BAAF.96E608A0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 6, 2021 Gov. Little recognizes Idaho hospitality workers with Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel and Tourism Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced he awarded the Governor?s Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel and Tourism to Idaho hospitality workers collectively. ?Historically this award has recognized an individual who's made unmatched contributions to the industry. However, this year, exceptional contributions have come from many. The cooks, servers and bartenders taking care of more customers over more shifts than ever have before and doing so with a smile and professionalism. The lodging staff managing long lines of visitors checking in after cleaning rooms earlier in their shift and before stepping up to drive the hotel shuttle to finish their shift. The staff at our attractions, adventure experiences, and recreation areas doing their best to ensure all patrons are safe and experiencing the cleanest, heathiest environment possible. The examples are endless. We see you and we thank you for your incredible work throughout these challenging times!? Governor Little said. Governor Little also proclaimed Oct. 4-8 Hospitality Employee Appreciation Week. View the proclamation here. Governor Little also encouraged all Idahoans to visit their favorite local hospitality business or destination and say thank you to the employees who provide a wonderful experience. ?Idaho?s hospitality businesses suffered some of the greatest impacts from COVID-19, yet the Idaho?s travel industry has come roaring back to bolster Idaho?s economy,? added Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey. ?These employees deserve a big thank you for their continued service and hospitality to both Idahoans and visitors.? # # # ? 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 Oct 8 14:10:04 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2021 20:10:04 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_Octobe?= =?Windows-1252?Q?r_11-15?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7BC4E.3062A0C0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of October 11-15. All times local. TUESDAY, October 12, 2021 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Governor?s Summit on the Future of Work: Age of Agility at 9 a.m. The event will be streamed live at: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoWDC WEDNESDAY, October 13, 2021 Governor Little will issue a proclamation for Apply Idaho Month at 9 a.m. The event will be streamed here: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/governor/ Governor Little will issue a proclamation for Nurse Practitioner Week in the Governor?s Ceremonial Office at 10 a.m. Governor Little will answer questions from the public about COVID-19 during an hourlong AARP telephone town-hall at 12 p.m. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call or registering to be called in advance at https://vekeo.com/event/aarpidaho-69955/. # # # 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 Wed Oct 13 09:38:29 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:38:29 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little proclaims October Idaho Health Care Worker Appreciation Month Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7C016.139DC840] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 13, 2021 Gov. Little proclaims October Idaho Health Care Worker Appreciation Month Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little on Monday proclaimed the month of October ?Idaho Health Care Worker Appreciation Month,? and encouraged all Idahoans to seek out the health care workers in their lives and communities and show their respect, appreciation, and support for the sacrifices health care workers are making to get us through an unprecedented public health crisis. Governor Little is traveling the state this week to thank health care workers in hospitals across Idaho, and more and more students, families, and communities are finding creative ways to show their gratitude for these heroes of the pandemic. The full text of the Governor?s proclamation follows: WHEREAS, staff at Idaho hospitals and long-term care facilities are overwhelmed and working tirelessly and heroically to meet the needs of patients and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, health care staff are in the midst of an unprecedented and devastating wave of critically ill patients and are exhausting all resources to expand and deliver health care to them; and WHEREAS, these health care heroes are putting the health, safety and wellbeing of these patients and residents in their charge ahead of their own; and WHEREAS, these health care heroes continue to respond to and care for each patient, despite the challenges, despair, and the unknown; and WHEREAS, through their dedication and fortitude, against a devastating enemy, they work together to save lives and help guide Idahoans in all their health care needs; and WHEREAS, health care workers deserve our respect, appreciation, and steadfast support for being there for every Idahoan during these difficult times. NOW THEREFORE, I, BRAD LITTLE, Governor of Idaho, do hereby proclaim October 2021 to be Idaho Health Care Worker Appreciation Month in Idaho, and I ask all Idahoans to step up and speak out in support of the health care workers in their communities, to remind them they are critical to our health and well-being, and to show them they have our utmost admiration. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 12th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-one. # # # ? 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 Thu Oct 21 14:48:30 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:48:30 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?QmlkZW4gdG8gcmVpbnN0YXRlIHBvbGljeSBvdXRsaW5lZCBpbiBnb3Zlcm5v?= =?utf-8?B?cnPigJkgMTAtcG9pbnQgYm9yZGVyIHBsYW4=?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7C68A.B5F09B70] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 21, 2021 Biden to reinstate policy outlined in governors? 10-point border plan Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on news that the Biden Administration is taking steps to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols ? or ?Remain in Mexico? policy ? which is one of the 10 policy recommendations to secure the border laid out by the majority of the nation?s governors earlier this month. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it is taking steps to reinstate the policy due to recent federal court orders ? upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court ? that faulted the Biden Administration for ending the program improperly. ?The Biden Administration?s plan to move forward with reinstating one of the ten border policy recommendations from the majority of our nation?s Governors is welcome news. The ?Remain in Mexico? policy is one of the numerous Trump policies that Biden reversed, and the news that the Biden Administration will reinstate it is a victory that will serve to keep the American people safer. Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho, and there is a direct tie to the open border with Mexico. The border crisis and the alarming bump in illegal drug activity are direct results of failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration that harm the people of Idaho, and that is why our nation?s Governors stepped up to offer solutions. The State of Idaho stands with our fellow Americans in the border states. We were proud to send a specialized team of state troopers to assist with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. I will continue to urge President Biden and Vice President Harris to act with conviction to address the growing threats to our country at the border.? # # # ? 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 Oct 25 16:39:08 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 22:39:08 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Tuesday In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D795BB.BD0EB680] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 25, 2021 Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Tuesday Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen, and State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn will answer questions from the public about COVID-19 during an hourlong AARP telephone town-hall on Tuesday, Oct. 26 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 Fri Oct 29 18:34:20 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2021 00:34:20 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little joins lawsuit challenging Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7CCF3.94D97F00] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 29, 2021 Gov. Little joins lawsuit challenging Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today he joined a multistate lawsuit challenging President Joe Biden?s Executive Order 14042, also known as the federal contractor vaccine mandate. Biden?s Executive Order 14042 requires employees of federal contractors be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, with few exceptions. ?President Biden?s federal contractor vaccine mandate not only harms Idaho workers and businesses that partner with the federal government, but it forces states to implement Biden mandates that are without legal precedent. Tens of millions in university research dollars are at stake. This is coercive federal overreach, and it must be stopped,? Governor Little said. The Idaho Office of the State Board of Education is also party to the lawsuit on behalf of Idaho universities. The universities could lose up to $89 million in existing federal contracts, much of which involves important research. Idaho?s participation in the suit was facilitated by Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his office. Georgia, Utah, Alabama, Kansas, South Carolina, and West Virginia also joined the lawsuit. Florida filed a similar challenge this week. In addition, Governor Little wrote a letter to President Biden today urging him to halt implementation of the federal contractor vaccine mandate because it harms Idaho businesses. ?Many Idaho businesses of all sizes engage in contracts with the federal government to provide products and services that ensure our country can function properly. Now, business owners who pursued the American dream and worked to fill important needs for our nation are being coerced into policing your vaccine mandates,? Governor Little wrote. ?Some of these Idaho contractors have been in longstanding business relationships with the federal government, and changing their contracts midstream forces them to choose between losing their employees or giving up their business. It is just plain wrong.? View Governor Little?s letter to President Biden 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: