From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 2 13:56:42 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2022 19:56:42 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_responds_to_Biden_lawsuit_against_Idaho=92s_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?pro-life_law?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8A676.D04EDA50] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2022 Gov. Little responds to Biden lawsuit against Idaho?s pro-life law Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today after President Joe Biden?s U.S. Justice Department announced it filed a lawsuit challenging Idaho?s pro-life law. ?Our nation?s highest court returned the issue of abortion to the states to regulate ? end of story. The U.S. Justice Department?s interference with Idaho?s pro-life law is another example of Biden overreaching yet again while he continues to ignore issues that really should demand his attention ? like crushing inflation and the open border with Mexico. ?Here in Idaho, we are proud that we have led the country in protecting preborn lives. I will continue to work with Attorney General Lawrence Wasden to vigorously uphold state sovereignty and defend Idaho?s laws in the face of federal meddling,? Governor Little said. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Aug 3 08:42:11 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2022 14:42:11 +0000 Subject: Idaho seeks to reduce crime by investing in drug treatment and mental health services Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8A714.EBAC6D00] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 3, 2022 Idaho seeks to reduce crime by investing in drug treatment and mental health services Boise, Idaho - The State of Idaho is taking steps to make Idaho safer and save taxpayer dollars by increasing drug treatment and mental health services in Idaho communities as part of Governor Brad Little's "Leading Idaho" plan. Through the new Pre-prosecution Diversion Grant Program, the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) is offering $2.5 million worth of funding to state and local government agencies. The money will be used to help people accused of nonviolent crimes avoid prosecution by addressing the mental health and substance-use disorders that are driving their criminal behavior. "Idaho is made an even better place to live when we can improve safety in communities across our great state," Governor Little said. "My 'Leading Idaho' plan for enhanced behavioral health resources for Idahoans is making Idaho safer while helping those in need and saving taxpayer dollars in the long run." "This program will reduce crime, help people turn around their lives and save taxpayer dollars," says IDOC Director Josh Tewalt. "By investing in drug treatment and mental health services on the front end we can avoid spending money on prosecution, incarceration and community supervision on the back end." People who successfully complete a program funded by a Pre-prosecution Diversion Grant will also avoid the stigma of having a criminal record, which can make it more difficult to get a job and find housing. The Pre-prosecution Diversion Grant Program was a recommendation of the three-branch Behavioral Health Council. Governor Little adopted the recommendation as part of his Leading Idaho plan which expanded behavioral health resources by $50 million in Idaho. The Governor's request was fully funded by the Legislature and included in IDOC budget. More information about the program, including how local and state agencies can apply for a grant, is available here. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 4 13:47:24 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2022 19:47:24 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Nearly_two_dozen_Governors_speak_out_against_Democrats?= =?Windows-1252?Q?=92_reckless_spending_bill_in_Congress?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8A808.B9674FF0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 4, 2022 Nearly two dozen Governors speak out against Democrats? reckless spending bill in Congress Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little joined 21 other governors in voicing opposition to the $740 billion Democrat reconciliation bill currently being considered by the U.S. Congress. "The Democrats? solution to 40-year high inflation is passing another reckless tax and spending spree to the tune of $740 billion, affecting Americans in every tax bracket. While denying recession, Democrats want to raise taxes on businesses and manufacturers, which will force higher costs onto consumers, worsen inflation, and aggravate shortages. With sky high prices at the pump, the last thing Americans need is for Democrats to punish energy producers, which will ultimately hurt working families struggling to pay for gas, goods, food, and utilities. Our citizens cannot afford Joe Biden?s broken promises on taxes and Democrats? inflationary spending that will only exacerbate the economic crisis they created," the Governors said. The following 22 Governors signed the statement: Idaho Governor Brad Little Florida Governor Ron DeSantis South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Texas Governor Greg Abbott Utah Governor Spencer Cox Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Missouri Governor Mike Parson Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Governor Little recently pointed to Idaho's success in promoting economic prosperity and fiscally responsible governing as examples Washington, D.C. can follow. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 5 15:29:24 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2022 21:29:24 +0000 Subject: Governor Little appoints Eva Nye to District 29 legislative seat Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2022 Governor Little appoints Eva Nye to District 29 legislative seat Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Eva Nye to the District 29 Senate seat vacated by her late husband, Senator Mark Nye. A Pocatello resident, Nye is a former Pocatello City Council member who served the community for 14 years. She is a registered Democrat whose public service includes acting as a substitute legislator for District 29 Representatives Elaine Smith and Chris Abernathy. Nye is also involved with the Idaho State Civic Symphony, JRM Foundation and the League of Women Voters. "Once again, Teresa's and my sincere condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mark Nye - a loyal public servant whose leadership significantly impacted our state," Governor Little said. "I appreciate Eva stepping up to serve the people of District 29 and the State of Idaho." Nye will complete the remainder of her late husband's term, which ends in January 2023. "Mark was a man of honor, a kind and loving person who represented Legislative District 29 with distinction," Nye said. "His absence in the Capitol will be felt by all the citizens of Idaho. I am honored to complete his term in the Idaho Legislature serving District 29," Nye said. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 9 16:46:48 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2022 22:46:48 +0000 Subject: Governors tell Biden to stop taking lunch money from kids in pursuit of transgender agenda Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8AC0F.9C384550] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2022 Governors tell Biden to stop taking lunch money from kids in pursuit of transgender agenda Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and 14 other governors recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their disagreement with proposals from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education that may require institutions receiving federal funding to allow biological males to access women and girls' locker rooms, bathrooms, and dorms. In their letter, the governors outline their problem with how the proposed update and rule reimagines the intended purpose of Title IX by impacting its interpretations with the federal government's National School Lunch Program and by amending it to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. "To be clear, your Administration would take lunch money away from our kids and grandkids in pursuit of a radical agenda that has no basis in science and is not supported by the vast majority of the American people," the Governors' letter says. "(The) proposed rule change would have far-reaching implications across K-12 and collegiate institutions. By expanding Title IX to include gender identity and sexual orientation, your Administration puts girls and women of all ages at risk. The DOEd rule would force any institution that receives federal financial aid to allow biological males to access women's and girls' locker rooms, bathrooms, and dorms, depriving them of privacy and safety at school. The rule ensures that a far-left ideology on gender will be taught in schools nationwide. And finally...the policy changes your Administration has already put forward leave us with no doubt that the Department intends to eliminate fairness in girls' sports, too," the Governors also wrote. In addition to its threats to Title IX, the letter highlights the USDA's concerning attempts to avoid proper procedures to notify the public of changes to the existing rule. The governors also express concern these proposals are just a first step before the Biden Administration changes federal regulations related to Title IX's application to athletic competition. If the Biden Administration chooses to ignore the highlighted concerns and follow through with these reinterpretations of Title IX, the governors make clear they will pursue any avenues necessary to fight these regulations. Signatories to the letter include: Governors Brad Little (ID), Kristi Noem (SD), Doug Ducey (AZ), Asa Hutchinson (AR), Brian Kemp (GA), Kim Reynolds (IA), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Kevin Stitt (OK), Henry McMaster (SC), Bill Lee (TN), Glenn Youngkin (VA), and Mark Gordon (WY). Portions of the letter included below: "We write to you on behalf of the girls, women, and children in our states who will be impacted by the U.S. Department of Education's (DOEd) and U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) proposed rule and policy changes with regard to the interpretation of Title IX. "Through both departments, your Administration proposed changes that misunderstand the purpose of Title IX, which was to prevent discrimination 'on the basis of sex' in education programs, including activities such as athletic competitions. At the time of its passage 50 years ago, Title IX was intended to provide equal opportunity for biological females in the classroom and on the playing field. It created an avenue for so many young American girls to compete and achieve, experience the thrill of victory and learn the lessons of defeat, and open the door to scholarships and other paths towards greater opportunity. ... "First, your USDA announced a purported 'policy update' that now requires state and local agencies, program operators, and sponsors that receive funds from USDA for Food and Nutrition Services to investigate allegations of discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This change will have drastic impacts on the interpretation of Title IX for the purposes of the federal government's National School Lunch Program as well as other programs administered by the USDA under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. ... "The USDA's policy update was also announced in a manner that ignores the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Under the APA, the public must be given notice and afforded the opportunity to comment when a government agency makes substantive new rules or policies or makes substantive changes to existing rules and policies. Though the USDA attempted to avoid this requirement by labeling its change as 'guidance,' and subsequently hiding the change in an old proposed regulation recycled to avoid the APA, this rule change would have far-reaching impacts on students in many states across the country. "Meanwhile, DOEd's proposed rule change would have far-reaching implications across K-12 and collegiate institutions. By expanding Title IX to include gender identity and sexual orientation, your Administration puts girls and women of all ages at risk. The DOEd rule would force any institution that receives federal financial aid to allow biological males to access women's and girls' locker rooms, bathrooms, and dorms, depriving them of privacy and safety at school. The rule ensures that a far-left ideology on gender will be taught in schools nationwide. And finally, while DOEd states that it 'will engage in a separate rulemaking to address Title IX's application to athletics,' the policy changes your Administration has already put forward leave us with no doubt that the Department intends to eliminate fairness in girls' sports, too. ... "If your Administration chooses to move forward with these reinterpretations of Title IX, Bostock, and basic human biology, our states will have no choice but to pursue avenues to redress any harm that is done to our children as a result. We trust that you will give attention to the concerns we have outlined and look forward to an expedient resolution that will keep food in the mouths of our children and fairness on the playing field." # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 12 08:27:11 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:27:11 +0000 Subject: More education support, tax cuts the priority with new projected record budget surplus Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8AE25.504B6150] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2022 More education support, tax cuts the priority with new projected record budget surplus Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that Idaho's new fiscal year budget surplus is expected to reach a new record - more than $2 billion - and promised to work closely with the Legislature to deliver even more education investments and tax relief for Idahoans. "Here's what Idahoans need to know: the Legislature and I are committed to more education investments and tax relief on top of the historic steps we've taken to support schools and cut taxes. "Investments in Idaho education have grown 40-percent in the past three years. Last year alone, we made the single largest investment in schools in state history. And we're not stopping there. The Idaho Legislature and I together will continue to strengthen education because schools are partners with families in the education of our children - our future workforce. "Today's numbers reflect something we all see every day - Idaho's economy is booming. People are working and business is thriving. Our economic success is no accident. It comes from resilient and innovative businesses, hardworking citizens, and years of fiscal conservatism in government. Working together, the Legislature and I have adopted a 'kitchen table economics' approach to governing where we live within our means, pay off our debt, save for a rainy day, and make investments where they count. As the saying goes, 'the proof is in the pudding.' "Idaho's success also highlights fundamental and very obvious differences between Republicans and Democrats. Red states like Idaho are faring far better than Blue states, and that's no coincidence. Republicans create a regulatory and tax environment where business can prosper while Democrats tax and spend, adding more hurdles for hardworking families to overcome. "Democrats' response to the recession? Redefine recession, then raise taxes. Republican Idaho's solution? Cut taxes while making investments where they count, particularly in education. "We're even seeing Democrats finding absurd new ways to put down Idaho's success - such as criticizing our AAA credit rating, the highest a state can get. We achieved this milestone for the first time last year thanks to years of responsible budgeting and fiscal conservatism. Only Democrats would suggest a high credit score is a bad thing. Their entire approach to managing the economy defies common sense, and Idahoans aren't fooled. "The cost of everything is up in Biden's national economy. Idahoans need more of their hard-earned money back in their bank accounts to counteract record inflation and the continuing national recession. Idahoans can be assured the Legislature and I will continue to push forward more tax relief to go along with additional investments in education. "Even with the dark cloud of recession hanging over the country, Idahoans can be confident knowing our state is strong and prepared to withstand any downturn that might be on the horizon for Idaho. Washington, D.C., should turn to Idaho as the example on how to create prosperity for our citizens," Governor Little said. The Idaho General Fund Revenue Report for August published by the Governor's Division of Financial management is available at https://dfm.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/publications/eab/gfrr/gfrr2023/gfrr_aug2022.pdf. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Aug 17 16:44:40 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:44:40 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Idahoans_to_see_12-percent_lower_health_insurance_costs_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?with_approval_of_key_=93Leading_Idaho=94_waiver?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8B258.8CB0E8E0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2022 Idahoans to see 12-percent lower health insurance costs with approval of key ?Leading Idaho? waiver Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today the State of Idaho achieved a key milestone of the ?Leading Idaho? plan ? approval of the state?s innovation waiver, ensuring accessible health insurance for more Idahoans. ?Idahoans benefited from another win from our ?Leading Idaho? plan today. The approval of the state?s innovation waiver is estimated to reduce insurance premiums for individuals by about 12-percent, keeping more Idahoans insured and providing them better access to affordable healthcare,? Governor Little said. The U.S Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Treasury approved this week Idaho?s application for a Section 1332 State Innovation waiver. The state submitted the Section 1332 waiver to increase affordability of individual health insurance in Idaho. This waiver approval is effective January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2027, and it is expected to reduce individual market health insurance premiums by 12-percent in the first year compared to premiums without the waiver. The waiver will be implemented primarily by the Idaho Individual High Risk Reinsurance Pool, a state reinsurance program that helps reduce some of the insurance costs of certain serious medical conditions, thereby reducing the premiums charged to Idahoans. Governor Little recommended and the Legislature this year approved a one-time $25 million General Fund transfer to the Idaho High Risk Individual Pool Fund to lower health insurance premiums throughout the state. The pool was created in 2000. From its inception, it has successfully paid more than $164.6 million in claims from more than 13,000 Idahoans with serious medical conditions. ?The support of the Governor and the Legislature were critical to receiving federal approval of Idaho?s Reinsurance Pool innovation waiver,? Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) Director Dean Cameron said. ?Thanks to their support and our staff?s efforts developing a solid waiver application, Idahoans who purchase their own health insurance will have lower premiums going forward.? As part of the waiver process, legislation signed by Governor Little this year, House Bill 611, authorized the DOI to submit the waiver application to the federal agencies and to condition the continuation of the state reinsurance program upon approval of the 1332 waiver. DOI also received public comment during the application process. The State of Idaho?s 1332 Waiver approval and fact sheet are posted online at https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/State-Innovation-Waivers/Section_1332_State_Innovation_Waivers-. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 23 10:39:22 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:39:22 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little calls special session to deliver record tax relief, education investments in face of historic inflation Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D8B6DC.9AAB5650] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 23, 2022 Gov. Little calls special session to deliver record tax relief, education investments in face of historic inflation Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and legislative leaders announced today a special legislative session will be held Sept. 1, to use the state's record $2 billion projected budget surplus to counteract the impacts of 40-year high inflation on individuals and schools. "We're calling an extraordinary session to address the crushing impacts of historic inflation on Idaho families and schools. The cost of basic fundamentals to live everyday life has skyrocketed, and schools are faced with the burden of rising operating costs. Idaho's powerful economic engine, combined with years of fiscal conservatism in state government, mean tax revenues have outpaced government spending, month after month, year after year. As a result, we are now projecting a new record budget surplus - $2 billion - which is hundreds of millions more than we expected. With the emergency before us, we're going to give it back to the people and help our schools," Governor Little said. The single subject bill on inflation that will be considered by the Idaho Legislature on Sept. 1 includes: 1. Immediate TAX CUTS FOR ALL - $500 million in immediate one-time income tax rebates. Idahoans will get back 10-percent of 2020 income taxes paid, with minimum rebates of $300 for individuals and $600 for joint filers. Seniors who apply for the grocery tax credit are also eligible for the minimum rebate. Rebates will start rolling out as soon as September. 1. Ongoing TAX CUTS FOR ALL through new lower, flat income tax - Eliminates the first $2,500 of income from taxation for individuals and $5,000 for joint filers, and establishes a new lower flat tax of 5.8-percent across the board (down from 6-percent), to provide more than $150 million in ongoing relief to all working Idahoans starting in January 2023. 1. New historic ongoing education investments while cutting taxes - Puts $410 million total to Idaho education through an ongoing sales tax transfer, the single largest investment in education in state history. The plan puts $330 million toward K-12 public schools to help with rising costs due to inflation, and $80 million will go toward training for in-demand careers and prepare our institutions for the likely increase in workforce development training that occurs during times of economic uncertainty. The bill to be considered by the Legislature has a long list of bipartisan cosponsors. Information on the 2022 special legislative session, including the bill language to be considered, statement of purpose and cosponsor list, and Governor's proclamation, is available at https://gov.idaho.gov/legislative-sessions/2022-special-legislative-session/. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news 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: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: