From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Mar 1 15:55:40 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2022 22:55:40 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgc2lnbnMg4oCcTGVhZGluZyBJZGFob+KAnSBFbXBvd2Vy?= =?utf-8?Q?ing_Parents_grants_into_law?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2022 Gov. Little signs ?Leading Idaho? Empowering Parents grants into law Caldwell, Idaho ? At Sacajawea Elementary School in Caldwell, Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1255 into law today, putting $50 million toward the new ?Empowering Parents? grants. The grants are a key part of Governor Little?s ?Leading Idaho? plan for record investments in families and education. ?The Empowering Parents grants reinforce this fact ? a person?s education starts in the home. Parents are in the driver?s seat, as they should be and always will be in Idaho. The Empowering Parents grants put families in control of their child?s education and helps set them up for success,? Governor Little said. Throughout Idaho and the country, the pandemic pushed many parents toward new ways of meeting the educational needs of their children. In 2020, Idaho served 18,000 Idaho families and 46,000 students with grants to help cover educational needs outside the classroom. Senate Bill 1255 builds on that success, putting new resources toward similar grants to cover things such as computers, tutoring, internet connectivity and other needs so students have the best chance for success. The Empowering Parents grants will be available for both public and non-public students to address learning loss and provide support for our most at-risk students. ?The Empowering Parents grants were a key part of my ?Leading Idaho? plan, and I appreciate my legislative partners for making it a priority, especially the bill?s sponsors, Senator Lori Den Hartog and Representative Wendy Horman,? Governor Little added. ?The children today will become the workforce of tomorrow. We want our Idaho students to receive a strong foundation of learning now so they can stay here and make our state prosperous for future generations.? # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 1 20:34:55 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2022 03:34:55 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little, _23_other_Republican_Governors_comment_on_Bi?= =?Windows-1252?Q?den=92s_State_of_the_Union_address?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2022 Gov. Little, 23 other Republican Governors comment on Biden?s State of the Union address Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little and 23 other Republican Governors released a joint statement tonight commenting on President Joe Biden?s State of the Union address: "Joe Biden ran on promises of uniting the country and restoring America?s respect throughout the world. Instead, one year into his Administration, we have witnessed complete failure on both fronts. "From the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, to deadly drugs flowing in through the open southern border, to halting efforts to make our nation energy independent, this Administration has put America on a path toward decline. "On the home front, Biden?s record is even worse for hard working families. Inflation is at a 40 year high, and yet he continues to propose new programs and dramatic spending increases that we simply cannot afford. Crime is rampant in cities across the country while efforts are made to weaken our local law enforcement. Kids are in masks and falling behind while parents are told they don?t have a say in their child?s education. "As opposed to what is happening in Washington, or rather not happening, Republican governors are defending our principles and delivering results. Our states continue to lead the nation in record low unemployment and the highest rates of jobs recovered since the start of the pandemic. Instead of mandating our citizens into submission, we continue to fight for their personal freedoms. When President Biden abdicated his duties at the border, we stepped up with state resources and offered 10 solutions to secure our border and help stem the tide of deadly drugs ending up in our neighborhoods. While the Democrats continue to look to find new ways to spend money on liberal projects and programs, Republicans are cutting regulations and red tape for small businesses and reducing taxes by putting money back where it belongs?in the pockets of our citizens. "The Biden Administration should take note of the successful leadership of Republican governors across America who are getting people back to work, standing up for law enforcement to keep our communities safe, and putting their trust in people, not government." Signatories to the statement include: Governors Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Doug Ducey (AZ), Ron DeSantis (FL), Brian Kemp (GA), Brad Little (ID), Eric Holcomb (IN), Kim Reynolds (IA), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Chris Sununu (NH), Doug Burgum (ND), Mike DeWine (OH), Kevin Stitt (OK), Henry McMaster (SC), Kristi Noem (SD), Bill Lee (TN), Greg Abbott (TX), Spencer Cox (UT), Glenn Youngkin (VA), Jim Justice (WV), and Mark Gordon (WY). # # # -------------- 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 Mar 2 13:59:15 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2022 20:59:15 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D82E3D.B2EC4120] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2022 Governor Little to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will host a press conference to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua in the Governor's Ceremonial Office at 1:30 p.m. MT. The press conference will be streamed through Idaho in Session and available here: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/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 Wed Mar 2 14:10:44 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2022 21:10:44 +0000 Subject: UPDATED WITH DATE: Governor Little to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D82E3F.4E24C6C0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2022 Governor Little to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will host a press conference to kick-off Operation Esto Perpetua in the Governor's Ceremonial Office at 1:30 p.m. MT, Thursday, March 3, 2022. The press conference will be streamed through Idaho In Session and available here: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/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 Thu Mar 3 13:52:43 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2022 20:52:43 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgbGF1bmNoZXMg4oCcT3BlcmF0aW9uIEVzdG8gUGVycGV0?= =?utf-8?B?dWHigJ0gdG8gZmlnaHQgSWRhaG/igJlzIGdyb3dpbmcgZHJ1ZyB0aHJlYXQ=?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2022 Gov. Little launches ?Operation Esto Perpetua? to fight Idaho?s growing drug threat Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little kicked off ?Operation Esto Perpetua? today, a new strategy mentioned in his January 10 State of the State address that will serve to combat Idaho?s growing drug threat. ?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. There is much more we can do to make Idaho?s communities safer. With Operation Esto Perpetua, we are bringing together law enforcement, lawmakers, cities, counties, tribes, families, and the public in new ways with one goal ? to meaningfully reduce the flow of fentanyl and meth into the State of Idaho,? Governor Little said. Governor Little said the increasing availability of drugs ? high supply, low price, and totally unpredictable potency ? along with the impact on Idaho communities from abuse and crime related to drug abuse, present continuing threats to the health and safety of Idahoans. Operation Esto Perpetua includes both a Law Enforcement Panel and a Citizens Action Group on Fentanyl. The Citizens Action Group on Fentanyl will meet regularly throughout the state over the next couple of months. They will hear from local law enforcement and members of the public about their loved ones? experiences with fentanyl and meth. The Citizens Action Group will take input and comments from the public at each stop. ?I encourage Idahoans to participate in the regional meetings coming up over the next two months and share their personal experiences with the Citizens Action Group on Fentanyl. We need to hear from Idahoans about the impacts of fentanyl and meth in the lives of their loved ones,? Governor Little said. More information about Operation Esto Perpetua and upcoming meetings is available at https://gov.idaho.gov/operation-esto-perpetua/. The Law Enforcement Panel includes: * Col. Ked Wills of the Idaho State Police * Pocatello Chief of Police Roger Schei, representing the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association * Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, representing the Idaho Sheriffs Association * Boise Police Detective Mike Miraglia, representing the Fraternal Order of the Police * Marianne King, director of the Governor?s Office of Drug Policy * Luke Malek, attorney and former prosecutor The Citizens Action Group on Fentanyl includes: * Shoshone-Paiute Tribe Chairman Brian Thomas * Custer County Commissioner Wayne Butts * Coeur d?Alene Mayor Jim Hammond * House Speaker Scott Bedke * Senator Abby Lee * Dana Kirkham, former mayor of Ammon, eastern Idaho mother * One other public member to be named * Luke Malek will chair the action group To reinforce Idaho?s commitment to this effort, Governor Little is seeking $250,000 to carry out the objectives of Operation Esto Perpetua. Last year, Governor Little joined fellow governors in Texas to see firsthand the crisis playing out at the U.S.-Mexico border. The border crisis affects all states, not just Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. The governors strongly suggested 10 concrete policy solutions. Idaho?s growing drug threat is a direct consequence of the loose border with Mexico. Law enforcement reporting shows the supply of illicit fentanyl from Mexico in the region has become much more prevalent. The majority of officers surveyed reported that investigations involving fentanyl were directly tied to sources in Mexico. Law enforcement reporting shows drugs are primarily transported into Oregon and Idaho from Mexico through California. Approximately 96-percent of Drug Trafficking Organizations investigated identified Mexico as the source country for drugs trafficked into the region. Governor Little sent a team of Idaho State Police troopers to the U.S.-Mexico border last year to assist the State of Arizona with their drug interdiction efforts, and they returned with better knowledge and intel to fight the drug battle here in Idaho. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 4 09:09:58 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2022 16:09:58 +0000 Subject: 25 Governors stand up for American energy independence in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2022 25 Governors stand up for American energy independence in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict Boise, Idaho ? Twenty-five Republican governors, including Governor Brad Little, called on President Biden today to restore American energy independence as the crisis with Russia threatens even higher prices on American consumers. ?As governors, we call on President Biden to reverse his policies and restore America?s energy independence for our citizens as well as our allies abroad. By removing his bans on new oil and gas development on federal lands, building the Keystone XL pipeline, and reinstating regulatory reforms to streamline energy permitting, we can protect our national energy security and sell to our friends rather than buy from our enemies?specifically Russia. Family budgets have already been stretched thin following record inflation. People in our states cannot afford another spike at the gas pump, and our allies cannot afford to be held hostage by Putin?s tyranny and aggression.? Signatories to the statement include: Governors Brad Little (ID), Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Doug Ducey (AZ), Asa Hutchinson (AR), Ron DeSantis (FL), Brian Kemp (GA), Eric Holcomb (IN), Kim Reynolds (IA), Larry Hogan (MD), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Pete Ricketts (NE), Chris Sununu (NH), Doug Burgum (ND), Kevin Stitt (OK), Henry McMaster (SC), Kristi Noem (SD), Bill Lee (TN), Greg Abbott (TX), Spencer Cox (UT), Glenn Youngkin (VA), Jim Justice (WV), and Mark Gordon (WY). # # # -------------- 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 Mar 4 14:39:13 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2022 21:39:13 +0000 Subject: OPINION: Literacy investments help make Idaho students lifelong readers Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2022 Literacy investments help make Idaho students lifelong readers By Governor Brad Little Whenever I am asked about teachers who influenced me growing up, I recall Mrs. Summers, my first grade teacher. She taught reading to her students in a way that instilled in me a lifelong love of reading. I am better off today for the guidance of Mrs. Summers, and now, as Governor, I want to make sure every Idaho student has the same opportunity I had to strengthen their reading skills from a young age and ensure success in education and life. My priority has been and will continue to be getting all Idaho kids to read proficiently by the end of third grade. It just makes sense. Our investments in education later will have more impact if we can give students a strong start. It is not only our constitutional obligation but our moral obligation as well. I have always been an advocate for full-day Kindergarten for those districts that choose to implement it. Thankfully, Idaho's system of public education is locally driven, with input from parents, and it will remain that way. My Leading Idaho plan includes an additional $46 million for literacy, which may go toward offering full-day Kindergarten for families that want it in many parts of the state. This means we will be directing $76 million ongoing to districts to ensure our kids can read proficiently by the end of third grade. With this added investment, we will have increased funding for literacy five-fold since I took office as Governor just over three years ago. It is an accomplishment I am truly proud of. The increased resources can be utilized by districts to address literacy based on their own needs. Some districts may choose to use the dollars for full-day Kindergarten, and other districts may choose to use them for after school reading programs. I have always supported addressing needs through flexibility. Each district is different, and the money needs to be flexible to ensure success. I hope that years from now every Idahoan will be able to reflect on their education and think back, like I do now, about someone who helped them learn to love reading from a young age. With the historic literacy investments I am seeking through our "Leading Idaho" plan, we will get there! # # # 374 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 Tue Mar 8 13:56:07 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2022 20:56:07 +0000 Subject: Public health disaster emergency declaration to end April 15 Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2022 Public health disaster emergency declaration to end April 15 Boise, Idaho ? After weeks of thoughtful deliberation with numerous stakeholders, Governor Brad Little announced today Idaho will end the public health emergency on April 15, 2022. Governor Little?s statement on reaching the milestone follows: ?I kept Idaho open, banned vaccine mandates, never issued mandates for vaccines or masks, and successfully challenged Biden?s overreaching vaccine mandates in court. ?The emergency declaration served as an administrative function to recoup FEMA dollars for a variety of needs throughout Idaho. The emergency declaration never violated or restricted any rights of Idahoans, never put Idaho on lockdown, and never allowed for mandates for masks or vaccines. These are the facts. ?Without the emergency declaration we would not be able to provide historic tax relief, a step that?s even more important now as gas prices and inflation soar. Without the emergency declaration, Idaho would not be the state with the strongest economy in the nation. ?We?re hopeful the recent decrease in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths means we are on a downward trend with the pandemic. For weeks, we have been closely examining the needs within Idaho?s healthcare system with an eye toward ending the public health emergency declaration as soon as possible. The April 15 timeframe provides an important bridge for hospitals and other healthcare providers to plan for the transition. ?I want to thank Idahoans, especially our medical community, first responders, public health officials, and National Guard volunteers for helping us reach this positive milestone.? The activation of a statewide public health emergency since the start of the pandemic has enabled the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover costs associated with distribution of critical supplies such as ventilators and PPE, medical staffing, National Guard support, vaccine distribution, and other needs. Every single state had a public health emergency declaration in place, and dozens still do. FEMA covered $257 million in costs since March of 2020 that would otherwise have been covered by the Idaho state budget or local governments. That means without the emergency declaration, the State of Idaho would not be able to provide Idahoans with historic tax relief and unprecedented strategic investments to keep up with growth. Only the Governor can lawfully end an emergency declaration. For weeks, the Governor?s Office has been coordinating with stakeholders to minimize impacts and ensure hospitals and others are prepared for the expiration of the emergency declaration on April 15. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been much misinformation about what the emergency declaration does and does not do. The emergency declaration: * Existed as an administrative document to ensure FEMA can cover costs associated with pandemic needs, so the Idaho state budget and local governments are not on the hook for costs * Enabled Idaho to cut red tape to allow more nurses to enter the workforce and expand telehealth services * Enabled the activation of the National Guard to expand healthcare capacity * Added hundreds of medical personnel to support long-term care facilities and hospitals overrun with patients * Covered costs for first responders; county emergency management; funeral assistance; testing; vaccine rollout; PPE, ventilators, and other medical equipment, bringing much needed resources to Idaho * DOES NOT violate or restrict any rights of Idahoans * DOES NOT put Idaho on lockdown * DOES NOT put in place mandates for masks or vaccines Governor Little kept Idaho open, never put in place mask or vaccine mandates, banned vaccine passports, and successfully challenged President Biden?s vaccine mandates in court. Idaho now has the strongest economy in the nation. Idaho still maintains a fund to respond to COVID-19 if needs change. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will continue to serve as a resource for COVID-19 information and will continue to update Coronvirus.Idaho.Gov. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 10 12:10:04 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:10:04 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little: Tax relief on the way as inflation hits new historic high Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2022 Gov. Little: Tax relief on the way as inflation hits new historic high Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the news that Bidenflation just hit another 40-year record high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released new inflation data showing a nearly 8-percent increase from this time last year. The bump marks another 40-year record high increase in annual inflation. The price index jumps mean consumers are paying more across every sector of the economy, with the most painful increases in the following areas: * Gasoline index is up a whopping 38.8-percent since last year * Food index is up nearly 8-percent since last year * Energy index is up 25.6-percent since last year * Used cars and trucks are up 41.2-percent since last year * Utility gas is up nearly 24-percent since last year In his January 10 State of the State and Budget Address, Governor Little said given the soaring inflation we need to deploy immediate tax relief for Idahoans, and the Legislature quickly passed Governor Little?s ?Leading Idaho? plan for historic income tax relief. Governor Little?s comment on the country?s worsening inflation follows: ?The Biden Administration?s failed economic policies, failed foreign relations policies, and failure to control national spending have all contributed to the soaring costs of all things Idahoans need to simply live their lives. ?Thankfully, at the state level we are sending immediate tax relief to help counter soaring Bidenflation. Idahoans can expect a 12-percent income tax cut as soon as this month, and we also secured long-term income tax relief this year so Idahoans can keep more of what they earn in future years. ?My ?Leading Idaho? plan provides this historic tax relief and strategic investments in schools, roads, water, and other areas that impact daily lives. Idaho is once again leading the country in responsible, accountable government that works for the people.? # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 10 13:40:00 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:40:00 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgcHJvY2xhaW1zIOKAnFNvbGlkYXJpdHkgZm9yIFVrcmFp?= =?utf-8?B?bmUgRGF54oCd?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2022 Gov. Little proclaims ?Solidarity for Ukraine Day? Boise, Idaho ? Reinforcing Idaho?s already strong support for the democratic nation of Ukraine against Russian aggression, Governor Brad Little proclaimed today ?Solidarity for Ukraine Day? in the State of Idaho. The text of Governor Little?s proclamation follows: WHEREAS, Ukraine is a proud independent country, home to a distinct people and culture that has flourished; and WHEREAS, Ukraine is home to more than 40 million people, governed by a peaceful and democratically elected government; and WHEREAS, Russia initiated unwarranted acts of aggression against Ukraine in 2014, by seizing the Crimean peninsula and arming breakaway territories in the Donbas region; and WHEREAS, on February 24, 2022, the sovereign country of Ukraine was needlessly invaded by the Russian Federation under a false pretext of a peacekeeping operation; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin and his cabinet have continued to perpetuate grossly false information about the democratically elected government of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, Russian forces have targeted civilians, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, to include bombing of a maternity ward and children?s hospital in Mariupol; and WHEREAS, the shelling and mining of evacuation routes by Russia demonstrates an utter lack of regard for human life and dignity; and WHEREAS, Idahoans recognize the incredible resolve and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they face pain, fear, and the unknown; and WHEREAS, Idaho?s state motto is ?ESTO PERPETUA? so that Idaho may endure forever, and Idaho stands in solidarity with Ukraine that they may also endure forever; and WHEREAS, the Idaho State Legislature undisputedly adopted House Joint Memorial 6, condemning the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia; and WHEREAS, Idaho stands with the people of Ukraine and their right to self-determination, freedom, and democracy; THEREFORE, I, BRAD LITTLE, Governor of Idaho, do hereby proclaim March 10, 2022, as Solidarity for Ukraine Day in Idaho, and I urge all those in the State of Idaho to support and promote this observance. 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 10th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-two. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 14 13:54:22 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2022 19:54:22 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_March_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?14-18?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D837AB.0204E480] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2022 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of March 14-18. All times local. TUESDAY, March 15, 2022 Governor Little will chair the Land Board in the Boise City Council Chambers at 9 a.m. More information is available here: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-us/land-board/ FRIDAY, March 18, 2022 Governor Little?s ?Operation Esto Perpetua? Treasure Valley Roundtable will be held at the Vendome Event Center, 309 State St, Weiser, from 1:30 p.m to 4:00 p.m. Public testimony is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and share their experiences with fentanyl and methamphetamine in the community. Information about Operation Esto Perpetua available at https://gov.idaho.gov/operation-esto-perpetua/. # # # 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 Tue Mar 15 08:43:21 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:43:21 +0000 Subject: Idaho sues to stop encampment on Capitol Annex Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2022 Idaho sues to stop encampment on Capitol Annex Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today his administration and Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden filed a lawsuit Monday to stop illegal public camping and the associated health and safety violations taking place on the Capitol Annex in downtown Boise. Governor Little directed the Idaho Department of Administration to seek an injunction today on behalf of the State of Idaho. The filing seeks to have the court enter an order enjoining individuals from camping on state property near the Capitol. ?Idaho will not tolerate public encampments and destruction of public property. Idaho is not San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle, where public officials have engaged in failed experiments to permit and encourage public camping disguised as protests. ?What started here as a gathering of loosely affiliated individuals has escalated into dangerous health and safety violations. This lawsuit is the next step in our deliberate, careful strategy to address a highly complex situation involving state statutes, case law, and the First Amendment while ensuring the state meets its obligation to protect public health and safety. ?I am grateful to our law enforcement officers who have conducted welfare checks and enforcement actions with integrity by treating these very vulnerable members of our community with respect and connecting them with valuable resources to help address mental health and substance use disorders in many instances,? Governor Little said. Individuals started gathering on the state property located at Jefferson and 6th streets in Boise in mid-January. Since then, there have been a growing number of violations and dangerous conduct requiring increased calls for police service and enforcement action, including multiple instances of violence; drug abuse and distribution; the presence of hypodermic needles and bags containing human feces and urine; soiled clothing; vomit covered tents; rotting food; abandoned property; garbage; and fire hazards. Central District Health inspected the area and determined it to be a public health and safety hazard. Since mid-January, the Governor?s Office, Attorney General?s Office, Idaho Department of Administration, and Idaho State Police have been working together closely to address multifaceted legal implications and ensure proper enforcement actions while educating individuals at the site about resources available in the community. Governor Little said public camping on the Capitol Mall is inexcusable and unnecessary because there are free resources for the homeless immediately available in the community, including shelters that provide safe, secure overnight shelter where individuals suffering from mental health or substance use disorders can access valuable resources. One of those shelter resources is the Boise Rescue Mission where according to Rev. Bill Roscoe, CEO, there are plenty of open beds. ?We have open beds at both the River of Life Men?s Mission and the City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise. Contrary to rumors, we are not a ?high barrier? shelter and we offer safe, clean shelter, three meals daily and many programs and services all designed to help people recover from homelessness. We will welcome anyone who comes to our door needing assistance,? Roscoe said. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 17 09:40:51 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:40:51 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgc2lnbnMg4oCcTGVhZGluZyBJZGFob+KAnSB0cmFuc3Bv?= =?utf-8?Q?rtation_funding_bill_into_law?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 2022 Gov. Little signs ?Leading Idaho? transportation funding bill into law Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed a key part of his ?Leading Idaho? plan into law today, providing hundreds of millions of dollars in new transportation funding to clear out one-third of Idaho?s bridge maintenance backlog. Senate Bill 1359 includes $200 million for local bridges, $6 million for air, $8 million for rail, $18 million to pay off debt for Garvee projects, $10 million for safe pedestrian crossings, and $10 million to build out a road at the Port of Lewiston. ?We are taking advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully fund known transportation needs ? to maintain our roads and bridges permanently ? with no new taxes. Last year, together we passed the largest transportation funding package in state history, and we did it without raising taxes. But we did not stop there. We cannot continue our record economic trajectory if our logging trucks can?t get across old bridges or we can?t get our farm products to market. This bill invests another $200 million in one-time funding to clear out one-third of the backlog of deficient bridges, and we are closing in on another $200 million in ongoing funding to fully address our known maintenance needs locally and statewide,? Governor Little said. Governor Little recognized the state?s strong partnership with local governments, including cities, counties, and highway districts, which supported the bill. Governor Little also thanked his legislative partners and the team and the Idaho Transportation Department for their leadership in getting the bill across the finish line. Governor Little is expected to sign another transportation funding bill in the coming days that will include $200 million for road maintenance. ?I am unwilling to put Idahoans? safety and the maintenance of our state?s roads and bridges at the whims of the feds. We must not look to Washington, D.C., to solve our problems. Leading Idaho means addressing our own state?s needs. Together, we?ll show Washington, D.C., how to tackle transportation by fully funding known gaps with no new taxes and providing long-term funding for long-term needs,? Governor Little added. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 21 13:09:53 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:09:53 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgc2lnbnMg4oCcTGVhZGluZyBJZGFob+KAnSBiaWxsIHRv?= =?utf-8?Q?_improve_services_for_seniors?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2022 Gov. Little signs ?Leading Idaho? bill to improve services for seniors Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 687 into law today at the Mountain Home Senior Center, signaling the importance of investing in Idaho?s growing senior population. Governor Little also signed a proclamation today recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program, which has funded local agencies and non-profit organizations that serve home-delivered and congregate meals to help older adults and people with disabilities gain opportunities to maintain their health and independence. Part of the Governor?s ?Leading Idaho? plan, House Bill 687 is the appropriation bill for the Commission on Aging and includes a new $5 million investment in Idaho senior centers as well as $720,000 in new ongoing funding to improve access to care for vulnerable seniors and direct support for their caregivers. The $5 million for senior center support will be used to provide grants for senior centers to upgrade meal site locations that will improve services, safety, and efficiency. The funds also provide additional support for home-delivered meals over the next 12 months. The $720,000 new ongoing General Fund investment will be used to support caregivers of family members suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias and Idahoans over the age of 60. The funding will expand one-on-one resources for caregivers. ?We are seeing many folks moving to Idaho to retire and bringing their parents with them. Whether you?ve lived here all your life or you are new to Idaho, it is critical we make investments to meet the needs of this important growing population in our state. This bill enhances local senior centers, which are the hub of all kinds of community activity across most of Idaho. It also prioritizes Idahoans suffering from Alzheimer?s Disease and other dementias. With the passage of this important component of my ?Leading Idaho? plan, we are telling Idaho seniors they matter to all of us,? Governor Little said. Individuals seeking information about the new resources may contact the Idaho Commission on Aging. Contact information is available at https://aging.idaho.gov/. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 22 12:31:27 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2022 18:31:27 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little, Controller Woolf unveil new Townhall.Idaho.Gov web site Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2022 Gov. Little, Controller Woolf unveil new Townhall.Idaho.Gov web site Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little and State Controller Brandon Woolf announced the new Townhall.Idaho.Gov web site today, an online one-stop-shop for all public meeting information for state executive branch agencies. ?Enhancing Idahoans? confidence in their state government has been a key priority of mine since day one, and Townhall.Idaho.Gov makes it easier for the public to understand and engage with their government. I deeply appreciate State Controller Brandon Woolf and his outstanding team for delivering this important service to the people of Idaho,? Governor Little said. ?My top priority remains increasing government transparency to inform, educate, and engage the citizens of Idaho,? Controller Woolf said. ?In partnership with the Governor?s Office, my team spent several months building and testing this necessary tool to foster greater citizen engagement with state executive agency meetings.? On the site, users can search and find information pertaining to public meetings for state agencies and state-affiliated commissions. The goal is eventually to include local government entities? meeting notices on the site. In addition, Governor Little proposed, and the Legislature is actively considering, $2 million in new funding to enable agencies to stream public meetings online through the Townhall web site. Governor Little also signed a proclamation instructing State of Idaho executive branch agencies to post meeting notices, agenda, and minutes to the web stie on or after April 15, 2022. The Townhall Idaho posting requirements do not alter Idaho State Code requirements for physical postings. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov Mackenzie Reathaford, Communications Manager, State Controller's Office 208-334-3100 Option 0 or mreathaford at sco.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 Mar 25 08:41:54 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:41:54 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGU6IFBheWluZyBvZmYgZGVidCwgYWRkcmVzc2luZyBuZWVk?= =?utf-8?B?ZWQgcmVwYWlycywgcGF5aW5nIGNhc2ggZm9yIGJpZyBwcm9qZWN0cyBpcyBz?= =?utf-8?B?aW1wbGUg4oCYa2l0Y2hlbiB0YWJsZeKAmSBidWRnZXRpbmc=?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2022 Gov. Little: Paying off debt, addressing needed repairs, paying cash for big projects is simple ?kitchen table? budgeting Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented on his signature this week of legislation that pays off state building debt, starts clearing out the list of needed repairs in state buildings and other infrastructure, and pays cash for new projects. The proposals were part of Governor Little?s ?Leading Idaho? plan. ?In Idaho, we run state government like a responsible family runs its household budget. In the good years, you plan for the bad years. You live within your means, save for a rainy day, and pay down any debt as quickly as you can. ?That?s exactly what we are doing in Idaho, and the steps we?re taking today to use our record budget surplus to pay off state building debt, start clearing out needed repairs in our infrastructure, and paying cash for big projects means we?ll save Idaho taxpayers tens of millions of dollars down the road. ?We?re doing all this in addition to providing historic tax relief and record investments in schools, roads, water, and other key areas. We?re showing Washington D.C., and the rest of the country how to do it right, and the strength of Idaho?s economy proves it,? Governor Little said. As part of his ?Leading Idaho? plan, Governor Little recommended, and the Legislature appropriated: * $175.8 million in the Department of Administration?s bond payment program, averting $63 million in interest payments while lowering base budget costs at key agencies * $18.5 million to pay off portions of GARVEE transportation bonds, averting interest of $3.5 million and freeing up additional ongoing transportation funding. * $244 million as the first installment on a 10-year plan to clear out the state building deferred maintenance backlog (Governor recommended $250 million). A recent study revealed the state had a deferred maintenance backlog in excess of $900 million. * $368.5 million for major capital projects (Governor recommended $372.5 million) that include, for example, $112.4 million for an 848-bed female prison, $37.6 million for medical annex complex improvements at the Department of Correction, $37 million for Chinden Campus improvements, and $29 million for a combined lab at the Idaho State Police. Paying cash for these projects avoids debt service and ultimately saves taxpayer dollars. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 28 11:15:51 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2022 17:15:51 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little signs "Leading Idaho" record investments in water, agriculture Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2022 Gov. Little signs "Leading Idaho" record investments in water, agriculture (Murtaugh Lake, Idaho) ? Governor Brad Little signed another key part of his ?Leading Idaho? plan into law today in the Magic Valley, adding record investments in water infrastructure to aid in the economic vitality of agriculture and rural Idaho. House Bill 769 invests in state water infrastructure to ensure a dependable supply of water now and for future generations. ?Water is the lifeblood of Idaho?s economy. With the help of the Legislature, particularly our co-sponsors Representative Matt Bundy and Senator Carl Crabtree, we?re investing $325 million just in water infrastructure. I can?t think of a better investment for our children and grandchildren than ensuring clean, abundant water, especially here in the arid desert,? Governor Little said. ?Idaho leads the nation in conjunctive management of its water resources. We know that the water behind us is directly connected to the water below us. We?ve done a great job of managing the resource, but we need to do more as our state grows and continually faces water scarcity. With these one-time investments, we can increase our storage capacity to better withstand drought years.? The Idaho Department of Water Resources will manage the funds to bring critical projects to completion, including raising the Anderson Ranch dam and finishing the pipeline to the Mountain Home Airforce base. The funds will also support water recharge infrastructure on the Upper Snake River and replace aging infrastructure for irrigation districts and canals. With the added investments, Idaho will also update old, less-efficient infrastructure and invest in technologies that improve efficiency, all of which stretches water, a finite resource, further. ?Idaho is and always will be an ag state. I appreciate my legislative partners for joining me in keeping our ag industry thriving in Idaho,? Governor Little added. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, 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 Mar 31 14:00:15 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:00:15 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little celebrates historic legislative successes Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2022 Gov. Little celebrates historic legislative successes Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little is celebrating historic successes as the Idaho Legislature officially adjourned sine die today, ending the 2022 legislative session for the year. "In all my years, I have never seen a more successful legislative session that produced so many positive results for the people we serve. We achieved what I never thought we could - 'the trifecta' - which is record tax relief, record education investments, and record transportation investments in one year. "With our second year of a record budget surplus - achieved through a red-hot economy and years of fiscal conservatism - we were able to provide Idahoans with historic tax relief and unprecedented investments in schools, roads, water, and other important areas to improve Idahoans' quality of life and keep up with growth. "Effective leadership is about giving people confidence by staying focused and getting things done, listening, showing the way through humble strength, and embracing a spirit of service. I appreciate so many of my legislative partners for demonstrating these qualities this session and for moving forward so quickly in passing my 'Leading Idaho' plan. Together we will continue to do great things for the people of Idaho!" Governor Little said. Achievements from the Governor's "Leading Idaho" plan this session include: RECORD EDUCATION INVESTMENTS - K-12 funding will increase by $300 million, the single largest increase in state history, with a 12.5-percent increase over FY22. Funding for literacy (the Governor's top education priority) has increased five-fold since Governor Little took office after the state added an additional $47 million ongoing investment. We're empowering parents with new grants that help families take charge of education expenses for their children, and we've strengthened our ability to recruit and retain quality teachers by giving them up to 10-percent pay increases plus bonuses along with opportunities for better and more affordable health insurance. The Governor's plan also makes key investments in career and workforce training. HISTORIC TAX RELIEF - Since Governor Little took office, Idahoans already have benefitted from $1 billion in tax relief on income taxes, property taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes, and Idahoans will receive an additional $1.5 billion in tax relief over the next five years, shattering the record for tax relief established last year. It includes one-time, immediate income tax relief to help Idahoans facing soaring inflation as well as ongoing income tax relief. Businesses will save $64 million over the next two years and Idahoans will also benefit from more than $34 million in property tax relief. RECORD TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS - Last year, Governor Little championed historic investments in transportation without raising taxes or fees, and this year the Legislature approved his plan to add $200 million for local bridges as well as $200 million ongoing to help eliminate the backlog of transportation maintenance needs - once again without raising taxes or fees - to self-sustain our transportation system over the long term without relying on the whims of Congress. CONSERVATIVE BUDGETING - Through conservative budgeting and economic growth, Idaho achieved a AAA credit rating for the first time ever in 2021, and the Governor's plan continues the path of fiscal conservatism by paying off state building debt, clearing out the state building deferred maintenance backlog, boosting rainy day funds to historic levels, and leaving a larger-than-usual budget surplus. PUBLIC SAFETY - The Governor's plan promotes safe communities by making new investments in the Idaho State Police and "Operation Esto Perpetua," the Governor's new initiative to fight Idaho's growing drug threat. His plan invests in a new prison as well as proven strategies to reduce crime and decrease the revolving door back into prison. In addition, we doubled scholarships for members of the National Guard. STRENGTHENING RURAL IDAHO - The enacted budget makes the biggest investment ever in water quality and water quantity to support a thriving agriculture and outdoor sector. The Governor's plan makes new investments to combat wildfire and enhance outdoor recreation, and continues upgrade broadband infrastructure across the state. HEALTHY IDAHO - The Governor's plan addresses long-standing public health challenges, including behavioral health and healthcare capacity. His plan makes new investments to promote the health and wellbeing of our veterans and seniors. ELECTION INTEGRITY - Added investments in cybersecurity and proactive integrity audits boost transparency and security and ensure Idahoans have the confidence their vote counts. A complete summary of the FY23 budget highlights from the Governor's Leading Idaho plan can be found here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fy23-budget-activity-summary.pdf. # # # -------------- 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: