From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 2 17:34:14 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2022 23:34:14 +0000 Subject: More top rankings pile in for Idaho Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2022 More top rankings pile in for Idaho Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on even more rankings placing Idaho at the top of the list for economic strength and fiscal stability. ?In Idaho, we stand up for limited government and responsible strategic investments where they count, and our approach works. Washington, D.C., and states across the nation should look to Idaho as THE success story on how bring about prosperity for the people we serve,? Governor Little said. LATEST rankings for Idaho include: * Fitch affirms Idaho?s AAA credit rating ? For the second year in a row, Fitch affirmed the AAA credit rating for Idaho ? the highest a state can get. The Fitch report states, ?Idaho's 'AAA' IDR reflects the state's credit strengths, including broad powers over spending and revenues, strong reserve levels, low long-term liability burden, and expected solid long-term economic growth. Fitch believes the state is well-positioned to absorb the consecutive rounds of tax cuts it has adopted to date, given Idaho's prudently managed budget with significant one-time spending that rolls off to create fiscal capacity.? At any one time, only about 10 states have carried the AAA credit rating, indicative of a high level of confidence in how a state?s budget is managed and the strength of the state?s economy. The higher a state?s credit rating, the lower the cost to repay its bonds, saving taxpayer dollars on interest costs. (link) * Idaho top 10 state for rainy-day funds ? The Pew Charitable Trusts place Idaho as a top 10 state for our healthy rainy-day reserves. Idaho?s rainy-day funds have more than doubled under Gov. Little?s leadership, from $562.5 million to $1.164 billion. Pew states that rainy-day funds ?are an essential fiscal tool that helps states weather the ups and downs of the business cycle.? (link) * Idaho #1 in five ag commodities ? Idaho?s agriculture sector is strengthening. Idaho ranked #1 in the nation in five different ag commodity categories: potatoes, barley, alfalfa hay, peppermint oil and food trout (link) * Idaho top 10 state for economic outlook, economic performance ? Explosive economic growth combined with responsible state spending places Idaho at the top for economic factors by Rich States, Poor States. (link) ADDITIONAL recent rankings for Idaho include: * Idaho #1 state for economic momentum ? Idaho claimed the top ranking in the Index of State Economic Momentum from State Policy Reports. The index ranks states based on their most recent performance in three key measures of economic vitality ? personal income growth, employment growth, and population growth. (link) * Idaho #1 top growing state driven by tax policy ? The Tax Foundation ranks Idaho first for net gain of residents from interstate migration, noting, ?The latest IRS and Census data show that people and businesses favor states with low and structurally sound tax systems, which can impact the state?s economic growth and governmental coffers.? (link) * Idaho #1 state for tax revenue growth during the pandemic ? The Pew Charitable Trusts placed Idaho first in tax revenue growth (16-percent) during the pandemic above its pre-COVID trajectory, the highest of all states. (link) * Idaho #3 state prepared to withstand economic stress ? The latest Moody?s Analytics state stress tests places Idaho at third place, only trailing behind two other states with oil reserves. The paper estimates the amount of fiscal stress applied to state budgets under a likely next recession scenario and compares that stress with the amount of money states have set aside in reserve. (link) * Idaho top state for income equality ? ?Among the most conservative states in America, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota excelled by most measures? in an analysis of income equality among states. (link) * Gov. Little #4 on Fiscal Policy Report Card on America?s Governors ? The latest report from the CATO Institute grades governors on their fiscal policies from a limited??government perspective. Governors receiving an A are those who have cut taxes and spending the most, whereas governors receiving an F have increased taxes and spending the most. Gov. Little nabbed the #4 spot on the list. (link) * Gov. Little #8 Most Popular Governor in the United States ? Morning Consult, a global data and analytics company, ranked America?s governors by popularity, and Gov. Little took the #8 spot. (link) # # # 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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Nov 4 10:58:02 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2022 16:58:02 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer questions policy questions during Thursday tele-townhall Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2022 Gov. Little to answer questions policy questions during Thursday tele-townhall Boise, Idaho - Governor Little will answer policy questions from Idahoans during an hourlong AARP Telephone Town Hall on Thursday, Nov. 10 starting at 12 p.m. Mountain Time. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call or register in advance to be called automatically by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. The conversation will also stream live on the AARP Facebook page. Questions may be submitted ahead of time via email at aarpid at aarp.org. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Madison Hardy, Press Secretary 208-547-7485 or Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Madison Hardy Press Secretary | Idaho Governor Brad Little Phone: 208-854-3015 Mobile: 208-547-7485 Email: Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Sign up to receive news from Governor Little -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Nov 7 12:32:19 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2022 19:32:19 +0000 Subject: Idaho economy blows past projections for October Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2022 Idaho economy blows past projections for October Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little commented today on state revenues for the month of October coming in $48 million ahead of projections, bringing the state budget nearly even with the forecast for the current budget year. "Idaho's powerful economy and enduring budget stability are proof that fiscal conservatism leads to prosperity and opportunity for the people we serve. In Idaho, we approach government like any responsible family would approach their household budget - we live within our means, save for a rainy day, pay off debt, give money back, and make investments where they count. "Year after year, we have provided record tax relief and added investments in education, roads, and other key infrastructure to keep up with growth and maintain the highest quality of life. I want to thank the people and businesses of Idaho for their confidence in and love of our great state," Governor Little said. The positive news about the state revenue figures comes after Idaho raked in numerous top spots in national rankings for economic strength and financial stability. The Idaho General Fund Revenue Report for October can be found here: https://dfm.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/publications/eab/gfrr/gfrr2023/gfrr_nov2022.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: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 9 08:20:19 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2022 15:20:19 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little thanks Idahoans for election victory Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2022 Gov. Little thanks Idahoans for election victory Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little commented today on Tuesday's election after he secured a large majority of the vote in a five-way gubernatorial race. "I am very proud and humbled that we earned the continued confidence of so many Idahoans! THANK YOU, IDAHO! "The election results translate one thing: the people have given us a mandate, and that mandate is to keep our state on this path of incredible and unprecedented success, to continue investing in parents, students, and teachers, and to show the rest of country that conservative governing promotes prosperity and freedom. "Working together MATTERS. Our ability to get things done for the people MATTERS. Leadership MATTERS. "Here in Idaho, we have responded to the call from citizens and businesses to make government responsive and accountable. Years of fiscal conservatism have positioned us to become the least regulated state, to give Idahoans back more of their hard-earned money through year after year of record tax relief, and to have the strongest economy in the nation. "I want to congratulate all those who earned a vote of confidence from Idahoans in Tuesday's election. I stand ready to work with them to meet the people's expectations. "WE'RE READY to continue investing in education - students, parents, and teachers - and brighter futures. "WE'RE READY to defend family, faith, and freedom. "WE'RE READY to continue providing Idahoans more relief from taxes and make meaningful investments in our children, families, schools, roads, water, and many other key areas to keep up with growth and continue our high quality of life. "I will remain focused on working together to make Idaho the place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay. "I am humbled to serve the people of Idaho and chart a course that keeps our state on track. It is truly an honor to receive a mandate from the people and work every day to fulfill it." # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Nov 9 12:55:45 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2022 19:55:45 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer policy questions during Thursday tele-townhall Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2022 Gov. Little to answer policy questions during Thursday tele-townhall Boise, Idaho - Governor Little will answer policy questions from Idahoans during an hourlong AARP Telephone Town Hall on Thursday, Nov. 10 starting at 12 p.m. Mountain Time. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call or register in advance to be called automatically by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. The conversation will also stream live on the AARP Facebook page. Questions may be submitted ahead of time via email at aarpid at aarp.org. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Madison Hardy, Press Secretary 208-547-7485 or Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Madison Hardy Press Secretary | Idaho Governor Brad Little Phone: 208-854-3015 Mobile: 208-547-7485 Email: Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Sign up to receive news from Governor Little -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 68980 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Nov 22 14:53:24 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:53:24 +0000 Subject: Idaho Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony returns Nov. 28 Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2022 Idaho Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony returns Nov. 28 Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite everyone to join them on the evening of Monday, November 28, to celebrate the holiday season at the ceremonial lighting of Idaho's Capitol Christmas Tree. Boise's KTVB anchor Morgan Romero will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening on the front steps of the Capitol. The 25th Army Band will begin entertaining at 5:30 p.m. while guests enjoy complimentary cookies provided by the Walmart Bakery. Santa Claus and his elf will also provide candy canes and bookmarks to attendees and be available for photos. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with the Governor, First Lady, and Idaho's constitutional officers and music by the Andrus Ambassador Honor Choir from Meridian's Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School and students from Meridian's Idaho Fine Arts Academy's vocal major program. The lighting of the tree is expected sometime around 7 p.m. Guests are invited into the Capitol after the Christmas tree lighting until the festivities end at 7:30 p.m. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Governor's Ceremonial Office and the Capitol Gift Shop, where Idaho's 2022 State Christmas ornament will be available, along with other items crafted by Idaho artists. # # # 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. Madison Hardy Press Secretary | Idaho Governor Brad Little Phone: 208-854-3015 Mobile: 208-547-7485 Email: Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Sign up to receive news from Governor Little -------------- 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 Mon Nov 28 11:41:21 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:41:21 +0000 Subject: Idaho Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight, Nov. 28 Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2022 Idaho Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight, Nov. 28 Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite everyone to join them this evening, Monday, November 28, to celebrate the holiday season at the ceremonial lighting of Idaho's Capitol Christmas Tree. Boise's KTVB anchor Morgan Romero will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening on the front steps of the Capitol. The 25th Army Band will begin entertaining at 5:30 p.m. while guests enjoy complimentary cookies provided by the Walmart Bakery. Santa Claus and his elf will also provide candy canes and bookmarks to attendees and be available for photos. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with the Governor, First Lady, and Idaho's constitutional officers and music by the Andrus Ambassadors Honor Choir from Meridian's Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School and students from Meridian's Idaho Fine Arts Academy's vocal major program. The lighting of the tree is expected between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Guests are invited into the Capitol after the Christmas tree lighting until the festivities end at 7:30 p.m. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Governor's Ceremonial Office and the Capitol Gift Shop, where Idaho's 2022 State Christmas ornament will be available, along with other items crafted by Idaho artists. # # # 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. Madison Hardy Press Secretary | Idaho Governor Brad Little Phone: 208-854-3015 Mobile: 208-547-7485 Email: Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Sign up to receive news from Governor Little -------------- 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 Nov 30 08:23:14 2022 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:23:14 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Susie Jensen to First Judicial District Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2022 Gov. Little appoints Susie Jensen to First Judicial District Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Susie Jensen to the First Judicial District. Jensen is the Chief Bonner County Public Defender in Sandpoint where she oversees six other attorneys and seven staff members. Born and raised in Sandpoint, Jensen received her bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif., and then graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law. During law school she clerked for one of her now predecessors, District Judge Steve Verby. She has more than 10 years of experience defending and supervising the defense of individuals charged with all manner of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges. Jensen is well respected and strongly supported by her peers in the community. "I thank Governor Little for this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the people of Bonner County and the First Judicial District. I promise to uphold the laws and Constitution of this great state, and to treat every person in front of me with fairness and respect," Jensen said. The position Jensen will fill is chambered in Sandpoint and will cover Bonner County cases. She will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of District Judge Barbara Buchanan, who was appointed by Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter and served 10 years as a District Court Judge. The First Judicial District is made up of Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone Counties. # # # 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: