From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Feb 2 13:59:10 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2023 20:59:10 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_notifies_Biden_Administration_of_Idaho=92s_i?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ntent_to_sue_on_grizzly_delisting?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2023 Gov. Little notifies Biden Administration of Idaho?s intent to sue on grizzly delisting Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little notified the Biden Administration today of his intention to sue the federal government for its failure to uphold the law and make a required finding on the State of Idaho?s petition to remove grizzly bears from the endangered species list. ?Idaho?s entire congressional delegation and I are lockstep in our demand for answers from the federal government about grizzly bear delisting. Idaho has continually demonstrated leadership in species management, and we expect the federal government to uphold its duties in providing clarity around issues that greatly impact a variety of activities on the ground in our state,? Governor Little said. Over 10 months ago, Idaho petitioned for delisting the ?lower-48? grizzly bear because it does not qualify as a ?species? under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was required to make a 90-day finding by June 7, 2022, but failed to do so. In today?s letter to the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Governor Little said, ?USFWS has provided only vague excuses and evasive answers as to why the agency has not made an initial determination on Idaho?s petition. USFWS? lack of transparency on this subject has persisted, despite requests to discuss this subject at various meetings? In November 2022, Idaho?s entire congressional delegation sent a letter to USFWS Director Williams urging response to Idaho?s petition and requesting a status report from USFWS. The delegation?s letter remains unanswered.? ?A determination on Idaho?s petition is what the ESA requires and what grizzly bear conservation and Idahoans deserve. Unless USFWS makes the initial determination on Idaho?s petition within the next 60 days, we intend to file suit,? the Governor added. The Governor?s letter notifying the State of Idaho?s intent to sue is available here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/notice_intent_sue_grizzly_2-2-2023_final.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 Mon Feb 6 13:26:37 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2023 20:26:37 +0000 Subject: Little, Bedke, Crapo, Risch, Simpson raise concerns about Lava Ridge wind farm proposal on federal land Message-ID: [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Office of Governor Brad Little Office of Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke Office of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo Office of U.S. Senator Jim Risch Office of Congressman Mike Simpson NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 6, 2023 Little, Bedke, Crapo, Risch, Simpson raise concerns about Lava Ridge wind farm proposal on federal land Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson jointly communicated deep concerns to Idaho's head of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) about the Lava Ridge wind farm proposed in south-central Idaho. In a letter to Karen Kelleher, Idaho State Director for the BLM, the Idaho elected officials reiterated the lack of community support for the project. "Idahoans cherish the concept of multiple and mixed uses on their public lands. This requires conservation, predictability of use and, most importantly, support from the local communities. These deep-rooted values are compromised by a piecemeal approach to large-scale generation projects on public lands. Dedicating hundreds of square miles of public lands to a specific use will have a long-term effect on recreation, grazing, sporting uses and the land in general," they said. Last month, the BLM proposed two preferred alternatives as part of its Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The public comment period is open until March 21, 2023, and Idahoans can obtain more information here: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/idaho/lava-ridge-subcommittee. "Affected farmers, ranchers, tribes, the Japanese American community, and sportsmen have voiced legitimate objections. As it stands today, the local community predominantly has not shown support for this development," they continued. The Idaho leaders also pointed to concerns that the project compromises fire suppression and sage-grouse habitat and potentially could impact existing electricity customers and the integrated resource plans of Idaho utilities. They said project construction could damage transportation infrastructure and may impact the availability of labor and construction materials for other projects in the area. "We urge the BLM to reassess and refocus the process on working with the local communities to address the concerns outlined above," they wrote. "If all of these concerns are not addressed, it is unlikely we will be able to support this project moving forward." Read the full letter from Little, Bedke, Crapo, Risch, and Simpson here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02.06.2023-Joint-Little-Bedke-Crapo-Risch-Simpson-letter-Lava-Ridge_final.pdf # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 103002 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Feb 8 08:44:48 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2023 15:44:48 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little, Republican Governors praise Gov. Sanders' solutions-based message to nation Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2023 Gov. Little, Republican Governors praise Gov. Sanders' solutions-based message to nation Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little and Republican governors released the following joint statement following President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday: "Tonight, Governor Sanders showed that while Washington is filled with chaos and crisis, Republican Governors are delivering on promises made to our constituents. Americans look to our states for a better form of government - one that prioritizes freedom in education, energy independence, safer communities, and opportunity for all. The Biden Administration should take notes." Governor Sanders' message for Americans can be viewed here. Signatories to the statement include: Governors Brad Little (ID), Kim Reynolds (IA), Kay Ivey (AL), Mike Dunleavy (AK), Ron DeSantis (FL), Brian Kemp (GA), Eric Holcomb (IN), Tate Reeves (MS), Mike Parson (MO), Greg Gianforte (MT), Jim Pillen (NE), Chris Sununu (NH), Joe Lombardo (NV), 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). # # # 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 Mon Feb 13 10:32:33 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:32:33 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Bruneau_to_host_Governor_Little=92s_=91Capital_for_a_Day?= =?Windows-1252?Q?=92_event?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2023 Bruneau to host Governor Little?s ?Capital for a Day? event Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little?s next ?Capital for a Day? event will be held in Bruneau on February 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post #83, located at 32536 Belle. Officials joining Governor Little include: * Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs Community Resource Development Specialist J.J. Salda?a * Idaho Department of Commerce Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Kim Glineski * Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Director Jess Byrne * Idaho Department of Financial Management Administrator Alex Adams * Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen * Idaho Department of Fish and Game Director Jim Fredricks * Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier * Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller * Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation Director Susan Buxton * Idaho Department of Water Resources Compliance Bureau Chief Tim Luke * Idaho Division of Veterans Services Service Officer Frank Fabbi * Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt * Idaho State Police Lt. Colonel Sheldon Kelley * Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes In addition, local officials and representatives of the following agencies and state entities will be on hand to help answer questions: Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation, and the Idaho State Board of Education. ?It is an honor to bring my next Capital for a Day to Bruneau,? Governor Little said. ?This event will give the good people of Owyhee County a chance to discuss what?s on their minds when it comes to good government and how we can better serve them.? # # # 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 Wed Feb 15 14:47:50 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:47:50 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to visit with high schoolers about proposed Launch workforce training program Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2023 Gov. Little to visit with high schoolers about proposed Launch workforce training program Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will visit with high school students in Kuna, Twin Falls, and Rigby Thursday to reinforce the benefits of the proposed Launch workforce training program. The program would make available $8,500 to qualifying Idaho high school seniors starting in 2024 to help pay for enrollment in an Idaho-based education or training program geared toward careers in high demand in our state - "real world" professions such as nursing, truck driving, information technology, electricians, welding, teaching, construction, finance professionals, mechanics, plumbing, and others. "We want Idaho kids working in good Idaho jobs. From the start, my goal has been to make Idaho the place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay. Launch helps us get there," Governor Little said. Two-thirds of workers in Idaho are employed by small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Information from the Idaho Department of Labor shows Idaho is missing an opportunity to get students into high-demand careers with our employers. In 2022, Idaho's severe worker shortage saw an average of more than 56,000 open positions, representing an economy underutilized. "Idaho's severe worker shortage could be greatly reduced if every high school senior were to 'go on' and achieve the exact skills and knowledge needed to fill one of these high demand open positions. Everywhere I go, employers tell me they struggle with one thing - hiring skilled workers to fill open jobs, and most often those jobs require advanced training after high school," Governor Little said. "Launch is about good old fashioned pragmatic policy - we have a problem, and we're looking to solve it." Idaho is expected to graduate approximately 23,000 high school students this year. Most graduates of state universities and community colleges stay to work in the state or area where they received their education or training after high school. In the November 2022 election, the voters of Idaho overwhelmingly approved the $80 million for in-demand career training passed by the Idaho Legislature and the Governor during the 2022 extraordinary session last year. "When 80-percent or four out of five voters agree we need get workers trained for the jobs we have open, to me that amounts to a mandate from the people," Governor Little said. The Launch bill passed the Idaho House of Representatives last week and is awaiting action in the Idaho Senate. "We have momentum on Launch, and we will get it across the finish line. Launch will be transformative for students and Idaho businesses. We want to do everything we can to create opportunity for our young people to live, work, and raise their families in Idaho," Governor Little said. Governor Little previously visited with students in Middleton about Launch in January, and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke visited with high schoolers in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls last week. Almost all students who gave feedback said they were thinking about entering an education or training program for an in-demand career but the cost to complete a program weighs heavily on their decision. # # # 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 Feb 16 09:05:23 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 16:05:23 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governors:_=93President_Biden_owes_the_American_people_a?= =?Windows-1252?Q?nswers=94?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 16, 2023 Governors: ?President Biden owes the American people answers? Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little and 16 other Republican Governors released the following joint statement today in response to President Biden?s handling of foreign objects in American airspace. ?The violation of American airspace by multiple foreign objects is unprecedented and threatens our national sovereignty along with the security of our states. As governors, we have sworn an oath to defend against ?all enemies, foreign and domestic.? Yet, President Biden has chosen not to fully communicate with the public about this critical issue impacting public safety. Too much time has passed, and too little information is known. President Biden owes the American people answers.? Signatories of the statement include: * Governor Brad Little (ID) * Governor Ron DeSantis (FL) * Governor Kristi Noem (SD) * Governor Sarah Sanders (AR) * Governor Greg Abbott (TX) * Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA) * Governor Kim Reynolds (IA) * Governor Brian Kemp (GA) * Governor Eric Holcomb (IN) * Governor Tate Reeves (MS) * Governor Mike Parson (MO) * Governor Jim Pillen (NE) * Governor Doug Burgum (ND) * Governor Kevin Stitt (OK) * Governor Henry McMaster (SC) * Governor Bill Lee (TN) * Governor Mark Gordon (WY) # # # 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 Feb 23 16:11:44 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:11:44 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?OPINION:_Defending_state_sovereignty_over_land, _water, _w?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ildlife_is_in_Idaho=92s_DNA?= Message-ID: [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Office of Governor Brad Little Office of Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke Office of U.S. Senator Mike Crapo Office of U.S. Senator Jim Risch Office of Congressman Mike Simpson Office of Congressman Russ Fulcher OPINION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 23, 2023 Defending state sovereignty over land, water, wildlife is in Idaho?s DNA In Idaho, fighting the feds is in our DNA. We?re proud of a long history of protecting our state?s sovereignty over our land, water, and wildlife, and in the past month alone we?ve stepped up and demonstrated yet again our penchant for defending Idaho?s unique way of life. Idaho?s entire way of life depends on one important resource ? water. Unfortunately, Biden?s EPA wants to regulate puddles, ponds, and small water features on lands across Idaho, putting the prosperity of numerous industries (and the jobs that depend on them) at stake ? mining, agriculture, ranching, energy development, construction, you name it. Governor Little led 24 other Republican governors in opposing Biden?s EPA waters rule and called on the President to delay implementation of the rule until the U.S. Supreme Court can weigh in. In Congress, Idaho?s Delegation has used every tool at its disposal to stop President Obama?s and President Biden?s water grab by sponsoring legislation, using the federal appropriations process to defund the rule, and more. We have a strong track record of effective opposition of this overreaching bureaucratic power grab, and as your leaders at the state and federal levels, we will continue to lead the charge. We?re also lockstep in our demand for answers from the feds about grizzly bear delisting. Idaho has continually demonstrated leadership in species management, and we expect the federal government to uphold its duties to provide clarity. While there is some acknowledgement from the federal government that grizzly bears have recovered, the fact is they are still not providing relief to Idaho communities dealing with the impacts. Once again, we are coordinating closely to return grizzly bears to state control through all available options. And when it comes to the feds? plans to build a wind farm in south-central Idaho that will impact water, wildlife, ranching, and more, we let the Bureau of Land Management know they need to secure community support before they can receive ours for the project. Building hundreds of wind turbines cannot move forward without the buy-in of the local communities. Every time we?re out meeting with Idahoans ? from Bonners Ferry to Blackfoot, Caldwell to Carey, Pierce to Pocatello, and everywhere in between ? we?re always encouraged to know that Idaho?s fighting spirit for our state sovereignty is alive and well. However, to maintain that local control in Idaho, we need to remain united and coordinated. We want Idahoans to know that their elected officials ? all of us ? are standing together with all of you, and we will do everything we can to effectively push back on the federal government. That?s what makes Idaho, Idaho. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 103002 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Feb 28 10:58:21 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:58:21 +0000 Subject: Idaho leaders announce Parent Advisory Council for Empowering Parents grant program Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2023 Idaho leaders announce Parent Advisory Council for Empowering Parents grant program Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little joined legislators and Idaho education leaders today in announcing the establishment of the new Parent Advisory Council for the popular Empowering Parents grant program and encouraged Idaho parents to apply for a spot on the council. "Recognizing the parents' role as the primary decision makers in their children's education, we created the Empowering Parents grant program to help families take charge of learning tools outside the classroom. The Parent Advisory Council will advise the State Board of Education on ways to strengthen the Empowering Parents grant program," Governor Little said. Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, State Board of Education President Kurt Liebich, House Speaker Mike Moyle, and Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder joined the announcement. The Empowering Parents grants help families cover expenses such as computers and software, instructional materials, and tutoring. Public, private, and homeschool families are eligible. To date, tens of thousands of students have benefited from the grants. The purpose of the Parent Advisory Council is to advise the State Board of Education on ways to "implement, administer, and improve" the Empowering Parents grant program. The council was established in Idaho Code 33-1032. It will include seven members - three members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the Senate Pro Tem, and two members appointed by the Speaker of the House. The council will include regional representation from across the state. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield will serve as the nonvoting chair of the Parent Advisory Council. "Input from parents is essential and this is one more way we can tap into parents to help shape Idaho education," Critchfield said. "I'm excited to work with the council and hear directly from parents on how we can take advantage of all that Empowering Parents offers our state." Any parent living in Idaho who has a school-aged child (K-12) in Idaho can apply for membership on the council. Preference will given to parents who have applied for Empowering Parent program funds or who, for the initial appointment of the panel, have indicated their intent to apply for program funds, according to Idaho law. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2023. Additional details on how to apply are available at https://empoweringparents.idaho.gov/parent-advisory-council. Council membership will be announced May 15, 2023. Superintendent Critchfield and the council members will spend the summer traveling the state to meet with and hear from Idaho families about the Empowering Parents grant program. Then, the council will work up a report with their recommendations for the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education will hear the report in the fall. Governor Little noted Idaho families already benefit from abundant school choice options, and the Empowering Parents grants fit into that. Specifically, Governor Little pointed out that: * Idaho is third in the nation for education freedom - measures that include spending, school choice, transparency, and regulations * With nine different school types available to Idaho families - including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, homeschooling, and others - there are hundreds of schooling options available to Idaho families * Idaho is one of only a handful of states with the fewest restrictions on allowing parents to send their child to any public school they wish * Idaho is a top 10 state for the number of students enrolled in public charter schools * Idaho led the country in standing up the Empowering Parents grant program to provide access to approved educational resources outside the classroom. Public, private, and homeschool families are all eligible to receive grants. "The Empowering Parents grants are effective, popular, and worthy of continued investment, and with the help of the Parent Advisory Council, we will continue to strengthen the program," 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: