From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Sat Mar 4 11:27:49 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2023 18:27:49 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little orders lowering of flags to honor former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2023 Gov. Little orders lowering of flags to honor former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little ordered the immediate lowering of U.S. and State of Idaho flags to honor former Governor Phil Batt, who passed away peacefully at his home today, on his 96th birthday. "Governor Phil Batt was the epitome of a public servant, having served as Governor, Lt. Governor, and Senator. His legacy is distinguished by his unrelenting human rights leadership, determined fiscal conservatism, and enduring love of Idaho. "It is fitting Phil Batt was born and passed on 'Idaho Day,' the celebration of the anniversary of the day President Abraham Lincoln created the Idaho Territory in 1863. Teresa and I send our love and condolences to his wife Francee, his children, and many, many friends," Governor Little said. Flags will be lowered at all state buildings and facilities immediately and will remain lowered until his day of interment, which will be announced at a later date. The body of Governor Batt will lie in state at the Capitol, and additional details will be provided from the Governor's Office to inform the public how they can pay their respects. # # # -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Mar 7 09:54:08 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2023 16:54:08 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little announces appointments to Idaho Park and Recreation Board Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2023 Gov. Little announces appointments to Idaho Park and Recreation Board Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Charles "Chuck" Roady, Hugh Cooke, and Amy Manning to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board. The board is comprised of six gubernatorially appointed members tasked with providing citizen oversight of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). Each of the members represent one of Idaho's six IDPR districts. The board also appoints and supervises the IDPR director. Roady replaces Doug Eastwood, who has represented District 1 since 2017. Roady recently retired from the timber industry after more than 45 years of managing the forest product business F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company. Roady spent the last 18 years as the Vice President, General Manager, and Board Member of Stolze. While serving in these roles, Roady worked on many natural resource management, land, and wildlife conservation projects. Before serving at Stolze, Roady owned and operated a resource management consulting company that facilitated multi-party conservation and resource management projects for clients, including the Cities of Boise and Bonners Ferry, The Nature Conservancy, Forest Capital Partners, and other forest landowners. Roady operates several tree farms with his family near their home in Boundary County. Roady graduated with his bachelor's in Resource Management from the University of Idaho. Cooke will fill the vacant District 2 seat. He has extensive experience in outdoor recreation and recreation management, including his longtime position as a licensed whitewater rafting guide. Cooke previously worked in national operations with the U.S. Ski Team Association as an event and race manager and was on the NBC Sports staff during three Olympic Winter Games in the ski racing broadcast booth. Cooke is the former recreation director for the City of McCall and director of alumni relations for the University of Idaho. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Idaho, where he has taught graduate-level courses in recreation and leisure studies for eight years. Cooke graduated with his bachelor's in Business Administration - Parks and Recreation Management and his master's in Recreation Administration from the University of Idaho. Manning replaces Pete J. Black, who has represented District 5 since 2015. She is a fifth-generation Idahoan who served as mayor of the City of American Falls for seven years after serving on the city council for a decade. She is a member of the Idaho Personnel Commission. Manning is the executive director of III-A, a trust that manages the health benefits for 95 public agencies in Idaho. Manning studied Public Relations and Advertising at Idaho State University and Utah State University in Logan. "Idaho's abundant outdoor opportunities are part of the reason we love living here - and a significant driver of our economy," Governor Little said. "As our parks system continues to see record visitation, the expertise of these new board members will ensure we will meet the growing demand and properly manage our natural resources for future generations." Idaho's 30 state parks averaged 7.4 million visitors in 2020, 2021, and 2022, representing a 27-percent increase over the visitation from the prior five years. For more information about the Idaho Park and Recreation Board and IDPR, visit www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. # # # 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 Tue Mar 7 16:28:19 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2023 23:28:19 +0000 Subject: Public events set to honor the life of Governor Phil Batt Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2023 Public events set to honor the life of Governor Phil Batt Boise, Idaho - The Governor's Office provided updated information today on public events set to honor the life and public service of Governor Phil Batt, who passed away March 4 on his 96th birthday. Thursday, March 9 10 a.m. - Governor Batt will be honorably transferred and arrive at the Capitol. The Idaho Army National Guard's band will perform honors and a flyover will take place by the Idaho Air National Guard, weather permitting. Governor Brad Little will lead the Capitol service with remarks from former Governors C.L. "Butch" Otter and Dirk Kempthorne and U.S. Senator Jim Risch. Governor Batt will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until 10 a.m. Friday, March 10. Friday, March 10 10 a.m. - Governor Batt will be honorably transferred from the Capitol Rotunda to the Cathedral of the Rockies, located at 717 N. 11th St. in Boise. 11 a.m. - Funeral service begins. The public is invited to attend the funeral. A reception will follow at the same location. Following the reception, the procession of family and invited friends will be led by the Idaho State Police to the Wilder Cemetery for a private burial service. Governor Little ordered the lowering of U.S. and State of Idaho flags to half-staff to honor Governor Batt. Flags will be raised to full staff at sunrise on Saturday, March 11. # # # -------------- 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 Mar 8 12:22:28 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2023 19:22:28 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gooding_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: March 8, 2023 Gooding 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 Gooding on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gooding Basque Center, located at 285 Euskadi Lane. Members of the Governor?s cabinet will be in attendance and will join the Governor in answering questions from citizens. ?Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for myself and my administration to hear from Idahoans about the needs of their community,? Governor Little said. ?It is an honor to share this tradition with the good people of Gooding and learn 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 Mar 8 12:35:59 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2023 19:35:59 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?UPDATED:_Gooding_to_host_Governor_Little=92s_=91Capital_?= =?Windows-1252?Q?for_a_Day=92_event?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2023 Gooding 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 Gooding on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gooding Basque Center, located at 285 Euskadi Lane. Members of the Governor?s cabinet will be in attendance and will join the Governor in answering questions from citizens. ?Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for myself and my administration to hear from Idahoans about the needs of their community,? Governor Little said. ?It is an honor to share this tradition with the good people of Gooding and learn 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 Mon Mar 13 07:56:26 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:56:26 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gooding_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: March 13, 2023 Gooding 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 Gooding on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gooding Basque Center, located at 285 Euskadi Lane. Officials joining Governor Little include: * Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs Community Resource Development Specialist J.J. Salda?a * Idaho Commission for Libraries State Librarian Stephanie Bailey-White * Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey * Idaho Department of Financial Management Administrator Alex Adams * Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen * Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier * Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller * Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Gary Spackman * Idaho Governor?s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator Rich Stover * Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf * Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt * Idaho State Police Major Steven Davis * Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan * Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes ?Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for myself and my administration to hear from Idahoans about the needs of their community,? Governor Little said. ?It is an honor to share this tradition with the good people of Gooding and learn 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 Mon Mar 13 10:49:29 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:49:29 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little_speaks_at_CPAC_on_restoring_America=92s_ener?= =?Windows-1252?Q?gy_dominance?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2023 Gov. Little speaks at CPAC on restoring America?s energy dominance Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little returned from Washington, D.C., earlier this month after speaking on a panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). CPAC is the ?largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world,? according to its web site. ?Each year, CPAC brings together and energizes over 18,000 people ? from college-aged to retired ? who represent leading conservative organizations, educational institutions, elected officials, thought leaders, media personalities, and grassroots activists who fight for conservatism in America and abroad.? Governor Little joined Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke and David Bernhardt, both former Department of Interior secretaries under President Donald Trump, on a panel about restoring America?s energy dominance. ?We must restore American energy dominance because CHINA IS NOT OUR FRIEND. Our enemies control the worldwide supply chain of materials we need for national security. We need policies that work, and I?m proud to be a part of the conservative push to make our country more energy secure,? Governor Little said. Governor Little noted Idaho is the least regulated state, a title our state achieved in the first year of his first term after cutting or simplifying 95-percent of state regulations. Idaho provides an example for cutting red tape that Congress and the federal government could follow, particularly with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to expedite energy projects and other production activity on federal land. ?The complexity of NEPA has created land management barriers and a burdensome backlog of needed projects in Idaho and across the West. I worked with the Trump administration to streamline NEPA, but we lost momentum when Biden took office. Our proposed improvements would reduce the time and cost of NEPA compliance for routine agency projects, resulting in more efficient highway and construction projects, reduced fire risk, additional domestic energy production, and jobs from increased on-the-ground activities. We need to continue our progress in modernizing NEPA,? Governor Little said. Panelists also discussed Biden?s EPA water rule ? Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ? and the need to continue the fight on federal overreach. Governor Little recently led a coalition of 24 other governors in a letter of opposition to President Biden about the rule. ?I was honored to join the many conservative leaders across our country at CPAC this year. I?m proud of our state?s conservative record and grateful to share Idaho?s perspective on how conservative policies in our state are helping to solve our nation?s energy challenges. Thank you, CPAC!? Governor Little added. Under Governor Little?s watch, Idaho is leading the country on policies and actions that matter to conservatives, including: * Ending public encampments that endanger public health and safety * Delivering more tax relief per capita than any other state * Making Idaho the ?least regulated state? * Banning instruction of CRT in Idaho schools * Updating an academic freedom policy to protect conservatives? voices in school and on campus * Helping our neighbor states secure the border when the feds won?t * Fighting fentanyl and protecting our kids * Never mandating masks or vaccines and suing Biden over his overreaching federal vaccine mandates * Banning TikTok to protect Idaho from spying China * Protecting women?s sports by banning biological males from unfairly competing in women?s sports * Ending public sponsorship of events featuring ?kids in drag? * Passing the most pro-life laws in the United States * Supporting the Second Amendment and actively recruiting gun and ammo companies to relocate or expand in Idaho * Backing the Blue by putting our money where our mouths are, and pushing for the pay and resources law enforcement needs to protect Idahoans * Pushing back on the feds? attempts to take our land, wildlife, and water # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Mar 14 09:34:35 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:34:35 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_public_schools_budget_recomme?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ndation?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s public schools budget recommendation Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the passage of his K-12 budget recommendation in the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee this morning. ?THANK YOU to JFAC for your support of our public schools this morning! You put Idaho students and families first by approving increased pay for teachers and classified staff across the board. We?re making the teaching profession in Idaho more competitive and rewarding, which keeps great teachers in the classroom to help our students achieve. ?Last September, we secured historic investments in public schools and workforce training while cutting taxes, and 80-percent of Idaho voters approved the move. This is a ?promises made, promises kept? moment, and I am proud of my legislative partners for putting IDAHO FIRST.? Last year, Governor Little and the Legislature set aside $330 million for public schools during the 2022 Extraordinary Session in September. Idaho voters approved this act with an 80-percent majority. The Governor?s budget and JFAC action fulfills this historic commitment to education by: * Targeting starting teacher pay to Top 10 nationally ($47,477), up from #41 nationally when Governor Little took office. * Strengthening pay for all teachers ? including our most experienced educators -- by $6,359. In total, this adds $145 million for enhanced teacher pay statewide. * Closing the salary gap that schools face for classified staff by providing $97.4 million to better position schools to hire critical support staff such as cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals. * Continuing the state?s commitment to raising take-home pay of teachers and school staff by providing an additional $27.9 million for health insurance benefits. * Providing $48.8 million for the largest single-year boost of discretionary funding to schools in state history, allowing local schools to meet local needs and defray reliance on property taxes. * Putting forward $2.9 million in ongoing funding to improve dyslexia outcomes throughout the state through training and outreach. * Making permanent the widely popular Empowering Parents grants by investing $30 million to continue helping families take charge of education expenses for their children outside the classroom. * Providing $20 million in one-time grants for the Securing Our Future Initiative from the Office of School Safety and Security. Funds will be used to make meaningful, durable, and demonstrated effective investments in K-12 school facility security throughout the state. The budget recommendation now moves to both the House and Senate for final approval. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Mar 14 13:04:33 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:04:33 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_building_maintenance_budget_r?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ecommendation?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s building maintenance budget recommendation Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today on the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee?s action to advance his recommendation for another $300 million to address the known deferred maintenance deficit for state owned buildings and facilities. ?Deferred maintenance may sound boring but clearing out our backlog of needed repairs is a fundamental part of our responsibility as elected leaders. ?Think about your own household budget. You don?t want to put off repairs too long because it will only cost you more to replace later on. As my predecessor Governor Butch Otter used to say, ?Deferred maintenance is deficit spending!? Tackling the deferred maintenance deficit means we?re fixing leaky roofs, repairing worn out HVAC systems, updating boiler rooms, and addressing other needed improvements in our state building infrastructure. ?This is good government in action, and I appreciate my partners in the Legislature for their support. Conservative budgeting strengthens our state, and we?re providing an example for Washington, D.C., and other states to follow!? Governor Little said. The Governor?s Executive Order 2021-10 directed the Idaho Department of Administration in 2021 to write a report on known state deferred maintenance needs. The report identified $900 million in known needed repairs. Last year, the Governor and Legislature approved $250 million for deferred maintenance, and the additional $300 million on track for legislative approval this year means Idaho will clear out more than 60-percent of the $900 million price tag in just two years. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Mar 15 08:53:31 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:53:31 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_recommendation_for_outdoor_re?= =?Windows-1252?Q?creation?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s recommendation for outdoor recreation Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented today after the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee voted to advance $100 million for outdoor recreation, part of the Governor?s IDAHO FIRST plan. ?I appreciate JFAC for supporting our plan to enhance our abundant outdoor opportunities in Idaho. Getting out to hunt, fish, hike, camp, and play in the outdoors is a big part of the reason we love living here, and it?s a significant driver of our economy, especially in rural Idaho. As our parks system continues to see record visitation, this investment ensures we will meet the growing demand and properly manage our natural resources for future generations. Thank you, JFAC!? Governor Little said. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will leverage the $100 million to expand capacity and enhance accommodations to keep up with record attendance at the state?s world class parks. The legislation is modeled after President Donald Trump?s Great American Outdoors Act and will be used to take care of our current public lands in addition to a new funding mechanism to responsibly manage and expand access to Idaho?s great outdoors. Idaho?s 30 state parks averaged 7.4 million visitors in 2020, 2021, and 2022, representing a 27-percent increase over the visitation from the prior five years. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Mar 15 09:07:57 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:07:57 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_transportation_budget_recomme?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ndation?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s transportation budget recommendation Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented on the action by the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee today to advance his recommended budget for transportation infrastructure ?For three straight years, we have put record investments in transportation without raising taxes or fees. Building on that success, JFAC this morning approved our IDAHO FIRST plan for even more transportation funding to keep up with unprecedented growth, promote commerce, and keep Idahoans safe. ?These investments not only address critical infrastructure needs across our state, but they have the added benefit of keeping your property taxes low. Last year, we put nearly half a billion dollars into local roads, bridges, and airports. We took a major bite out of the backlog of deficient bridges that local governments have struggled for years to repair. That buys us not just property tax relief but safer roads, less drive time, and less congestion. ?I appreciate JFAC and my partners in the Legislature for their support of even more funding for local bridges and new, ongoing funding for transportation safety and capacity,? Governor Little said. In recent years, Governor Little and the Legislature have championed investments in critical infrastructure without raising taxes or fees. Efforts have focused on bonding for new road capacity and addressing the deferred maintenance backlog on state and local roads. The Governor?s IDAHO FIRST budget built off these previous investments and: * Invests $96.8 million to fully fund the known ongoing transportation safety gap. This will make Idaho roads safer for drivers with capacity enhancements and safety features like turn lanes, traffic signals, widened roadways, and guardrails. * Adds $200 million as the second tranche of an effort to improve local bridges, $35 million to improve airports throughout the state, and $10 million for pedestrian and safety projects. Idaho has more than 900 bridges that are more than 50 years old. This investment will improve approximately one-third of deficient bridges to improve safety for all Idahoans. * Reserves $100 million for economically significant local transportation projects that are otherwise beyond the reach of local government finances. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Mar 15 14:22:11 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:22:11 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?REMINDER:_Gooding_to_host_Governor_Little=92s_=91Capital?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_for_a_Day=92_event?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2023 Gooding 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 Gooding on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gooding Basque Center, located at 285 Euskadi Lane. Officials joining Governor Little include: * Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs Community Resource Development Specialist J.J. Salda?a * Idaho Commission for Libraries State Librarian Stephanie Bailey-White * Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey * 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 Labor Director Jani Revier * Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller * Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Gary Spackman * Idaho Governor?s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator Rich Stover * Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf * Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt * Idaho State Police Major Steven Davis * Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield * Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan * Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes ?Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for myself and my administration to hear from Idahoans about the needs of their community,? Governor Little said. ?It is an honor to share this tradition with the good people of Gooding and learn 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 Thu Mar 16 12:29:53 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:29:53 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_recommendation_for_improved_w?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ater_infrastructure?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s recommendation for improved water infrastructure Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little applauded the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee after its Wednesday vote to advance the Governor?s budget recommendation for improved water infrastructure across Idaho. The recommendation included $150 million to maintain and expand water projects that ensure a stable water supply and $115 million to support local drinking water and wastewater systems, with an emphasis on small rural communities in need of infrastructure upgrades that improve water quality. ?Water is our most precious resource, and the demands on our supply of clean, plentiful water will only increase over time. Last year, we put a record $750 million to improve the quality and quantity of water throughout the state as part of our ?Leading Idaho? plan. These added investments in water infrastructure approved by JFAC this week is just good government, plain and simple,? Governor Little said. When it comes to local drinking water and wastewater investments, Governor Little said, ?Idaho does not want to be Flint, Michigan. I appreciate legislators for recognizing we need to invest in our local water systems because it keeps your monthly household expenses low, ensures the health and safety of families, continues our economic prosperity, and protects small communities from frivolous lawsuits.? # # # 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 Mar 20 15:06:39 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2023 21:06:39 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgc2lnbnMg4oCcSWRhaG8gRmlyc3TigJ0gYnJvYWRiYW5k?= =?utf-8?Q?_investments_into_law?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2023 Gov. Little signs ?Idaho First? broadband investments into law Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1129 into law today, adding another $125 million to improve broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part of his ?Idaho First? plan. Another $100 million is nearing legislative approval as part of the Idaho Department of Commerce appropriation budget, for a total of $225 million in new funding for broadband expansion in Idaho. ?In a data-driven society, connectivity is imperative for a strong economy. Improved broadband infrastructure means both urban and rural Idaho will be connected and well-positioned to attract business and enhance our citizens? quality of life. I appreciate my legislative partners for prioritizing these new ?Idaho First? investments in broadband expansion. Together, we are ensuring a kid in Pierce can learn online with a kid from Pocatello and a senior citizen in Challis can connect to her doctor in Chubbuck. This is about all about connecting Idaho and improving lives,? Governor Little said. The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board will oversee the distribution of funds to ensure all corners of the state can have fast, reliable broadband. Improved broadband helps student learning, telehealth, work-from-home opportunities in more parts of the state, and enhanced government services. Long-term, Idaho will see better opportunities for economic development in underserved parts of Idaho. Since 2019, Governor Little and the Legislature have taken many steps to improve broadband. The Broadband Task Force was assembled, and the Idaho Broadband Office was created at the Idaho Department of Commerce to put structure around Idaho?s broadband priorities and position us to further seize opportunities to expand broadband. Through this work, Idaho established a plan early on to improve broadband access, speed, and infrastructure across Idaho. In March of 2020, the pandemic further reinforced the need to better connect Idaho with improved broadband services. Idaho put $50 million in CARES Act dollars to advance dozens of projects throughout the state in 2020. Then in 2021, Idaho set aside $35 million of General Fund money to expand broadband. Through the investments, the state has been able to connect tens of thousands of underserved households in Idaho, the majority of which are in rural communities of less than 3,000 residents. Dozens and dozens of projects were launched with the investments we made. The new funds signed into law today help the state tackle the more than $600 million worth of shovel ready projects waiting for funding in Idaho. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov. ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Mar 21 14:45:25 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:45:25 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?JFAC_advances_Governor=92s_recommended_rainy-day_fund_tr?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ansfers,_new_reserve_funds_for_fire_suppression?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2023 JFAC advances Governor?s recommended rainy-day fund transfers, new reserve funds for fire suppression Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little commented on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee advancing his recommendations today to bolster Idaho?s rainy-day funds and pre-pay the state?s fire suppression fund, both good government actions that position the state to better handle any economic uncertainty. The recommendations JFAC advanced include $61.7 million for the primary state rainy-day funds. The Governor recommended and JFAC approved bringing the balances of the state?s rainy-day accounts to the legal maximum and gives Idaho a projected rainy-day balance of $1.2 billion to weather any future economic storms. A Moody?s stress test recently ranked Idaho third in our ability to weather the next recession because of our robust rainy-day funds. In affirming Idaho?s coveted AAA status ? the highest a state can achieve ? Fitch noted Idaho?s ?very strong gap-closing capacity stems from its practice of building up reserves during periods of economic expansion.? JFAC also advanced the Governor?s recommendation to augment the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund by $68.7 million to ensure the state has the resources ? even in volatile economic times ? to fight wildfires that threaten life, property, land, and water. ?We?re proud in Idaho that we run our state budget like any good household would run theirs. ?Kitchen table economics? means we pay off debt, save for hard times, and make investments where they count. I appreciate my legislative partners for their commitment, year after year, to showing Washington, D.C., and the rest of the country how to budget responsibly,? Governor Little said. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Mar 22 13:37:46 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:37:46 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little applauds Senate passage of Launch to train students for in-demand careers Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2023 Gov. Little applauds Senate passage of Launch to train students for in-demand careers Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today applauding the Idaho Senate for its passage of House Bill 24, known as "Launch," the Governor's proposed solution to getting Idaho students trained for in-demand careers and keep Idaho students in Idaho. The Senate also passed the Launch trailer bill, Senate Bill 1167, which now heads to the House for approval. "Thank you and congratulations to the Idaho Senate for your support of Launch! I especially appreciate Senators Dave Lent and Kevin Cook for carrying the bill in the Senate! "Launch will provide Idaho students entering our workforce with rewarding in-demand career opportunities and help employers hire the skilled workers they desperately need. "Our students without the means to 'go on' after high school will have a more robust pathway to a rewarding career. "This is about Idaho students STAYING in Idaho to WORK in Idaho jobs! "Eighty percent of voters supported the biggest investment we've ever made in career and workforce training in state history, and I am proud of my partners in the Legislature for listening to the people and following through on the mandate the people have given us. "There is no better way to support our employers than to get workers through their doors with the training they need to propel themselves and Idaho's economy forward. "We're focused now on getting the trailer bill through the House. We're almost there in achieving a transformative change for Idaho students, families, and businesses!" The program, with the edits of the trailer bill, makes available $8,000 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. 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 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. # # # 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 Mar 27 12:20:54 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:20:54 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Gov._Little:_=93Let=92s_get_property_tax_relief_done_rig?= =?Windows-1252?Q?ht.=94?= Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2023 Gov. Little: ?Let?s get property tax relief done right.? Boise, Idaho ? Governor Little vetoed House Bill 292 today, the so-called ?property tax relief? bill passed by the Legislature. ?Idaho stands apart from every other state because we focus on making taxes fair, simple, predictable, and competitive. House Bill 292 is not a simple bill. House Bill 292 is a hodgepodge of policy items intermingled with property tax relief,? Governor Little said. Governor Little noted the bill brings to a screeching halt many ready-to-go transportation projects that help keep up with growth. He said it handcuffs local schools and limits our ability to provide quality public education for Idaho families. Governor Little said House Bill 292 presents significant impacts on election dates, public defense funding, online sales tax collections, local government sales tax distributions, and funding for transportation, and it jeopardizes bonding for critical infrastructure projects. He also noted that no state has accomplished more tax relief per capita than Idaho in the past four years. The Governor and Idaho Legislature have delivered $2.7 billion in relief to Idahoans by reducing and flattening the income tax, raising the grocery tax credit, providing rebates, providing some property tax relief, and lowering payroll taxes for Idaho businesses. Governor Little asked legislators to bring back a bill that simplifies property tax relief. ?Let?s get property tax relief done right this session. The simplest solutions are usually the best solutions, and I believe we can extract the property tax portions of House Bill 292 and deliver a true property tax relief bill this session. A property tax relief bill this session needs to be simple and carried out in a way that does not harm public schools, does not hold up needed transportation projects, and does not reveal more unintended consequences. The people of Idaho deserve simple property tax relief that will endure over time!? Governor Little said. View the Governor?s full veto letter here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/veto_h-292_2023.pdf # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor?s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Mar 29 16:57:25 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:57:25 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little champions simpler property tax relief for Idahoans Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2023 Gov. Little champions simpler property tax relief for Idahoans Boise, Idaho - Enduring property tax relief is on its way to Idahoans after the Idaho Legislature passed a simpler package of property tax relief bills following Governor Brad Little's veto of House Bill 292 earlier this week. In his veto, Governor Little called for the Legislature to deliver a simple property tax relief solution, not one intermingled with a hodgepodge of policy items attached to it. The Legislature responded by fixing items Governor Little identified as concerns and responded to his call to get property tax relief done right. "Since I took office, we have delivered more than $2.7 billion in tax relief to Idahoans - more than any other state per capita. In 2020, I championed $125 million in property tax relief, one of the largest tax cuts in state history. Today's vote continues our progress. Idahoans are clamoring for additional tax relief, and the Legislature's actions are a step in the right direction on this longstanding issue. "I'm pleased the Legislature passed $117 million in property tax relief for Idaho citizens and businesses. I called for $120 million at the start of the session, and they came close to my recommendation. I'm also pleased the Legislature fixed concerns I identified in my veto of House Bill 292 - transportation bonding and public defense funding. The process worked, and we are getting real property tax relief done for Idahoans. "Overall, I'm also pleased we achieved almost ALL of my IDAHO FIRST budget priorities this session for workforce training, education, property tax relief, transportation, water, building infrastructure, broadband, public safety, healthcare, outdoor recreation, fire, rainy-day transfers, and more," Governor Little said. The Idaho Legislature is expected to adjourn for a few days until Governor Little acts on the remaining bills that await his consideration. "Sine die," or the official end of the 2023 legislative session, is expected to occur next week. # # # 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 Thu Mar 30 15:41:06 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 21:41:06 +0000 Subject: Idaho further advances education freedom Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, text Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2023 Idaho further advances education freedom Boise, Idaho - Idaho parents have even more school choice options on top of a long list of education alternatives in the State of Idaho after Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1125 into law this week. Senate Bill 1125 allows parents to send their child to any public school in Idaho regardless of where they live. The current law restricts parents' ability to choose the public school that is best for their child, and Senate Bill 1125 modernizes the law to give parents more choice in public education. "Idaho parents already benefit from an abundance of school choice options, and this new law expands their ability to choose the best public school for their child, regardless of their zip code," Governor Little said. "Idaho is all about school choice options that make sense for our state, and Senate Bill 1125 fits right into our responsible, transparent, accountable approach to expanding school choice." The bill received unanimous support in the Idaho Senate and near-unanimous support in the Idaho House of Representatives. Senators Kevin Cook and Dave Lent were two legislators in support of the bill. "The passage of Senate Bill 1125 further demonstrates that parents know what is best for their children's education experience," Senator Kevin Cook said. "I was proud to support responsible school choice legislation that keeps parents in the driver's seat of their children's education." "Senate Bill 1125 adds yet another choice for parents and students to find the right fit for their educational needs," Senator Dave Lent said. Governor Little pointed to the abundant school choice options available to Idaho families, including: * 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 * With the passage of Senate Bill 1125, Idaho now leads the country 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. "I appreciate my partners in the Legislature from both sides of the political aisle for their commitment to expanding responsible school choice options for Idaho families," Governor Little said. # # # Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor's press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail Madison.Hardy at gov.idaho.gov. To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to news at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 98275 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Mar 31 16:22:43 2023 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 22:22:43 +0000 Subject: OPINION: Working together, we got simple property tax relief done right Message-ID: [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2023 Working together, we got simple property tax relief done right By Governor Brad Little No other state has given back more taxpayer money per capita than Idaho. We've turned back $2.7 billion in tax cuts to Idahoans just in the past three years. It's a feather in our cap, an achievement we're certainly proud of. However, Idaho's fiscally conservative leaders aren't stopping there. In January, I called on the Legislature to deliver enduring property tax relief. My budget recommendation set aside $120 million for property tax relief, and the Legislature went to work coming up with a plan. The first bill that arrived on my desk (House Bill 292) was a hodgepodge of policy items intermingled with property tax relief, which presented some real unintended consequences. This is Idaho, not Congress, and I've long held that tax policy needs to be fair, simple, predictable, and competitive. We've maintained that approach to tax policy up until now, and it's a big reason Idaho has the strongest economy in the nation. The first bill would have hit the brakes on many big transportation projects across the state - projects we secured without raising your taxes and fees, and ones that help keep up with exploding population growth and keep you safe on the road. Impacts to public defense funding, sales tax collections, local government sales tax distributions, school funding elections, and other problems plagued the bill. For those reasons, I sent the bill back and asked our good legislators to come up with a simpler solution. And they delivered! One veto, three trailer bills, and six appropriations committee actions later, we got simple property tax relief done right. Here's what we accomplished for Idahoans: $117 million in enduring property tax relief without all the unintended consequences of a cluttered bill. We fixed the bonding issue, and a $400 million package of needed transportation projects will soon advance. We also ensured public defense will be fully funded, and that ambulance and fire districts are not adversely affected by the original bill. Many of my other property tax relief priorities I spoke about in my State of the State and Budget Address were also accomplished this year. Funding for local transportation projects and drinking water infrastructure will help take the burden off local property taxpayers, which effectively relieves local government (and your property taxes) from the burden of meeting those needs. It was unfortunate, in my view, that the Legislature kept changes that result in a loss of local control in school funding. However, Idahoans can rest assured I remain committed to supporting education as my top priority in the years ahead. Property tax relief got a little messy there in the middle of this session, but that's OK. What matters is that, in the end, Idahoans will continue to benefit from living in the state that turns back more of their hard-earned money while remaining the least regulated state. I appreciate my legislative partners for working with me to get simple property tax relief done right this session! # # # 490 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: