BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Monday touched on investments in education, water infrastructure, healthcare and transportation during his State of the State address, while calling his budget proposal one of the most conservative in years.
The Republican governor also outlined his "Idaho Works" plan, headlined by a proposed $2 billion investment across the next decade to repair and improve school facilities in the Gem State.
Little believes the increase in funding by $200 million annually will save the state money in the long run by meeting unmet construction needs and improving student achievement.
"While other states are digging themselves into record deficits and grabbing another shovel, we can invest $2 billion to modernize and improve school facilities in every district in every corner of the state while delivering another $2 billion in property tax relief to Idaho citizens," Little said.
Additionally, the governor wants $75 million to fund the Idaho Launch program, which was passed last legislative session. The program offers graduating high school students looking to enter a high-demand industry with 50 or more annual job openings, either 80% of their tuition or up to $8,000 in grants.
The State of the State Address immediately follows the opening of the new session of the Idaho Legislature. It’s an occasion for the governor to outline budget and policy recommendations. Monday's full speech is available below or by clicking here.
One of the first things Little discussed was transportation funding, stating he wants to build off previous investments by adding $200 million to continue an effort to improve old bridges in the state. The Idaho Legislature previously put $400 million toward the effort.
According to the governor's office, more than 900 bridges in the Gem State are more than 50 years old, with estimates to repair or replace the bridges reaching $600 million.
"Let's continue to facilitate commerce with added transportation investments, especially in rural Idaho, and remember, this is property tax relief, too," Little said. "Let's prioritize the transportation projects that will benefit generations of Idahoans so we can keep Idahoans safe and enjoy more of what we love."
The governor's plan would direct $30 million to water infrastructure and add $6.6 million to battle invasive quagga mussels. In October, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture treated a 6-mile stretch of the Snake River near Twin Falls to kill off the invasive quagga mussels, first detected in the river in September.
Little also wants a new Idaho State Police mission to the border to try to end human trafficking, and $25 million for the construction of a mental health facility for what he calls, "the dangerously mentally ill."
The Idaho Works plan would put more into the state's 10-year plan to increase the number of doctors in Idaho, and keep Medicaid funding where it is currently. To help Idaho teens in crisis and decrease suicide rates, the budget would also double the funding for school advisors.
"These are the professionals on the front lines in talking to students about their futures as well as their current personal struggles," Little said.
Despite all the investments, the governor claims his budget bolsters rainy-day funds, leaves a surplus in both budgeted years and spends less money this year than last.
"As revenue normalizes from pandemic highs, our Idaho Works plan continues fiscal prudence so that we're ready for any economic conditions that come our way," Little said.
Speaking of a balanced budget, Little also said he will be signing on as a member of a group calling for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution – just like the Idaho State Constitution.
KTVB's extended coverage of Monday's 2024 State of the State address, including Little's full speech and interviews with Idaho lawmakers, can be viewed below or by clicking here.
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