| Paying off debt, addressing needed repairs, paying cash for big projects is simple ‘kitchen table’ budgeting |
 In Idaho, we run state government like a responsible family runs its household budget. In the good years, you plan for the bad years. You live within your means, save for a rainy day, and pay down any debt as quickly as you can. That’s exactly what we are doing in Idaho, and the steps we’re taking today to use our record budget surplus to pay off state building debt, start clearing out needed repairs in our infrastructure, and paying cash for big projects means we’ll save Idaho taxpayers tens of millions of dollars down the road. We’re doing all this in addition to providing historic tax relief and record investments in schools, roads, water, and other key areas. We’re showing Washington D.C., and the rest of the country how to do it right, and the strength of Idaho’s economy proves it. |
| “Leading Idaho” bill makes record investments in water, agriculture |
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| I signed House Bill 769 into law Monday in the Magic Valley, adding record investments in water infrastructure to aid in the economic vitality of agriculture and rural Idaho. Water is the lifeblood of Idaho’s economy. With the help of the Legislature, particularly our co-sponsors Representative Matt Bundy and Senator Carl Crabtree, we’re investing $325 million just in water infrastructure. I can’t think of a better investment for our children and grandchildren than ensuring clean, abundant water, especially here in the arid desert. Idaho leads the nation in conjunctive management of its water resources. We know that the water behind us is directly connected to the water below us. We’ve done a great job of managing the resource, but we need to do more as our state grows and continually faces water scarcity. With these one-time investments, we can increase our storage capacity to better withstand drought years. |
| Idaho ranked for economic freedom |
| Report Places Idaho Governor in top 5 for Economic Freedom BOISE – A new report on economic freedom and America’s governors has ranked Idaho Governor Brad Little in 5th place. Washington Governor Jay Inslee was ranked 21st in the report. The top ranking governor was Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and the… Read more www.bigcountrynewsconnectio… |
| I am proud to be ranked among the top governors promoting economic freedom! Each governor is ranked on their current economic performance and their fiscal and executive policies over their term in office. The report focuses on economic performance, executive policies, and fiscal policy, considering measures such as education freedom, interstate migration, unemployment rate, and debt. |
| Grant opportunity expands arts access in rural public schools |
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| A one-time, non-matching grant opportunity is offered by the Idaho State Board of Education for the purpose of providing grants to Idaho rural school districts and rural charter schools to support fine arts, performing arts, and design courses. These funds are intended to increase access to arts education for learners in rural public schools that otherwise may lack the resources to offer or expand such programs. |
| In the Community |
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| I signed HB 588 with members of the Idaho Legislature and the Land Board. This bill helps us support, hire, and retain our wildland firefighters by granting them hazard pay. Thank you, firefighters! |
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| I signed SB 1321 — a bill to help protect Idaho’s utility workers! |
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| March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. I was honored to issue a proclamation on behalf of Idahoans recognizing the valor of Vietnam War Veterans and all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Thank you for your service! |
