>> PRESENTATION OF "IDAHO REPORTS OTS IS MADE POSSIBLE FOR THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION, COMMITTED TO BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION AND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

CAPTIONING PERFORMED BY LNS CAPTIONING WWW.LNSCAPTIONING.COM >> THIS LIVE "IDAHO REPORTS" INAUGURATION SPECIAL, I'M JOINED BY YAND BRUNELLE, DAVE LEROY FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

WE ARE GOING TO GO LIVE TO THE INAUGURATION WHICH IS JUST ABOUT TO KICK OFF AT THE IDAHO STATEHOUSE.

LET'S LISTEN IN.

>> CITIZENS OF IDAHO, GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO THE STATE OF IDAHO'S 49th INAUGURAL CEREMONY.

I'M MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL ARJACK, COMMANDER OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD.

IT IS MY HONOR TO SERVE AS YOUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR TODAY'S EVENT.

IT IS NOW MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, THE HONORABLE DEBBIE DURHAM CRITCHFIELD AND HER HUSBAND, DAVE.

[ APPLAUSE ] THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE HONORABLE RAUL RAPHAEL LABRADOR AND HIS WIFE, REBECCA.

[ APPLAUSE ] THE STATE TREASURER, THE HONORABLE JULIE A. ELLSWORTH AND HER HUSBAND, MAURICE.

[ APPLAUSE ] THE STATE CONTROLLER, THE HONORABLE BRANDON D. WOOLF, AND HIS WIFE JANA LEE.

-- AND HIS WIFE, ANGELA.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, THE HONORABLE SCOTT CONRAD BEDKE, AND HIS WIFE, SARAH.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE GOVERNOR OF THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, THE HONORABLE BRAD LITTLE AND HIS WIFE, THERESA.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE BE SEATED.

WE ARE EXTREMELY HONORED TO HAVE IN ATTENDANCE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL GUESTS.

UNITED STATES SENATOR, THE HONORABLE JAMES E RICH AND HIS WIFE, VICKIE.

REPRESENTING SENATOR MIKE CRAPO, PARKER HAROLD.

REPRESENTING CONGRESSMAN RUSS PULTCHER IS MR. DIRK MENDIVE, SENATE PRO TEM OF IDAHO, CHUCK WINDER AND HIS WIFE DIANE.

SENATOR MINORITY LEADER, THE HONORABLE MELISSA WINTROW, AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO SENATE.

WE HAVE THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF IDAHO, THE HONORABLE MIKE MOYLE AND HIS WIFE, JANET.

AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WE ARE ALSO PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THREE FORMER GOVERNORS AND THEIR WIVES WITH US TODAY, THE 30th GOVERNOR OF IDAHO, DIRK KEMPTHORNE AND HIS WIFE, PATRICIA.

THE 31st GOVERNOR OF IDAHO, THE HONORABLE JAMES E.RISH AND HIS WIFE, VICKIE.

AND THE 32nd GOVERNOR OF IDAHO, THE HONORABLE C.L.

"BUTCH" OTTER AND HIS WIFE LORI.

ALSO WITH US TODAY ARE MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO SUPREME COURT, THE HONORABLE CHIEF JUSTICE G RICHARD BEVIN AND HONORABLE JUSTICES ROBIN BRODY, JOHN STEGNER, GREGORY MOELLER AND COLLEEN ZAHN.

WE WELCOME THE MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO COURT OF APPEALS, THE HONORABLE CHIEF JUDGE JESSICA LARUELLO AND DAVID GRETEN, MOLLY HUSKY AND AMANDA BRALS WORTH.

REPRESENTING THE SHISONEE PAYTE TRIBE AND REPRESENTING THE NEZ PERCE TRIBE, SHANNON WHEELER AND COUNCIL MEMBER RACHEL EDGEWOOD.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RISE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF OUR NATIONAL AND STATE COLORS BY THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD COLOR GARND SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY THE SECOND LIEUTENANT CORTEZ, THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BEDKE.

AND THE INVOCATION OFFERED BY BISHOP JOSE.

POST THE COLORS.

[ MUSIC ] O SAY CAN YOU SEE BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT WHAT SO PROUDLY WE HAILED AT THE TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING WHOSE BROAD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS THROUGH THE PERILOUS FIGHT O'ER THE RAMPARTS WE WATCHED WERE SO GALLANTLY STREAMING, AND THE ROCKETS' RED GLARE, THE BOMBS BURSTING AIR, GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE, O SAY DOES THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER YET WAVE O'ER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE [ MUSIC ] >> IF YOU WILL FOLLOW ME IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> GOD OF LOVE AND LIGHT, ON THIS SOLEMN DAY WHEN WE CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY, WHEN THE LIGHT OF GOD REMOVES THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, WE STAND BEFORE YOU WITH HUMILITY AND HOPE, EMPLOYING YOUR BLESSINGS ON BRADLEY J.

LITTLE AS HE TAKES THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF IDAHO, AND SCOTT BEDKE, AND THE LEGISLATORS AND THEIR LEADERSHIP TEAM.

YOU HAVE BLESSED OUR LAND WITH HARD WORKING WOMEN AND MEN IN THE FARMS, FACTORIES AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, FROM ALL FAITHS AND PERSUASIONS.

MAY THE LEADERS OF OUR STATE BE BLESSED WITH THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON, THE GOODNESS OF DAVID, THE GIFTS OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, THAT THEY MAY FORM A COMMUNITY THAT WORKS FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.

WHEN THEY HAVE CONFLICTS MAY THEY RISE ABOVE THEM THAT THEY MIGHT FIND COMMON GROUND TO ERADICATE HOMELESSNESS, END HUNGER AND MEET HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE.

THAT WILL TAKE US INTO THE FUTURE AS A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.

LEAD US, LORD, IN FINDING WAYS TO BUILD TRUST IN COMMUNITIES, THAT WE MAY RESPECT THE DIGNITY OF ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ORIGIN, ORIENTATION, OR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION.

GIVE OUR GOVERNOR LITTLE AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BEDKE, LEGISLATORS, JUDICIARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND ALL IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES AN EVER GREATER MEASURE OF UNDERSTANDING AS THEY ADDRESS ISSUES TO KEEP US SAFE.

WE PRAY ALL THESE WITH HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF LIFE AND LIBERTY IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY NAME.

AMEN.

>> PLEASE BE SEATED.

IT IS NOW MY PLEASURE TO PRESENT THE HONORABLE G. RICHARD BEAVIN, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF IDAHO.

CHIEF JUSTICE BEAVIN WILL OFFER THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE DEBBIE DURHAM CRITCHFIELD, HER HUSBAND DAVID, SON GANNON, WHO WILL SPONSOR HER FOR THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEVIN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THE HONORABLE DEBBIE CRITCHFIELD, WHO HAVING BEEN DUALLY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED IS READY TO RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION FOR THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME.

I, STATE YOUR NAME.

>> I DEBORAH DURHAM KRICHDFIELD.

DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> THAT I WILL UH SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION >> OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY >> SO HELP ME GOD >> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE RAUL RAFAEL LABRADOR AND HIS WIFE REBECCA, WHO WILL SPONSOR HIM FOR THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEAVIN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THE HONORABLE RAUL LABRADOR, WHO HAVING BEEN DUALLY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED, IS READY TO RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> PLEASE REPEETD AFTER ME STURN.

>> I RAUL RAFAEL LABRADOR.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF THE IDAHO.

>> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES >> I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES >> I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES.

>> OF THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL >> OF THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL.

>> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

>> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE JULIE ELLSWORTH AND HER HUSBAND, MAURICE, WHO WILL SPONSOR HER FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE TREASURER.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE JULIE A. ELLSWORTH.

CHIEF JUSTICE BEVAN, I HAVE THE PRIF LEDGE OF -- PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING JULIE ELLSWORTH WHO HAS BEEN DUALLY ELECTED TO THE TREASURER.

>> I JULIE ELLSWORTH DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES.

>> AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES.

>> OF THE OFFICE OF TREASURER >> OF THE OFFICE OF TREASURER >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

>> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE BRANDON D. WOOLF AND HIS DAUGHTER, BAILEY, WHO WILL SPONSOR HIM FOR THE OFFICE OF STATE CONTROLLER.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEVAN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THE HONORABLE BRANDON WOOLF, WHO HAVING BEEN DUAL -- DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED AS THE CONTROLLER OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> I STATE YOUR NAME >> I BRANDON D WOOLF >> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

>> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTE OF THE UNITED STATES >> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE I.C.E.

AND THE CONSTITUTION OF IDAHO AND I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES >> OF THE OFFICE OF CONTROLLER >> OF THE AFSZ OF CONTROLLER >> TO THE BEST OI MY ABILITY >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY >> SO HELP ME GOD >> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE PHIL McGRANE, WITH HIS SONS ANDREW AND KENNEDY, WHO WILL SPONSOR HIM FOR THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEVAN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING PHIL McGRANE HAVING BEEN DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED TO SERVE OFFICE AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO.

>> PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME.

>> I STURN.

>> I PHIL McGRANE.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE SCOTT CONRAD BEDKE AND HIS WIFE SARAH JONES BEDKE WHO WILL SPONSOR HIM FOR THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEVAN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THE HONORABLE SCOTT CONRAD BEDKE, WHO HAVING BEEN DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED, IS READY TO RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO.

>> PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME, I STURN >> I SCOTT CONRAD BEDKE.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

>> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES >> THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES >> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO >> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO >> AND I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES >> AND I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES.

>> OF THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

>> OF THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY >> TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY >> SO HELP ME GOD >> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS NOW MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE THE HONORABLE BRAD LITTLE, HIS WIFE THERESA, AND SONS ADAM AND DAVID, WHO WILL SPONSOR GOVERNOR LITTLE FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> CHIEF JUSTICE BEVAN, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THE HONORABLE BRAD LITTLE, WHO HAVING BEEN DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED IS READY TO RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AS GOVERNOR FOR THE STATE OF IDAHO.

>> GOVERNOR, PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME.

I STATE YOUR NAME.

>> I BRAD LITTLE.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO >> AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO >> AND I WILL FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR THE BEST OF MY ABILITY SO HELP ME GOD.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS NOW MY DISTINCT PLEASURE TO PRESENT THE 33rd GOVERNOR OF THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, THE HONORABLE BRAD LITTLE AND FIRST LADY THERESA LITTLE.

PLEASE STAND FOR HONORS TO THE GOVERNOR OF IDAHO, THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD.

PLEASE PREPARE FOR A 19-ROUND CANNON SALUTE PRESENTED BY THE IDAHO MILITARY.

[ MUSIC ] >> CANNON FIRING ] >> YOU'RE WATCHING LIVE COVERAGE OF IDAHO'S 49th INAUGURATION LIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BOISE.

WE JUST SAW A 19-ROUND CANNON SALUTE PRESENTED BY THE MILITARY MUSEUM AND WE ARE ABOUT TO SEE A BLACK HAWK FLYOVER FROM THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD.

>> THE FIRST LADY OF IDAHO, MRS. THERESA LITTLE.

>> THANK YOU, GENERAL GARSHACK.

THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD HAVE PREPARED WITH METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL FOR THIS WEEKEND.

WE ARE GRATEFUL.

THIS QUOTE FROM NATIVE AMERICAN WRITER LINDA HOGAN, RESONATES DEEPLY WITH ME.

SUDDENLY ALL MY ANCESTORS ARE BEHIND ME.

BE STILL, THEY SAY, WATCH AND LISTEN.

YOU ARE THE RESULT OF THE LOVE OF THOUSANDS.

FOUR YEARS AGO, MY FATHER WAS THE MOST HAPPY AND PROUD PERSON HERE AS HE JOINED US ON THE PLATFORM IN CELEBRATION.

DAD DIED ON OCTOBER 9, 2019.

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY DEATHS, SOME EXCEEDINGLY TRAGIC IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

THERE HAS BEEN ILLNESS, SUFFERING, UNCERTAINTY, AND FEAR.

THERE HAS ALSO BEEN JOY, MANY TRIUMPHS, GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS, QUIET SATISFACTION, AND NEW BEGINNINGS.

IN OUR LIVES, GRANDDAUGHTER LOLA ELIZABETH LITTLE, JOINED BROTHER JACK, SISTER JOSEPHINE AND COUSINS HENRY, DYLAN AND JAY.

WE SINCERELY HOPE ANY PAIN AND GRIEF IN YOUR LIFE IS SOFTENED BY MUCH KINDNESS AND LOVE.

WE SINCERELY HOPE ALL HAPPINESS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT IS MET WITH HUMBLE GRATITUDE.

WE ARE HERE TO MARK THIS INAUGURAL MOMENT.

AS INDIVIDUALS, WE WILL NOT EXPERIENCE THIS IN THE VERY SAME WAY BECAUSE WE COME TO THIS DAY WITH VERY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS.

WE EACH HAVE A DIFFERENT KNOWLEDGE BASE, WE ARE DIFFERENT AGES.

OUR EMOTIONAL MAKEUP, LIFE EXPERIENCES, AND BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT.

WE ARE FILLING DIFFERENT ROLES IN THESE PROCEEDINGS.

WE ARE EVEN SEATED IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OR WATCHING FROM HOME.

MAY OUR DIFFERENCES AND DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES WORK TOGETHER AS WE ASPIRE TO ADD LIGHT TO OUR WORLD.

NOT DONE.

I BROUGHT THIS CANDLE TO REPRESENT THE LIGHT WITHIN EACH OF US FORTUNATELY, FOR YOU, IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, WE WILL NOT ACT OUT THE WHOLE SCENARIO.

HOWEVER, FROM THE LIGHT OF MY CANDLE I COULD LIGHT SUE'S CANDLE, I COULD LIGHT NANCY'S CANDLE, I COULD LIGHT TOBY'S CANDLE AND ON AND ON.

YOUR CANDLE MAY ALSO LIGHT AN ENDLESS NUMBER.

YOU KNOW THE MIRACLE IS OUR OWN LIGHT IS NEVER DIMINISHED BY SHARING.

LOVE IS LIKE THAT.

OUR BEAUTIFUL CAPITOL BUILDING LOCATED BEHIND ME IS KNOWN AS THE CAPITOL OF LIGHT.

JOHN TURDALOT, THE ORIGIN CAPITOL ARCHITECT USED LIGHT SHAFTS, SKYLIGHTS AND REFLECTIVE MARBLE SURFACES TO CAPTURE NATURAL SUNLIGHT AND DIRECT IT TO THE INTERIOR SPACE.

HE SAID THE GREAT WHITE LIGHT OF CONSCIENCE MUST BE ALLOWED TO SHINE AND BY ITS INTERIOR ILLUMINATION MAKE CLEAR THE PATH OF DUTY.

MAY YOU LEGISLATORS, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, STAFF, AND ALL WHO ENTER OUR CAPITOL TO ENGAGE IN WORK TO MOVE IDAHOANS AND IDAHO FORWARD IN PEACE AND PROSPERITY DO SO WITH INTEGRITY, EMPATHY, AND KINDNESS.

YOUR DESCENDANTS, OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, ARE WATCHING, LISTENING, AND LEARNING FROM YOU AND ALL OF US.

I AM HAPPY TO PRESENT OUR GOVERNOR, MY HUSBAND, BRAD LITTLE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THERESA, OUR FAMILY, MY FELLOW CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS MR. SPEAKER MR.

PRO TEM MR. CHIEF JUSTICE, MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, I STAND BEFORE YOU INCREDIBLY HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL.

THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO HAVE PLACED THEIR TRUST IN ME FOR THEIR GOVERNOR FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS.

IT'S BEEN THE GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE TO SERVE YOU, THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO, AS THE 33rd GOVERN OF OUR GREAT STATE.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FIRST I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AND ECHO THERESA COMMENTS.

THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED MORE OF THE TREMENDOUS VALUE OF OUR GUARDSMEN IN TIME OF NEED.

THESE IDAHOANS SACRIFICE THEIR SAFETY AND TIME WITH THEIR FAMILIES TO SERVE OUR STATE AND OUR NATION.

AMERICA AND IDAHO ARE A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF THE SERVICE RENDERED BY THESE SELFLESS NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.

THANK YOU, GUARDSMEN, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO STRENGTHEN OUR STATE, KEEP US SAFE AND PROTECT THE VALUES THAT WE HOLD DEAR.

IDAHO IS A SPECIAL PLACE.

YES, IDAHO IS VAST, DIVERSE, AND UNIQUE IN MANY WAYS.

BUT IT IS OUR PEOPLE THAT REALLY SETS US APART FROM EVERY OTHER PLACE.

FROM BOISE TO BUHL, CAMBRIDGE TO COEUR d'ALENE, POCATELLO TO PIERCE, IDAHOANS HAVE ALWAYS STEPPED UP TO HELP THEIR NEIGHBORS AND IMPROVE THEIR COMMUNITIES.

WHEN WE SEE A NEED, WE DON'T IDLY SIT BY AND LET OTHERS OR GOVERNMENT FIND A SOLUTION.

WHETHER IT IS OUR CHURCHES, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, IDAHOANS ARE THERE FOR EACH OTHER.

THEY WORK HARD.

THEY PRESS FORWARD IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES.

AND THEY NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT.

OPPORTUNITY, FAITH, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM.

ONE OF THE GREATEST BLESSINGS OF BEING IN THIS JOB IS GETTING TO SEE THE SERVICE, THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE PLAY IN COMMUNITIES ALL ACROSS IDAHO.

NO MATTER HOW MUCH THINGS SEEM TO CHANGE AROUND US, AND CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, OUR IDAHO VALUES NEVER SEEM TO DRIFT AWAY FROM US.

IDAHOANS ARE STILL AS TOUGH, YET COMPASSIONATE, SELF-RELIANT, YET COMMUNITY-MINDED, AS WE WERE IN THE EARLY DAYS OF OUR STATE'S HISTORY, WHEN THERESA'S AND MY ANCESTORS CAME WELL OVER 125 YEARS AGO.

THOSE ENDURING IDAHO VALUES HAVE ESTABLISHED THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR INCREDIBLE SUCCESS.

FOR THE PAST THREE DECADES I HAVE SEEN IDAHO GOVERNORS LEAD WITH THEIR OWN TAKE ON IDAHO VALUES.

FOR PHIL BACH, THE STALWAT REPUBLICAN, IT WAS ABOUT THE LIGHTEST, FOR DIRK KEMPL THORN WAS EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN, FOR JIM RISH, IT WAS NOT WASTING A SHORT BUT UNIQUE CHANCE TO PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS AND MAKE HUGE ADVANCEMENT IN CRITICAL ISSUES.

FOR BUTCH OTTER, IT WAS WISELY NAVIGATING A LONG ECONOMIC CRISIS WITH COURAGE AND PUTTING IDAHO IN THE FOREFRONT OF HIS DECISIONS.

FOR ME, IT IS ABOUT LEARNING FROM THEM, BUT IT IS ALSO ABOUT ALWAYS PUTTING IDAHO FIRST.

BY NOW YOU KNOW MY GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IN IDAHO HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND THAT OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL CHOOSE TO STAY AND FOR THE ONES THAT LEFT WILL CHOOSE TO RETURN.

WE'VE HAD OUR SHARE OF HARD SHIPS AND CHALLENGES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, BUT I HAVE LEARNED, WE WILL REACH OUR GOAL WHEN WE PUT IDAHO FIRST.

AND FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS WELL BEYOND OUR TIME HERE, DOUBLING DOWN ON SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED, TAX RELIEF, CUTTING RED TAPE, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE WHILE MAKING LONG RANGE INVESTMENTS THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

OUR ENDURING IDAHO VALUES ARE ALSO THE REASON WE WILL CONTINUE DOWN OUR PATH TO PROSPERITY.

IDAHO CURRENTLY HAS WHAT BY MOST REGARDED IS THE STRONGEST ECONOMY IN THE NATION.

THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO CONTINUALLY DEMONSTRATED THEY WANT OUR STATE TO KEEP GETTING BETTER.

IT IS JUST WHO WE ARE.

MY FIRST TERM AS GOVERNOR HAS REINFORCED THE FAMOUS SAYING, IT IS AMAZING WHAT YOU GET DONE WHEN YOU DON'T CARE WHO GETS THE CREDIT.

WHAT WE DO HERE IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY ONE OF US.

THE WORK WE DO HERE WILL OUTLIVE US.

WITH THAT IN MIND, I WANT TO SINCERELY THANK THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO, TO KNOW THAT IN MY SECOND TERM I WILL LEAD WITH INTEGRITY, CIVILITY, HUMILITY, ALWAYS PUTTING IDAHO FIRST.

GOD BLESS IDAHO.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND IDAHO'S FUTURE.

THANK YOU.

>> THAT WAS THE INAUGURATION OF IDAHO'S STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS LIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BOISE.

I AM NOW JOINED IN STUDIO BY FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DAVE LEROY AS WELL AS ANDY BRUNELLE, FORMER STAFFER FOR BOTH GOVERNOR ANDRES AND SECRETARY OF STATE PETE SUN RURKS SA.

I WANT TO START WITH YOU AND THE FEELINGS THAT ARE GOING THROUGH THE ELECTED OFFICIALS, THE THOUGHTS AND FOOLINGS -- FEELINGS THEY ARE EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW.

>> THERESA LITTLE SET IT UP NICELY WITH THE NATIVE AMERICAN POET STANDING IN LINE WITH HISTORY.

YOU KNOW FROM THE ANGST OF A CAMPAIGN AND THE SUCCESS THAT YOU ACHIEVED, THAT YOU WILL HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY.

AS WE SAW TODAY, IT IS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE TO INVOLVE FAMILY MEMBERS, BOTH OLDER AND YOUNGER.

AND IT'S A SATISFACTION THAT YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO STAND IN LINE WITH HISTORY.

MAYBE A FOOTNOTE, YOU MAY JUST BE ONE NAME ON A LIST OF 40 PEOPLE, BUT IT IS A FULFILLMENT OF AN EARNEST EFFORT.

IT IS AN ACHIEVEMENT OF AN OPPORTUNITY.

IT IS THE PROMISE OF THE CHANCE TO PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME PORTION OF THE LEVERS OF POWER, BUT TO STAND OUT THERE IN FRONT OF A CROWD ON THOSE CAPITOL STEPS THAT BECOME ALWAYS A PART OF YOUR LIFE IS A SINGULAR EXPERIENCE.

>> IT REALLY IS A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY, TOO.

IT IS ALSO, IT IS VERY PERSONAL.

AND IT IS ALSO VERY PUBLIC.

THIS IS THE PUBLIC INAUGURATION.

THESE OFFICIALS WERE SWORN IN OFFICIALLY ON JANUARY 2.

THIS IS FOR THE PEOPLE, BUT IT'S ALSO FOR THE OFFICIALS.

IT GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO GET THEIR FAMILIES INVOLVED, TOO, AS WE SAW.

>> THAT WAS THE ONE THING THAT REALLY STRUCK ME WAS WITNESSING CHILDREN OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AS THE SPONSORS.

HISTORICALLY, THE STATEWIDE OFFICIALS WOULD COME IN SPONSORED BY A PREDECESSOR IN OFFICE OR A POLITICAL SUPPORTER.

WE SAW NONE OF THAT TODAY.

WE SAW SPOUSES AND CHILDREN WHO WERE THE PRESENTERS, WHICH WAS A NICE TOUCH.

>> IT IS REALLY LOVELY.

MOST OF THEM BROUGHT THEIR OWN BIBLES TO BE SWORN IN ON.

>> THEY DID.

INTERESTING ENOUGH, THAT BIBLE CEREMONY AND TRADITION RELATES BACK MANY ELECTIONS AND MANY CYCLES IN NATIONAL HISTORY AND IN OUR HISTORY.

FOR INSTANCE, ATTORNEY GENERAL LABRADOR TOLD ME THE BIBLE HE WAS USING TODAY IS HIS WIFE'S FATHER'S BIBLE, TED JOHNSON, A LONG TIME LOCAL JUDGE AND DEVELOPER.

AND WHEN YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOUR CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION INSIDE THAT BIBLE, MAYBE INSCRIBE A NOTE ON SUCH AND SUCH A DATE WE DID THIS, IT BECOMES AN EVEN MORE TREASURED FAMILY HEIRLOOM.

>> A TREASURED FAMILY HEIRLOOM AS WELL AS INTEREST FOR IDAHO HISTORY.

EVEN IF YOU ARE ONE OF 40 OR 30, THUS FAR IN IDAHO HISTORY, IT IS STILL PRETTY SIGNIFICANT.

YOU BROUGHT AN EXAMPLE OF ONE OF -- A COUPLE DIFFERENT BIBLES THAT HAD BEEN USED IN THE PAST.

>> AT LEAST ONE VERY SIGNIFICANT ONE THAT HAS A COUPLE OF USES.

THIS IS A REPLICA OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BIBLE, A LITTLE FAMILY BIBLE, SMALL IN SIZE, INSCRIBED IN THE FRONT WITH SOME NAMES AND ASSOCIATIONS THAT IT WAS USED ON MARCH 4, 1861.

THIS BIBLE, IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM, THIS BEING MERELY A REPLICA, WAS THE LINCOLN INAUGURATION BIBLE AND WAS PULLED OUT OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND USED IN HIS INAUGURATION.

THESE TREASURES ARE NATIONAL AND STATE HISTORICAL, BUT OF GREAT FAMILY SIGNIFICANCE.

>> YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE FROM IDAHO, SPECIFICALLY.

>> WELL, A COUPLE OF REFERENCES TO IDAHO, BUT THIS IS NOT A BIBLE, BUT WE DID HAVE A FIRST TODAY.

FOR INSTANCE, LAST INAUGURAL PERIOD WE HAD A FIRST IN THAT WE HAD A FIRST WOMAN LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN JANICE McGHEE GUILLEN.

THIS DOCUMENT IS AN OLD BOOK FROM THE 1920s, BUT SIGNED BY MOSES ALEXANDER.

AND HE ALSO TOOK THE TROUBLE OR THE OWNER OF THE BOOK DID, TO PUT THE OLD STATE SEAL IN THERE.

MOSES ALEXANDER WAS THE FIRST JEWISH GOVERNOR ELECTED IN THE UNITED STATES.

>> NOT JUST IN IDAHO, BUT THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.

>> IN THE UNITED STATES IN 1914.

IT WASN'T TRUMPETED TODAY, RAUL LABRADOR, IS PUERTO RICAN BORN AND HE IS THE FIRST PUERTO RICAN TO ENTER STATE OFFICE.

>> I'M CURIOUS, YOU HAVE SERVED AS A STAFFER FOR SECRETARY OF STATE SUNRUSA, GOVERNOR ANDRES, AS THE POWER HAS SHIFTED BETWEEN PARTIES IN THE STATE, YOU KNOW, FROM DEMOCRAT MORE 50/50 SPLIT TO MORE HEAVILY REPUBLICAN, IN TIMES OF INAUGURATIONS, HOW EASY IS IT TO SET ASIDE THOSE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES AND REALLY FOCUS ON THE CEREMONY AND WHAT THESE OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE?

>> WELL, MELISSA, I REMEMBER THE INAUGURATION IN 1979, PETE SUNARUSA, BEING REINAUGURATED FOR ADDITIONAL TERM OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

JOHN EVANS HAD TAKEN OFFICE AND SERVED FOR TWO YEARS, BUT IT WAS HIS FIRST ELECTION.

THAT SAME DAY HE WOULD HAVE BEEN INAUGURATED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL THAT DAY.

IT WAS A BIG COMING TOGETHER FOR THE OFFICIALS ON THAT DAY.

IN 1979.

WHAT I REMEMBER FROM 1991, WHAT MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT IS, ONE, THE WEATHER WAS A LOT WORSE.

IT WAS 19 DEGREES OUT.

SO IT WAS KEPT SHORT AND OVER IN 40 MINUTES.

BUT IT WAS A CONTINUATION WHERE HE WAS MOVING INTO HIS FOURTH TERM WHERE MORE CHANGES WHERE LARRY ECHOHAWK WAS TAKING OFFICE FOR THE FIRST TIME >> AS ATTORNEY GENERAL.

>> AS ATTORNEY GENERAL.

IT WAS MORE OF A CONTINUATION OF THE WORK AND THE DAY-TO-DAY WORK.

SO THE INAUGURATION THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BIT LESS, I WOULD SAY SIGNIFICANT OF THE FAMILY AND COMING TOGETHER, BUT MORE JUST CONTINUING THE WORK.

AND WHAT I REMEMBER IN THE OFFICE AT THAT TIME WITH GOVERNOR ANDRES WAS INAUGURAL ADDRESS, THE INAUGURAL ACTIVITIES BEING ADDITIONAL WORK AND STAFF TIME IN ADDITION TO PREPARING THE STATE OF THE STATE, IN ADDITION TO THE STATE BUDGET MESSAGE AND PREPARING THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I THINK TODAY THERE MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF AN ELEMENT IN THAT WE HEARD FROM GOVERNOR LITTLE.

HE IS COMING BACK FOR HIS SECOND TERM AND HE DOUBLED DOWN ON MUCH OF HIS AGENDA THAT HE MENTIONED IN HIS FIRST INAUGURAL FOUR YEARS AGO, THE INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND CHILDREN AND LOOKING AT REGULATORY RED TAPE.

SO THERE IS A MORE BUSINESS ASPECT, I THINK, THAT YOU SEE IN SOME OF TODAY'S THEMES AS WELL.

>> HE IS ALSO COMING OFF OF NOT JUST VICTORIES IN THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION, BUT ADVISORY THAT REAFFIRMS STRONG SUPPORT, MORE THAN 80% OF VOTERS SAID WE SUPPORT YOUR AGENDA WHEN IT COMES TO INCOME TAX AND EDUCATION SPENDING.

THAT SAID, THERE WERE SOME HARD-FOUGHT PRIMARIES AND A COUPLE GENERAL ELECTION RACES.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE HOW EASY IS IT TO COME TOGETHER AND WORK AS A TEAM AFTER THOSE HARD-FOUGHT ELECTIONS?

>> WELL, IT IS POSSIBLE AND IT IS NECESSARY, FRANKLY N THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

I WAS ELECTED LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND WE HAD JOHN EVANS, A DEMOCRAT, ELECTED AS GOVERNOR.

SO I APPROACHED THE GOVERNOR THE FIRST DAY WE WERE IN OFFICE, GOING DOWN, MAKING AN APPOINTMENT, GIVING HIM A LIST OF 10 OR 12 THINGS I WISHED TO DO AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IF WE WORKED OUT ACTIVITIES BETWEEN THE TWO OFFICES.

THE GOVERNOR WASN'T TOO INTERESTED IN MY LIST TO START WITH, BUT AS IT GOT CLOSER AND CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE TIME HE WAS GOING TO LEAVE THE STATE AND LEAVE ME IN CHARGE AS ACTING GOVERNOR WE GOT INTERESTED IN THAT LIST AND HE ENDED UP GIVING ME 10 OR 12 OF THE THINGS I WANTED.

I'M INTERESTED ALSO IN THE TIMING OF THE CEREMONY.

AS WE KNOW THEY WERE OFFICIALLY SWORN IN OFFICE EARLIER AND HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE SEVERAL DAYS.

YOU LEARNED, I LEARNED, THAT MANY OF THE OFFICIALS WHO ALREADY MET TOGETHER AND TALKED ABOUT PUTTING BEHIND THEM PROBLEMS OF CAMPAIGN RHETORIC, AND WORKING TOGETHER EFFECTIVELY, THE GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL.

THAT IS SIGNIFICANT AND PROM PROMISING.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL LABRADOR FACED LITTLE IN A PRIMARY THAT WAS CONTENTIOUS THAT BRAD LITTLE WON.

THE GOVERNOR YOU SERVED UNDER HAD A REPUBLICAN LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

ULTIMATELY GOVERNOR ANDRES WAS STILL ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH A LOT OF HIS AGENDA AS WAS GOVERNOR EVANS.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE GOVERNOR ON THE SAME PAGE?

>> IT IS IMPORTANT THEY HAVE A GOOD WORKING WITH RELATIONSHIP AND THAT CAN TRANSCEND PARTISANSHIP AND POLICY EMPHASIS.

IT HAS TO BE ONE WHERE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT PERSONALITIES TO WORK TOGETHER AND CESE, IN HIS TIME HAD BUTCH AS HIS LIEUTEANT GOVERNOR AND THEY WORKED TOGETHER WELL.

I REMEMBER AS A STAFFER, MAYBE FEELING A LITTLE MORE HARD CHARGING THAT THERE WOULD BE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

I WAS LESS AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THOSE TWO MEN WERE CLOSE FRIENDS THROUGH THE TIME.

>> WE HAVE HARD A LOT OF THAT OVER THE YEARS FROM GOVERNOR OTTER.

>> I ALSO REMEMBER THE RELATIONSHIP WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL JONES IN ANDRES THIRD TERM WHERE JONES MAY HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR IN 1990 SO THE RELATIONSHIP THERE MAYBE NOT AS FUNCTIONAL AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN.

AND CERTAINLY, WE STILL DID A LOT OF WORK WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON A LOT OF IMPORTANT ISSUES LIKE THE SNAKE RIVER ADJUDICATION AND NUCLEAR WASTE ISSUES AND SNAKE RIVER SALMON ISSUES AND ALL THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

TO BE FAIR, EVEN WHEN LARRY ECHOHAWK CAME IN AS ATTORNEY GENERAL IN ANDRES FOURTH TERM, WE DIDN'T ALWAYS SEE EYE TO EYE WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THERE.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE GOVERNOR NEED TO HAVE THAT WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER'S ROLES.

>> WE CERTAINLY SAW THAT WITH GOVERNOR OTTER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL WASDEN.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SCOTT BEDKE AND GOVERNOR LITTLE HAVEN'T ALWAYS SEEN EYE TO EYE EITHER, ESPECIALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THERESA LITTLE AND GOVERNOR LITTLE ALLUDED TO THE PANDEMIC, NOT DIRECTLY NAMING IT, BUT SAYING WE HAVE SEEN SOME TOUGH TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE NEXT FOUR YEARS ARE GOING TO BE DIFFERENT AFTER THE PAST THREE YEARS OF SOME PRETTY INTENSE DIFFICULTIES FOR THE STATE AND THE NATION?

>> I SEE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOME STRIDES IN CHOSEN DIRECTIONS, RATHER THAN BEING ON DEFENSE.

MERELY RESPONDING TO UNKNOWN PLAGUES, PROBLEMS, MANDATES.

MANDATES NOT TO HAVE MANDATES.

ALL OF THAT VERY SIGNIFICANTLY DIVERTED US FROM THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT AHEAD OF THE GROWTH WE ARE EXPERIENCING HERE IN IDAHO.

AND MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE ADDRESSING HIGHWAY ISSUES, ADDRESSING SCHOOL STRUCTURE ISSUES.

ALL OF THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT WOULD BE ON THE WISH LIST IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAY UP WITH AND CORRECTLY ANTICIPATE THE FUTURE.

WE HAVE SEEN CITIES LIKE SEATTLE AND PORTLAND HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS IN RECENT HISTORY.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR CENTRAL CITY, BOISE, DOESN'T GO THAT DIRECTION.

WE'VE SEEN PEOPLE FLEEING FROM SOME STATES BECAUSE TAXES BEING TOO HIGH, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY, I THINK, TO SET OUR OWN PRIORITIES, SET OUR OWN POLICY AGENDAS, AND SWEEP ASIDE ALL OF THE DIFFICULTIES THAT HAVE BEEN FORCED UPON US BY BIOLOGY AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

>> WE HAVE JUST A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME LEFT, BUT WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE FROM GOVERNOR IT WILL UNTIL THE SECOND TERM AND HOW DIFFERENT DO YOU THINK THAT WILL BE FROM HIS FIRST?

>> WELL, HE WON'T HAVE THE PANDEMIC AS AN ISSUE FRONT AND CENTER, BUT HE WILL BE RECOVERING SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT CAME UP DURING THE PANDEMIC.

IDAHO WAS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE MOVED TO DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH ISSUES THERE.

ONE AREA I FOCUSED ON IN MY FOREST SERVICE CAREER AND THE PUBLIC LANDS ARE OVERRUN.

PEOPLE WERE ENCOURAGED TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS TO GET THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND NOW WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE CAPACITY ON OUR PUBLIC LANDS TO HANDLE THIS BEAUTIFUL STATE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT, IN THE SAW TOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA OR IN THE PANHANDLE WITH THE LARGE LAKES AND PEOPLE WHO COME FROM SPOKANE TO ENJOY OUR SMALL LAKES THAT IS A CHALLENGE, ONE THE GOVERNOR MAY HAVE TIME TO FOCUS ON THIS TIME.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE HEARD YESTERDAY FROM SPEAKER MIKE MOYLE, IT IS HARDER TO GOVERNOR AND SET BUDGETS SOMETIMES IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY.

YOU HAVE MORE MONEY AND RESOURCES TO FIGHT OVER.

WE HAVE A LOT TO WATCH OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

DAVE LEROY, ANDY BRUNELLE, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

WE WILL HAVE MORE AT 8:00 TONIGHT ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION.