PRESENTATION OF IDAHO REPORTS ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION, COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MOORE AND BETTIS FAMILY LEGACY OF BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO.

BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION, AND BY THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> HELLO AND WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL EPISODE OF IDAHO REPORTS.

WE'RE BRINGING YOU LIVE COVERAGE OF GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

JOINING ME IN STUDIO IS KEVIN RICHERT OF IDAHO ED NEWS.

AND DR. WITT.

ALEX ADAMS IS JOINING US VIA ZOOM.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE STATEHOUSE AND LAWMAKERS, 105 LAWMAKERS ARE GATHERING IN THE HOUSE CHAMBERS WELCOMING GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE RIGHT NOW.

HE'S ALSO JOINED BY THE JUSTICES FROM THE HIECHED SUPREME COURT.

KEVIN, AS HE'S APRIECHING -- APPROACHING THE PODIUM, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE LISTENING FOR IN TODAY'S SPEECH?

>> I THINK IT COMES DOWN TO EXPECTATIONS AND HOW DOES THE GOVERNOR WEIGH THE EXPECTATIONS THAT COME WITH A $1.6 BILLION SURPLUS.

HOW DOES HE WRESTLE THE VARIOUS DEMANDS ON THAT MONEY, WHETHER WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TAX CUTS OR INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE OR EDUCATION.

HOW DOES HE NAVIGATE ALL OF THAT IN AN ELECTION YEAR, FOR HIMSELF AND FOR 105 LEGISLATORS.

IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY INTERESTING SPEECH.

>> YEAH, DR. WITT, THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY CHALLENGES FOR IDAHO'S COMMUNITIES AND THOSE CHALLENGES HAVE BEEN VARIED.

THEY HAVEN'T BEEN THE SAME IN ARCO OR BOISE OR COEUR D'ALENE.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING FOR?

>> KEVIN SUM RISESSED IT WELL.

THE FIGHTING IS ALMOST WORSE WHEN WE HAVE MORE MONEY THAN LEGISLATION.

IT WILL SEE THE GOVERNOR SETTING HIS PRIORITIES AS WELL AS BEEN A CONTENTIOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIMSELF AND THE LEGISLATURE AND WE HAVE SEVERAL PEOPLE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

SO THIS SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING YEAR.

>> WE SEE THAT IDAHO'S OFFICERS JUST ENTERED THE -- CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS JUST ENTERED THE CHAMBER, INCLUDING SHERRI YBARRA.

SECRETARY OF STATE LAWRENCE DENNING.

LOOKS LIKE NOW JANIS McGEACHIN HAS JOINED THE HOUSE SPEAKER AND THEY'RE GETTING READY TO WELCOME THE GOVERNOR.

AS WE'RE WAITING, I'M CURIOUS ABOUT THIS DYNAMIC.

OBVIOUSLY HIS TOP OPPONENT IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR McGEACHIN, WILL BE UP THERE RIGHT BEHIND HIM.

HOW MUCH OF THAT CONTENTIOUS PRIMARY DO YOU THINK WILL DRIVE THE AGENDA THIS YEAR?

>> WELL, I'LL BE WATCHING FOR THE BODY LANGUAGE.

I THINK A LOT OF US WILL BE.

BUT I THINK THAT THIS IS FOR A GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, AND AN INCUMBENT FOR BRAD LITTLE, WHO HASN'T ANNOUNCED BUT HE'S PLANNING TO SEEK RE-ELECTION, THIS BEGINS THE POLITICAL YEAR IN EARNEST.

>> GOVERNOR LITTLE IS GREETING THE SENATORS NOW.

MAKES HIS WAY TO THE PODIUM.

LET'S GO AHEAD AND LISTEN IN.

[APPLAUSE] >> [INAUDIBLE] >> THANK YOU.

[INAUDIBLE] DON'T GET TOO AT EASE.

ALL RIGHT.

MR. SPEAKER, PROTEM, MADAM SECRETARY, HONORED LEGISLATORS, MY FELLOW CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, MR. CHIEF JUSTICE, AND MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MY FELLOW IDAHOANS.

IT'S GOOD TO DELIVER THIS SPEECH BACK IN THE CHAMBERS.

-- DELIVER THIS SPEECH BACK IN THE CHAMBERS.

LAST YEAR I CLOSED MY STATE OF THE STATE BY SAYING, "IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP, OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH EMERGES."

THERE'S NO DOUBT THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE PRESENTED INCREDIBLE CHALLENGES.

OUR FRONTLINE WORKERS IN HEALTHCARE, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND EDUCATION IN PARTICULAR HAVE DONE AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB.

TODAY WE HAVE A FEW OF THOSE PANDEMIC HEROES WITH US.

THEY ARE NURSES, DOCTORS, POLICE OFFICERS, GUARDSMEN, AND TEACHERS.

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THEM TO STAND AND PLEASE, EVERYONE, PLEASE JOIN ME IN RECOGNIZE THEM AND THEIR COLLEAGUES AND THANKING THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT STATE.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> MY FRIENDS, I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY WITH GREAT OPTIMISM AND EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US.

IDAHO'S ECONOMY IS STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE.

WE'RE ONE OF ONLY FOUR STATES WITH MORE JOBS TODAY THAN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

IDAHOANS ARE WORKING.

WE HAVE ONE OF THE LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE COUNTRY.

OUR BUDGET IS BALANCED.

WE HAVE ROBUST RESERVES.

IDAHO BUSINESSES AND CITIZENS BENEFIT FROM LIVING AND WORKING IN THE LEAST REGULATED STATE IN THE NATION.

WE'VE TURNED MORE MONEY BACK TO THE CITIZENS THROUGH HISTORIC TAX RELIEF AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN AREAS THAT IMPACT THEIR DAILY LIVES.

AND, FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, WE HAVE ANOTHER RECORD BUDGET SURPLUS.

[APPLAUSE] >> ALL THIS SUCCESS HAS MADE IDAHO A MORE DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE.

WE ALL EXPERIENCED THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF GROWTH.

AS I'VE TRAVELED THE STATE, I'M REMINDED OF A TASK LEFT UNDONE.

BUILDING A WALL AROUND IDAHO AND MAKING CALIFORNIA PAY FOR IT.

[LAUGHTER] OUR FRIENDS, OUR SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT.

WHILE OTHER STATES LIQUIDATED THEIR RAINY DAY FUNDS AND BEGGED POLITICIANS IN WASHINGTON, D.C., FOR A BAILOUT, TOGETHER WE ROLLED UP OUR SLEEVES AND MADE TOUGH DECISIONS AND LED IDAHO.

IN IDAHO WE MANAGE GOVERNMENT THE SAME WAY FAMILIES MANAGE A HOUSEHOLD BUDGET.

IT'S BASICALLY "TERRIBLE -- BASELINE KITCHEN TABLE ECONOMICS.

IT MEANS FACING TRADE-OFFS HEAD ON, CHOOSING TO LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS, SAVING FOR HARD TIMES, CUTTING WASTE, AND STRETCHES OUR DOLLARS FURTHER.

WHILE D.C. IS DIGGING THE COUNTRY INTO A $29 TRILLION HOLE, HIESTLED HAS A RECORD SURPLUS OF $1.9 BILLION AND COUNTING.

[APPLAUSE] >> WHILE D.C. CONTINUES TO CRANK OUT ONEROUS NEW REGULATIONS, WE TOOK AN AX TO IDAHO'S REGULATIONS FOR THREE STRAIGHT YEARS AND WE CONTINUE TO WIDEN OUR -- CONTINUE TO WIDEN OUR LEAD AS THE LEAST REGULATED STATE IN THE NATION.

IN FACT, SINCE I TOOK OFFICE THREE YEARS AGO, WE HAVE CUT OR SIMPLIFIED 95% OF IDAHO REGULATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] AND NOW, THROUGH OUR ZERO-BASED REGULATION INITIATIVE, THIS YEAR WE AIM TO CUT OR SUM REPLYIFY ANOTHER 20% OF WHAT REMAINS, REMOVING THE ROCKS FROM THE SHOES OF SMALL BUSINESSES.

WHILE D.C.

WANTS TO RAISE TAXES ON ALL CITIZENS, AS BIDENFLATION SURGE, IDAHO HAS PUT MORE MONEY BACK INTO PEOPLE'S POCKETS.

LAST YEAR TOGETHER, WE CUT INCOME TAXES AND RETURNED $450 MILLION TO ALL IDAHO CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES.

IT WAS CALLED THE BIGGEST TAX CUT IN STATE HISTORY, BUT I CALL IT A GOOD START.

[APPLAUSE] >> WHILE PRESIDENT BIDEN DIVIDES AMERICANS IN HIS ATTEMPTS TO ELEVATE THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN CITIZENS' LIVES, COERCING AMERICANS WITH GOVERNMENT-IMPOSE VACCINE MANDATES, IDAHO SAID "NO."

OUR LAWSUITS CHALLENGING BIDEN'S POLARIZING VACCINE MANDATES ARE WORKING.

I BANNED DIVISIVE VACCINE PASSPORTS.

I NEVER MANDATED MASKS OR VACCINES.

WE RESPONDED TO A CRISIS WITH A BALANCED APPROACH AND KEPT IDAHO HOPE.

[APPLAUSE] -- I'VE HAD OPEN.

[APPLAUSE] -- IDAHO OPEN.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND WHILE PRESIDENT BIDEN CONTINUES TO DISMISS THE CATASTROPHE AT THE U.S. MEXICO BORDER, IDAHO IS BANDING TOGETHER WITH OTHER STATES TO ACT.

I TRAVELED TO THE BORDER LAST SUMMER, WHERE I SAW FOR MYSELF HOW MEXICO DRUG CARTELS CONTROL ACCESS TO OUR COUNTRY.

ALL BECAUSE OF PRESIDENT BIDEN'S FLAWED BORDER POLICIES.

THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

BYRON BROWN'S INACTION -- BIDEN'S INACTION HAS SPAWNED A GROWING DRUG THREAT TO OUR STATE AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF ILL LIT LIST IT -- ILLICIT DRUGS IN IDAHO ARE NOW SOURCED IN MEXICO.

IDAHO FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER.

LAST SUMMER I SENT A SPECIALIZED TEAM OF IDAHO STATE TROOPERS TO ARIZONA TO HELP FIGHT THE DRUG FLOW INTO OUR COUNTRY AND OUR STATE.

WE SENT OUR BEST TO PROTECT AMERICANS AND IDAHOIANS FROM THE DRUG CARTELS AND THOSE TROOPERS RETURNED WITH NEW KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT HERE AT HOME FIGHT THE DRUGS THAT HAVE DEVASTATED SO MANY LIVES.

WE HAVE SOME OF THOSE TROOPERS HERE TODAY.

GENTLEMEN, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> NOW I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO DEPLOY OPERATION ESTO PERPETUA.

I'LL HAVE MORE TO SHARE IN THE COMING WEEKS, BUT "OPERATION ESTO PERPETUA" WILL BRING TOGETHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITIES IN NEW WAYS.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR LOOSE BORDER AND CURB THE SMUGGLING OF KILLER DRUGS SUCH AS FENTANYL INTO OUR STATE FROM MEXICO.

[APPLAUSE] >> FOLKS, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO SET THE EXAMPLE OF ACCOUNTABLE RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT HERE IN IDAHO.

MY FAMILY AND TERESA'S HAVE BEEN IN IDAHO FOR GENERATIONS.

WE WANT NOTHING MORE THAN FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN, HENRY, DYLAN, JACK, LOLA, JAY, AND JOSEPHINE TO, STAY SETTLED IN IDAHO AND ENJOY THEIR GRANDCHILDREN HERE.

KIDS, CAN YOU WAVE FOR ME?

[APPLAUSE] >> TREES A AND -- TERESA AND I WANT THE SAME FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN, TOO.

FOR NOW, YOU KNOW MY GOAL.

FOR IDAHO TO BE A PLACE WHERE WE ALL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND WHERE OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CHOOSE TO STAY AND FOR THE ONES THAT LEFT TO CHOOSE TO RETURN.

THINK ABOUT SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO DEMONSTRATED TRUE LEADERSHIP.

FOR ME, MY FATHER, DAVID LITTLE, TERESA'S FATHER, PHIL SOULEN, AND AN OLD FRIEND, LOUISE SHADDUCK COME TO MIND.

HERE'S WHAT I'VE LEARNED FROM THEM.

LEADERS GIVE PEOPLE CONFIDENCE AND SHOW THE WAY THROUGH HUMBLE STRENGTH.

LEADERS GO THROUGH LIFE WITH A SPIRIT OF SERVICE.

LEADERS LISTEN.

THE VOICE OF A LEADER IS EFFECTIVE, NOT JUST LOUD.

EVERY DAY I ENDEAVOR TO LIVE UP TO THE EXAMPLE OF MY MENTORS.

THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO DESERVE FROM THEIR GOVERNOR AND THAT'S WHAT THEY DESERVE FROM ALL WHO ARE ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE.

[APPLAUSE] I HAVE A PLAN FOR IDAHO, A PATH TO GIVE BACK OUR RECORD BUDGET SURPLUS TO IDAHOIANCE THROUGH CONTINUED TAX RELIEF AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS WHERE THEY MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.

MY PLAN IS CALLED "LEADING IDAHO."

MY PLAN IS ROOTED IN A LONG-STANDING CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLE, FISCAL DISCIPLINE.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN STATE HISTORY, IDAHO WAS UPGRADED TO AAA CREDIT RATING.

IT IS AN ACHIEVEMENT THAT WILL SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS, AND, MOREBLY, REFLECTS OUR DEDICATION -- IMPORTANT, REFLECTS OUR DEDICATION TO CONSERVATIVE, RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING.

EARLIER TODAY I DELIVERED A BUDGET THAT IS BALANCED AND HOLDS THE LINE ON SPENDING.

MY BUDGET PAYS OFF STATE BUILDING DEBT, SAVING TARPS TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN IT PAYMENT.

MY BUDGET PUTS US ON A PATH TO PAY OFF ALL KNOWN DEFERRED MAINTENANCE NEEDS, THOSE BACKLOGGED REPAIRS NEEDED IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

AND MY BUDGET BOLSTERS RAINY DAY FUNDS TO A RECORD LEVEL, PUTTING THEM AT MORE THAN $1 BILLION IN THE BANK TO GUARD AGAINST FUTURE DOWNTURNS.

WE MUST BE EVEN MORE VIGILANT IN PERCEIVED TIMES OF PLENTY TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE PRUDENT AND WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME.

WE DID NOT SPEND OUR WAY TO A SURPLUS AND SJ SURPLUS MUST NEVER BECOME AN EXCUSE FOR WASTEFUL SPENDING.

[APPLAUSE] >> THERE'S NO BETTER FEELING THAN GIVING BACK TO HARDWORKING IDAHOANS MORE OF WHAT THEY'VE EARNED.

TO DATE IN MY FIRST TERM, WE HAVE CUT NEARLY $1 BILLION IN TAXES.

[APPLAUSE] >> LET ME REPEAT THAT.

TOGETHER WE HAVE GIVEN BACK NEARLY $1 BILLION TO IDAHOANS THROUGH INCOME TAX RELIEF, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF, AND RELIEF FROM UNEMPLOYMENT TAXES ON IDAHO BUSINESSES.

AND TODAY I AM PROPOSING WE DOUBLE DOWN ON ON USUAL EFFORTS.

-- ON OUR EFFORTS.

PROPOSE WE RETURN MORE THAN $1 BILLION IN INCOME TAX RELIEF TO IDAHO TAXPAYERS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND LET'S NOT WAIT.

RIGHT NOW IDAHO FAMILIES ARE FORCED TO PAY MORE FOR FOOD, GAS, AND EVERYDAY GOODS AS INFLATION SWELLS UNDER BIDEN'S WATCH.

POOR HANDLING OF THE ECONOMY, OPPRESSIVE REGULATIONS, AND A BLOATED FEDERAL BUDGET HAVE ALL CONTRIBUTED TO INFLATION RATES WE HAVE NOT SEEN FOR 40 YEARS.

BUT BIDENFLATION EXPLODING, LET'S IMMEDIATELY PASS $600 MILLION IN INCOME TAX RELIEF THAT WE CAN GET BACK INTO THE WALLETS OF ALL IDAHOANS THIS SPRING.

I PROPOSE $350 MILLION IN IMMEDIATE REBATES AND $250 MILLION IN ONGOING INCOME TAX RELIEF, ALLOWING WORKING FAMILIES TO KEEP MORE OF WHAT THEY EARNED AND FREE THEM FROM THE PENALTY OF LIVING UNDER HISTORIC INFLATION.

WE CANNOT DELAY IN DEPLOYING THIS INVESTMENT IN WORKING FAMILIES.

[APPLAUSE] >> WE MUST ALSO SUPPORT IDAHO'S SMALL BUSINESSES, THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY.

LAST YEAR WE STRENGTHENED OUR UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST SOLVENT FUNDS IN THE COUNTRY.

DOING SO LED TO A $200 MILLION TAX CUT FOR IDAHO BUSINESSES.

I PROPOSE WE LOCK IN THESE LOWER RATES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, SAVING IDAHO BUSINESSES $64 MILLION, SO THEY CAN CONTINUE CREATING GOOD IDAHO JOBS.

[APPLAUSE] >> SOME SAY WE SHOULDN'T CUT TAXES, THAT WE HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN CUTTING TAXES AND MEETING IMPORTANT THE NEEDS OF OUR STATE.

THIS IS FALSE.

MY BUDGET SHOWS WE CAN DO BOTH.

WE CAN SPEND LESS THAN WE BRING IN, OFFER TAX RELIEF, AND FUND THE TOP PRIORITIES, EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

MON 132 YEARS AGO, THE FOUNDERS OF OUR STATE RECOGNIZED THE STABILITY AND ENDURANCE OF OUR REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT DEPENDS MABEL ON, QUOTE, THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE PEOPLE."

A PERSON'S EDUCATION STARTS AT HOME.

PARENTS ARE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AS THEY SHOULD BE AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN IDAHO.

CHILDREN TODAY WILL BECOME THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW.

THEY'LL BE THE ENGINEERS, LOGGERS, DOCTORS, FARMERS, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, ENTREPRENEURS, TEACHERS, TRUCKERS, YOU NAME IT.

WE WANT OUR IDAHO STUDENTS TO RECEIVE A STRONG FOUNDATION OF LEARNING NOW SO THEY CAN STAY HERE AND MAKE OUR STATE STRONG FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

AND IDAHO SCHOOLS PARTNER WITH PREANTS IN THE -- PARENTS IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN.

THAT'S WHY I PROPOSE MAKING THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN IDAHO EDUCATION EVER.

MY BUDGET ADDS $1.1 BILLION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO IMPROVE IDAHO EDUCATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND IT ALL STARTS WITH LITERACY.

TODAY I PROCEEDS ADDING $47 MILLION IN ONGOING FUNDING TO LITERACY PROGRAMS TO BUILD ON THE READING SUCCESS THAT PARENTS INSTILL AT HOME.

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS IDAHO, WITH INPUT FROM FAMILIES, WILL DECIDE HOW BEST TO DEPLOY THE RESOURCES.

LITERACY HAS BEEN MY TOP PRIORITY BECAUSE IT JUST MAKES SENSE.

OUR INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION LERT ON WILL HAVE MORE IMPACT IF WE CAN WORK WITH FAMILIES TO GET MORE STUDENTS TO READ PROFICIENTLY EARLY ON.

ADDING INVESTMENTS NOW WILL INCREASE STATE LIT REAG FUNDING FIVEFOLD SINCE I TOOK OFFICE JUST THREE YEARS AGO.

I CANNOT THINK OF A MORE BACK TO BASICS INVESTMENT THAT WILL MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN STUDENTS' LIVES TODAY AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE KEY TO STRONG SCHOOLS IS PREANTAL -- PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.

OUR SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN IDAHO IS LOCALLY DRIVEN, AND THE SYSTEM WORKS BEST WHEN PARENTS AND FAMILIES ENGAGE.

PARENTS PARTNER WITH TEACHERS IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN, AND WE CANNOT MEET OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STUDENTS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE THAT TEACH THEM IN THE CLASSROOM.

IF YOU'RE RUNNING A BUSINESS, YOU KNOW YOU CAN ONLY ATTRACT AND RETAIN DEDICATED, QUALITY WORKERS BY PAYING THEM COMPETITIVELY, OFFERING GOOD BENEFITS, AND MAKING THEM FEEL VALUED.

OUR EDUCATOR WORKFORCE IS NO DIFFERENT.

AND MY BUDGET INVESTS IN THESE PARTNERS, OUR TEACHERS, WHICH ULTIMATELY SERVES IDAHO FAMILIES.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE PANDEMIC PUSHED MANY PARENTS TOWARD NEW WAYS OF MEETING THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THEIR CHURCH.

LAST YEAR WE SERVED 18,000 IDAHO FAMILIES AND 46,000 STUDENTS WITH GRANTS TO HELP COVER EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.

AND NOW TO BUILD ON OUR SUCCESS, I'M PROPOSING $50 MILLION FOR THE NEW EMPOWERING PARENTS GRANTS.

[APPLAUSE] >> THE GRANT WILL COVER SUCH THINGS AS COMPUTERS, TUTORING, INTERNET CONNECTIVELY, AND OTHER -- CONNECTIVITY AND OTHER NEEDS SO STUDENTS HAVE THE BEST CHANCE FOR SUCCESS.

THE EMPOWERING PARENTS GRANTS PUT FAMILIES IN CONTROL OF THEIR CHILD'S EDUCATION, AS IT SHOULD BE.

[APPLAUSE] >> MY LEADING IDAHO PLAN ALSO MAKES OTHER KEY INVESTMENTS TO THE -- TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT, OUR VETERANS, OUR VALUED MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD, AND SAFE AND SECURE ELECTIONS.

I WANT TO ADD $60 MEM TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS WITHIN THE IDAHO STATE POLICE.

IDAHO IS A STATE THAT OPENLY VALUES ITS POLICE OFFICERS.

WHILE OTHERS SEEK TO DEFUND THE POLICE, IDAHO DEFENDS THE POLICE.

[APPLAUSE] >> IDAHO IS TRULY A STATE THAT BACKS THE BLUE.

I ALSO PROPOSE WE MAKE THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT EVER IN OUR STATE VETERANS HOMES.

$75 MILLION TO GIVE OUR VETERANS BETTER QUALITY OF -- A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AND IMPROVE THE SERVICES FOR THEM.

OUR VETERANS HAVE DONE SO MUCH FOR US, AND THEY DESERVE IT.

[APPLAUSE] >> I ALSO WANT TO INVEST IN THE SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD.

MY PLAN DOUBLES OUR INVESTMENT IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO GUARDS MEN, WHICH BOOSTS OUR EFFORT TO GET MORE IDAHOANS TO SIGN UP FOR THE GUARD.

MILITARY SERVICE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND ALL THE WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST HONORABLE WAYS FOR A PERSON TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY, STATE, AND COUNTRY.

I'M SO GRATEFUL TO OUR GUARDSMEN AND ALL MILITARY AND SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO TO PROMOTE FREEDOM AND PEACE IN OUR COUNTRY.

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE ANYONE HERE IN THE ROOM TODAY WHO SERVED IN THE MILITARY TO PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[APPLAUSE] >> WE CAN HONOR THE SERVICE OF OUR MILITARY HEROES BY DOING OUR PART TO MAKE AMERICA AS STRONG AS POSSIBLE.

AND WE ALL KNOW FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS ARE A CORNERSTONE OF OUR DEMOCRACY.

WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN IDAHO WHERE OUR ELECTIONS ARE FREE OF FRAUD.

BUT THERE'S MORE WE CAN DO TO ELEVATE IDAHOANS' TRUST IN THEIR ELECTIONS.

LAST YEAR I ESTABLISHED MY CYBER SECURITY TASK FORCE TO COME UP WITH NEW WAYS TO PROTECT IDAHO FROM CYBER ATTACKS AND BOLSTER ELECTION INTEGRITY.

MY LEADING IDAHO PLAN IMPLEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE TASK FORCE.

I AM PROPOSING $12MAN TO -- $12 MILLION TO ESTABLISH THE NEW CYBER RESPONSE AND DEFENSE FUND TO ENSURE THE STATE IS PREPARED TO RESPOND TO ANY CYBER ATTACK FROM BAD ACTORS IN CHINA, RUSSIA, OR ELSEWHERE.

I'M ALSO PUSH FOR PRO-ACTIVE INTEGRITY AUDITS TO ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY AND CONFIDENCE OF OUR ELECTIONS HERE IN IDAHO.

WE MUST MAKE ELECTION INTEGRITY A PRIORITY TO GIVE OUR CITIZENS CONFIDENCE THAT THEIR VOTE MATTERS.

[APPLAUSE] >> IDAHO HAS A STRONG TRACK REPORTED OF GIVING BACK THROUGH TAX RELIEF AND BY MAKING SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN THE AREAS THAT IMPACT IDAHOANS' DAILY LIVES THE MOST.

THINGS LIKE CLEAN AND PLENTIFUL WATER FOR A STRONG AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, IMPROVED BROADBAND ACCESSES, INCREASED MEDICAL CAPACITY TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY IDAHO AND OUR HEALTHCARE HEROES.

BETTER ACCESS TO OUTDOOR RECREATION AND IMPROVED LAND AND FIRE MANAGEMENT.

AND BETTER OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION, COLLEGES, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND CHILD CARE.

THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.

MY LEADING IDAHO PLAN WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN AL THESE IMPORTANT AREAS AND MANY OTHERS.

[APPLAUSE] >> PROTECTING IDAHOANS OF ALL AGES FROM THE EYE FLIX OF -- AFFLICTION OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION LED THE CREATION OF THE THREE-BRANCH BHAIFL HEALTH COUNCIL -- BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNCIL IN 2020.

IT'S A STEP THAT'S NOW HELPING IDAHO FAMILIES ACCESS THE SERVICES THEY NEED WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES AFFECT IDAHO'S CONNECTION SYSTEM -- CORRECTION SYSTEM, JUDICIAL SYSTEM, HOSPITALS, LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND SCHOOLS.

TODAY WE ARE JOINED BY KRISTA GNEITING, THE BRAVE TEACHER WHO CONFRONTED AND DISARMED THE 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL AL SCHOOL LAST MAY IN RIGBY.

KRISTA CALMLY TOOK THE GUN AWAY FROM A LITTLE GIRL IN CRISIS AND THEN HELD HER IN HER ARMS UNTIL POLICE ARRIVED.

KRISTA, PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> AS YOU KNOW KRISTA CAN ATTEST, THERE'S A STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN SAFE COMMUNITIES AND ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR IDAHOANS OF ALL AGES.

TODAY I AM PROPOSING WE ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS BY INVESTING $50 MILLION TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCESS ACROSS IDAHO.

[APPLAUSE] >> IT IS ONE OF MANY STEPS WE'LL TAKE TO PREVENT TRAGEDY, IMPROVE LIVES, AND MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES SAFER.

ANOTHER AREA WHERE WE'RE MAKING REAL PROGRESS TO IMPROVE SAFETY IS THE TIME IDAHOANS SPEND ON THE ROAD.

LAST YEAR TOGETHER WE PASSED THE LARGEST TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PACKAGE IN STATE HISTORY.

OUR SUSTAIN ONLY TRANSPORTATION FUNDING SOLUTION ADDED HISTORIC AMOUNTS OF -- TO NEW INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND EASE CONGESTION, GIVING ALL IDAHOANS MORE PRECIOUS TIME WITH THEIR FAMILIES.

AND WE DID IT WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

[APPLAUSE] >> BUT WE CANNOT STOP THERE.

THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY OF OUR FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND THE FOLKS WHO WORK IN THE WOODS, DEPENDS ON SAFE, EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.

WE CANNOT CONTINUE OUR RECORD ECONOMIC TRAJECTORY IF OUR LOGGING TRUCKS CAN'T GET ACROSS OLD BRIDGES, IF WE CAN'T GET OUR FARM PRODUCTS TO MARKET.

MY BUDGET INVESTS ANOTHER $200 MILLION IN ONGOING FUNDING TO FULLY ADDRESS OUR KNOWN MAINTENANCE NEEDS LOCALLY AND STATEWIDE.

I ALSO PROPOSE WE INVEST ANOTHER $200 MILLION IN ONE-TIME FUNDING TO CLEAR OUT ONE-THIRD OF THE BACKLOG OF DEFICIENT BRIDGES.

WE HAVE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY FUND KNOWN NEEDS, TO MAINTAIN OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES PERMANENTLY, WITH NO NEW TAXES.

[APPLAUSE] >> I AM UNWILLING TO PUT THE SAFETY OF OUR IDAHOANS, THE MAINTENANCE OF OUR STATE'S ROADS AND BRIDGES, AT THE WHIMS OF THE FEDS.

WE MUST NOT LOOK TO WASHINGTON, D.C., TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS.

LEADING IDAHO MEANS ADDRESSING OUR OWN STATE NEEDS.

TOGETHER, WE'LL SHOW WASHINGTON, D.C., HOW TO TACKLE TRANSPORTATION, BY FULLY FUNDING KNOWN GAPS WITH NO NEW TAXES AND PROVIDING LONG-TERM FUNDING FOR LONG-TERM NEEDS.

[APPLAUSE] >> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE CHALLENGES OF THE PAST TWO YEARS FOR MANY, INCLUDING MYSELF, HAVE DRIVEN US TO MORE FERVENT PRAYER AND FREQUENT PRAYER.

AND A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR CREATOR.

OUT OF THE HARDSHIPS WE HAVE STRENGTHENED.

WE HAVE KEPT THINGS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

WE WON'T SPOIL THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US TO GIVE PEOPLE BACK THEIR HARD-EARNED DOLLARS THROUGH TAX RELIEF AND MAKE HISTORIC INVESTMENTS WHERE THEY MATTER THE MOST.

WE WILL STAY FOCUSED ON LEADING IDAHO.

I WANT TO THANK MY FAMILY FOR THEIR UNWAVERING SUPPORT.

FAMILY IS THE NUCLEUS OF ALL THAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE.

TO OUR FIRST LADY, HER GOOD HEART IS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND PEACE FOR OUR FAMILY AND THE ENTIRE STATE.

TERESA, THANK YOU, AND I LOVE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND I WANT TO THANK YOU, THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO, FOR IDAHO'S SUCCESS.

YOU HAVE PROVEN YOU WILL ALWAYS STAND UP FOR THE STRENGTH AND PROSPERITY OF OUR GREAT STATE.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.

[APPLAUSE] >> YOU JUST LISTENED TO GOVERNORS' STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, KICKING OFF THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

JOINING ME FOR REACTIONS AND ANALYSIS ARE KEVIN RICHERT OF IDAHO EDUCATION NEWS, DR. STEPHANIE WITT OF BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, AND ALEX ADAMS, ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE DIVISION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

ALEX, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO JOIN US.

YOU WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE GOVERNOR TO PUT TOGETHER THIS BUDGET AND THIS SPEECH.

CAN YOU GIVE US THE TOP HIGHLIGHTS THAT THE GOVERNOR ESPECIALLY WANTS TO DRIVE HOME.

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR'S FOCUSED ON LEADING IDAHO.

HE PUT FORTH A BUDGET THAT IS FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE AND PRUDENT TO MAKE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME INVESTMENTS IN IDAHO'S FUTURE.

THE THINGS I WOULD HIGHLIGHT IS THIS BUDGET HAS THE LARGEST INCREASE IN EDUCATION IN STATE HISTORY, THE LARGEST TAX CUT IN STATE HISTORY, THE LARGEST TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IN STATE HISTORY, WHILE STILL HOLDING THE LINE ON SPENDING, WHILE PAYING OFF STATE DEBT, WHILE PUTTING THE STATE ON A PATH TO PUT OFF DEFERRED MAINTENANCE COST, WHILE MAXIMIZING OUR RAINY DAY FUNDS.

THAT'S LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNOR LITTLE IS LEADING IDAHO.

>> I WANT TO ASKING ABOUT HOLDING THE LINE ON SPENDING.

A LINE THAT I NOTED IN THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT HOLDIN THE LINE ON SPENDING BUT YOU'RE ALSO MAKING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INVESTMENTS IN TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION, OTHER AREAS AS WELL AS DOING LARGE TAX CUTS AS YOUMENTSED.

-- YOU MENTIONLED.

ARE THOSE TWO THINGS IN CONFLICT?

>> SO THE ONE THING I WOULD NOTE IS THAT THE GOVERNOR'S APPROACH WAS A LOT OF THE SURPLUS IS ONE-TIME IN NATURE.

IT'S BUOYED BY RECORD AND UNSUSTAINABLE LEVELS OF FEDERAL SPENDING.

SO HE LEVERAGED IT FOR ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS AND THINGS LIKE VETERANS' HOMES AND SENIOR CENTERS AND OTHER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE STATE.

HE HELD THE LINE ON GOINGS.

HE DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE THE HEADLIGHTS OF WHAT MIGHT BE IN FRONT OF US.

SO JUST TO PUT IT IN CONTEXT, WE SAW 23% REVENUE GROWTH LAST YEAR.

THAT'S EQUIVALENT OF FOUR YEARS OF REVENUE GROWTH IN A SINGLE YEAR.

I THINK GOVERNOR LITTLE IS WISE AND PRUDENT TO NOT BANG ON THAT LEVEL OF REVENUE GROWTH IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

>> SO KEVIN, I WANT TO BRING THE CRCHTION TO -- CONVERSATION TO EDUCATION.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST PARTS OF THE BUDGET EVERY YEAR.

THE BIGGEST PART OF THE BUDGET EVERY YEAR.

WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU?

>> WHAT STANDS OUT IN THE BUDGET IS -- IT'S A MIX OF A LOT OF PROPOSALS THAT WE'VE HEARD FROM THE GOVERNOR BEFORE.

I MEAN, HE HAS BEEN STEADFAST ABOUT LITERACY AND WHAT HE'S TRYING TO DO WITH THIS BUDGET.

HE DIDN'T GO INTO A LOT OF THE DETAILS, BUT WHAT HE'S DOING WITH THIS PROPOSED BUDGET IS PUTTING 47 MORE MILLION DOLLARS INTO LITERACY IN THE FORM OF WHAT COULD BE AN ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM IF SCHOOL DISTRICTS DECIDE TO GO THAT ROUTE TO PROVIDING ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN.

THAT'S WHERE YOU GET THAT AND THAT'S BEEN A PRETTY WIDELY DISCUSSED IDEA THESE PAST FEW MONTHS, AND I THINK WIDELY DISCUSSE ISSUE THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS THECISION UNFOLDS.

A LOT OF MONEY INTO TEACHER'S SALARIES.

HE DIDN'T GO INTO DETAILS, BUT THE UPSHOT OF WHAT'S IN THE BUDGET IN TERMS OF TEACHER PAY IS A PLAN THAT WOULD BASICALLY PROVIDE TWO YEARS' WORTH OF PAY RAISES, TWO YEARS' WORTH OF FUNDING HROUGH THE YEAR LADDER IN ONE YEAR AND THAT'S A COMBINATION OF STATE FUNDS AND ALSO INTERESTINGLY, SOME FEDERAL MONEY.

SOME FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID IN THAT AS WELL.

>> LET'S GET INTO THE SPECIFICS ON THAT TEACHER PAY PLAN.

GOVERNOR LITTLE'S BUDGET WOULD INCREASE THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS' GENERAL FUND CONTRIBUTION BY ABOUT $300 MILLION, WITH AN 11% GENERAL FUND INCREASE.

IT WOULD ALSO ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTACE OF THE CAREER LAD -- IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CAREER LADDER, MEANING THAT TEACHERS WOULD BE SEEING 10% INCREASE ON AVERAGE.

AND THERE'S ALSO A 5% INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR CLASSIFIED STAFF.

WE'RE TALKING CUSTODIANS, KITCHEN MANAGERS, SECRETARIES, THAT SORT OF THING.

IS THAT ENOUGH TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE CRITICAL STAFF SHORTAGES THAT IDAHO SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN SEEING, ESPECIALLY WITH PANDEMIC ILLNESSES AND CLOSURES?

>> SURE.

REALLY, MELISSA, THIS IS THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION IN STATE HISTORY DOLLAR-WISE, THE LARGEST% INCREASE SINCE 1999.

IN TERMS OF THE CAREER LADDER, GOVERNOR LITTLE LET OUT ON THAT% TWO YEARS AGO.

WE PASSED A BILL THAT WILL LAYER TEACHER INCREASES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

MARKETS CHANGED SINCE THE GOVERNOR PASSED THAT BILL.

THE LABOR MARKET HAS TIGHTENED THE INFLATION -- TIGHTENED.

INFLATION HAS GONE TO A RECORD LEVEL.

HASN'T BEEN THIS HIGH IN 40 YEARS.

SO CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED.

THE GOVERNOR REFLECTED THAT BY SAYING WE NEED TO ACCELERATE THE CAREER LADDER.

10% PAY BUMP WILL BE ONE OF THE LARGEST IN STATE HISTORY FOR TEACHERS AND THIS WILL CRITICAL.

BUT THE OTHER THING IS THE GOVERNOR IS PUTTING 105 MILLION TO TEACHER HEALTH INSURANCE AND THAT ALSO BENEFITS ANYONE WHO WORKS IN THE SCHOOL, FROM THOSE WHO WORK IN SCHOOL INTO TWRITION TO THE JAN -- NUTRITION AS TO THE JANITORS.

THE STATE IS PUTTING $4,000 MORE A YEAR TO EACH OF THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS.

THAT ALLOW THEM TO HAVE BETTER COVERAGE AND LOWER COSTS.

THAT MEANS MORE MONEY BACK IN THE POCKETS OF ANYBODY WHO WORKS IN A SCHOOL BY HAVING THE LARGER SHARE OF THEIR BENEFITS COST COVERED BY THE STATE.

SO BETWEEN THE PAY AND BENEFITS, I FEEL CONFIDENT IN SAYING THIS IS THE LARGEST IN THE UNITED STATES HISTORY.

>> WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE $47 MILLION IN ONGOING FOR LITERACY PROGRAMS.

THERE'S A LOT OF LOCAL CONTROL THAT IS BUILT INTO THAT PROPOSAL.

IS THERE ACCOUNTABILITY BUILT INTO THAT PROPOSAL TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STATE ISN'T THROWING MONEY AT A PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY REAL METRICS FOR SUCCESS?

>> LAST YEAR THIS LEGISLATURE PASSED AND THIS GOVERNOR SIGNED A BILL THAT'S CALLED THE LITERACY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.

SO I THINK IT'S SAFE TO SAY THERE ARE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES THAT ARE BUILT INTO THIS.

SINCE THE GOVERNOR TOOK OFFICE, HE WOULD HAVE -- IF THIS PASSES HE'S INCREASED THE LITERACY ITEM FIVEFOLD.

THIS ADDS 47 MILLION ON TOP OF THIS.

THIS IS ENSURING THAT COOLS HAVE -- SCHOOLS HAVE THE RESOURCES TO HAVE ALL KIDS READING BY THIRD GREAT.

THAT'S ONE OF THE INFLECTION POINTS.

THE EVIDENCE BEARS THAT.

YOU'LL HAVE MORE SUCCESS IN LIFE IF YOU'RE READING AT THIRD GREAT.

WE WANT TO SET UP THE CHILDREN FOR LIFE LONG SUCCESS.

>> SO MANY OF THESE CONVERSATIONS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AT THE LEGISLATURE.

ONE OF THE PROPOSAL IN GOVERNOR LITTLE'S KNOWLEDGE IS $5 MILLION FOR EMPOWERING PARENTS GRANT.

PITCHED AS A WAY TO HELP FAMILIES PAY FOR EDUCATION COSTS.

THIS BUILDS ON A PANDEMIC-RELATED PROGRAM THAT HELPED PARENTS WITH SOME OF THE AT-HOME LEARNING COSTS.

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING TO SEE THAT CONVERSATION FURNISH INTO?

>> -- TURN INTO?

>> I WOULDN'T IMAGINE THERE'S A LOT OF DEBATE ABOUT THE NEED FOR THE MONEY.

THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE.

THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT DOUBLING DOWN ON A LOT OF THINGS.

THIS IS ANOTHER PROGRAM WHERE HE'S DOUBLING DOWN.

IN 2020 HE HAD A PROGRAM, A $50 MILLION GRAND PROGRAM THAT WAS FEDERALLY FUNDED THAT WAS RIDELY SUCCESSFUL.

THE STATE -- WIDELY SUCCESSFUL.

THE STATE HAD MORE APPLICANTS FOR THE MONEY THAT THE STATE COULD HAVE ENVISIONED.

A LOT OF PARENTS WANTING THE MONEY TO PAY FOR BROADBAND OR A CHROME BOOK.

AND THIS IS FEDERAL MONEY, ONE-TIME FEDERAL MONEY TO PUT ANOTHER $50 MILLION INTO GRANT.

WHAT THE GOVERNOR ISN'T TALKING ABOUT YET AND WHAT WILL BE REALLY INTERESTING TO SEE IS EXACTLY WHERE WOULD THAT MONEY GO.

IT MIGHT NOT JUST GO INTO -- INTO LAPTOPS OR INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN THE HOUSEHOLDS.

THE ISSUE THAT WAS REALLY HOTLY CONTESTED ON THIS LAST YEAR WAS WHETHER THAT MONEY SHOULD ALSO GO INTO SCHOLARSHIPS, TO ALLOW PARENTS TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO PRIVATE SCHOOL.

THAT'S AN EXTREMELY CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC.

THAT GETS YOU INTO A LOT OF CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS IN TERMS OF IS THIS A BACK DOOR SCHOOL VOUCHER PLAN.

THAT WILL BE I THINK THE STICKING POINT IN THE DEBATE, IS WHERE DOES THIS MONEY GO AND HOW DOES THAT SCHOLARSHIP/VOUCHER PROPOSAL FIT INTO THE MIX OR NOT FIT INTO THAT MIX.

>> THIS IS ALL CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION.

WE HAVEN'T EVEN TOUCHED ON HIGHER EDUCATION, NOT MUCH MENTIONED OF HIGHER ED IN THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH, DR. WITT.

BUT THERE ARE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS THAT WE HAVE IN FRONT OF US.

WE KNOW THAT THERE'S A 7.1% PROPOSED BUDGET INCREASE FOR UNIVERSITIES.

A 4.8% INCREASE FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE LOOKING FOR THIS SESSION IN THOSE DEBATES?

>> WELL, HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD PROBABLY FEEL HAPPY IF THEY GET AWAY WITHOUT MORE CUTS AFTER LAST SESSION.

IT WAS NOT A GOOD SESSION FOR HIGHER ED.

HOPEFULLY THAT INCLINATION IS SOFTENED AND GONE AWAY.

I THINK THIS 7.1% INCREASE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IS SIZABLE AND IMPORTANT.

AND IT DOES A VERY IMPORTANT THING.

IT IS SHIFTING SOME OF THE COSTS OFF OF THE BACKS OF THE PARENTS AND FAMILIES AND STUDENTS WHO ARE PAYING TUITION, WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY TO RECOUP THOSE INCREASED COSTS, AND KEEPING IT AT THE STATE.

AND I THINK THAT HIGHER ED FIGURES INTO ALL OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOPES AND DREAMS.

WE NEED THOSE UNIVERSITIES WORKING.

SO I'M PLEASED NOT ONLY SELF-INTERESTEDLY THAT THERE'S A PROPOSED INCREASE, BUT JUST ON BEHALF OF THE STATE.

>> LET'S REMEMBER LAST YEAR.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE BUDGET LAST YEAR, THE TWO AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS THAT WAS CUT FROM THE UNIVERSITY BUDGETS OVER THE WHOLE SOCIAL JUSTICE AGENDA DEBATE, HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH BALANCING THE BUDGET.

IT WAS ALL ABOUT POLITICS AND IT WAS ALL ABOUT LEGISLATORS WANTING TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE CAMPUSES, YOU KNOW, SOMEWOULD ARGUE, A PUNITIVE MESSAGE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TERMS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE.

THAT DEBATE IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY.

I THINK WE'LL SEE IT INTENSIFY.

>> ALEX, I'D LOVE YOUR TAKE FROM THE GOVERNOR LITTLE'S INSPECT.

HOW DO YOU -- PERSPECTIVE.

HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THIS PROPOSED BUDGET INCREASE WHEN THERE'S STILL LAWMAKERS WHO ARE INCREDIBLY UNHAPPY WITH IDAHO'S HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES?

>> I THINK THE THING YOU'LL SEE FOR HIGHER ED IS VERY SURGICAL IN APPLYING THE FUNDS.

HE INVESTED IN NUCLEAR EDUCATION.

HE FOCUSED HEAVILY ON EXPANDING CLASS SIZE OF NURSING PROGRAMS AND FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS AND BUILDING A NEW BUILDING FOR THE COLLEGE WESTERN IDAHO THAT WOULD INCREASE EVERYTHING FROM RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS.

SO HE WAS PRETTY TARGETED IN ENSTHIEWRG THAT THESE INVESTMENT -- ENGINSURIG THAT THESE INVESTMENTS ARE IN LINE WITH WHERE THE STATE IS HEADING.

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY'RE GOING BACK TO THE LOCAL CONTROL CONVERSATION, I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE EXPECTING TO HEAR MORE CONVERSATION ABOUT FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN.

AND THERE CERTAINLY WASN'T A MENTION IN THE LITERACY PROGRAM, THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM.

ALEX, IS THIS NOT THE YEAR THAT WE'RE GOING TO SEE A STATEWIDE FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROPOSAL SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE?

>> CURRENTLY UNDER IDAHO LAW, THE PRIMARY WAY THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS USE STATE DOLLARS FOR THE FUNDING OF FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN IS THROUGH THE LITERACY PLAN.

AND WHEN THE GOVERNOR DOUBLED THAT LINE ITEM IN 2019, YOU SAW SCHOOL DISTRICTS LIKE VALLEY VIEW AND NAP PA TURN AROUND AND SAY THEY'RE GOING TO START OFFERING FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN.

SO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS PUT IN THAT LINE ITEM IS IN EK ACCESS OF WHAT -- EXCESS OF WHAT RECENT PROPOSALS FOR FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN HAVE BEEN.

I THINK IT'S SAFE TO SAY THIS WOULD GIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS THE RESOURCES TO OFFER IT OR PROVIDE OTHER THINGS THAT WOULD ADDRESS LOCAL NEED.

READING INTERVENTIONISTS, SUMMER READING PROGRAMS, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

THE FUNDING IS BUILD INTO -- IS BUILT INTO THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET.

>> AND IF NOT THROUGH THE LITERACY DOLLARS, SCHOOLS ARE -- SCHOOLS ARE FORCED TO PAY FOR ALL-TY KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SOME VERY UNPOPULAR APPROACHES, WHETHER IT'S PROPERTY TAXES IN THE FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL LEVEES OR WHETHER IT'S IN THE FORM OF TUITION AND FECES, WHICH ARE NOW -- FEES, WHICH YOU NOW THE SUBJECT OF A LAWSUIT.

THOSE ARE NOT VERY POPULAR, AND NONETHELESS YOU'VE HAD MOST SCHOOL DISTRICTS TRY TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO PROVIDE ALL ALL-KINDERGARTEN BECAUSE PARTS ARE LOOKING LOOKING FOR IT.

>> LESS MOVE ON -- ARE REALLY LOOKING FOR IT.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO TAX CUT.

BOTH LAWMAKERS AND THE GOVERNOR ARE PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT.

ALEX, CAN YOU GIVES THE RUNDOWN ON THE INCOME TAX REDUCTION AND REBATE PROPOSAL?

>> SURE.

YOU HEARD FROM THE GOVERNOR -- [INAUDIBLE] WE'VE GOT IN THIS GOVERNOR'S FIRST TERM, NEARLY A BILLION DOLLARS IN TAXES.

AND HE'S PROPOSING ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

HE PROPOSED THIS THROUGH INCOME TAX RELIEF AND HE'S CALLING FOR 350 MILLION IN IMMEDIATE INCOME TAX REBATES THAT WOULD GO OUT THIS YEAR.

HE SEES THIS COUNTERTO THE SURGING INFLATION UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN AND PUTTING MORE MONEY BACK IN THEIR POCKETS TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH RECORD LEVELS OF INFLATION.

IT WOULD CUT 250 BILLION ONGOING AND GROWING AS THE ECONOMY GROWS.

SO WHAT THE PROPOSAL WOULD DO IS IT WOULD CONSOLIDATE INCOME TAX BRACKETS FROM FIVE BRACKETS TO FOUR.

WHILE LOWERING THE TOP RATE FROM 6.5% DOWN TO 6% FOR BOTH BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS.

THAT WOULD PUT MORE MONEY BACK IN THE POCKET OF WORKING IDAHOANS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR I.

>> THIS MORNING I KNOW A NUMBER OF CONSERVATIVE LAWMAKERS CAME TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT THEIR PRIORITIES FOR THE SESSION.

ONE OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WE HEARD WAS, AGAIN, GETTING RID OF IDAHO'S GROCERY TAX ON FOOD.

IDAHO IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW STATES THAT FULLY TAXES FOOD.

WE HAVE A CLIP FROM THAT PRESS CONFERENCE.

WE CAN GIVE YOU A LOOK.

>> I KNOW A LOT OF AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SEE THAT MONEY AND THEY WANT TO SPEND IT.

BUT I LOOK AT THE TAXPAYERS, THE FORGOTTEN MAN IN IDAHO, AND THEY'RE THE ONES PAYING THE TAXES THAT GENERATE THESE SURPLUS.

OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS TO MAKE SURE THE MONEY BELONGS TO THOSE WHO EARN IT.

AND IT NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO THE TAXPAYERS.

AND ONE OF THE CLEAREST AND OBVIOUS WAYS IS TO REPEAL THE TAX ON GROCERIES.

IDAHO IS ONE OF ONLY FIVE STATES THAT FULLY TAXES GROCERIES.

CONSERVATIVE RED STATE IDAHO IS ONLY ONE OF FIVE STATES THAT FULLY TAXES GROCERIES.% IN FACT, WE HAVE THE THIRD HIGHEST TAX ON FOOD OF ANY STATE IN THE NATION.

THAT SHOULD NOT BE WORKING IN IDAHO.

THE GROCERY TAX IS A REGRESSIVE TAX.

THIS WILL BENEFIT LOWER INCOME FAMILIES MORE THAN UPPER INCOME FAMILIES.

AND IT'S TIME WE REPEALED IT.

>> THAT WAS REXBURG, REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE RONNATE.

I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE NEXT TAX ON THE BORDER COMMUNITIES.

THIS ISN'T A NEW DEBATE THAT WE'VE HAD IN IDAHO.

>> NO.

I'VE BEEN HERE 31 YEARS.

WE'VE TALKED ABOUT REPEALING THE GROCERY TAX THE ENTIRE TIME.

I THINK THAT THIS COULD OFFER -- IF THE GROCERY TAX WAS REPEALED, IT WOULD OFFER SOME RELIEF TO BORDER COUNTIES, LIKE -- FOR EXAMPLE, NEXT TO OREGON WHERE CITIZENS MAY BE DRIVING INTO OREGON TO DO THEIR GROCERY SHOPPING TO AVOID THOSE SALES TAXES.

SO YOU WOULD EXPECT A LITTLE BOUNCE, YOU KNOW, FOR THE IDAHO COUNTIES THAT WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THEIR RESIDENTS HOME SHOPPING.

ANYTIME YOU TALK ABOUT TAX RELIEF, YOU HAVE TO TALK ABOUT WHETHER YOU'RE GOING TO REPLACE THAT MONEY SOMEHOW IN THE BUDGET AND THAT'S AN ONGOING QUESTION.

I WAS KIND OF SURPRISED THIS MORNING TO HEAR THAT STATEMENT ABOUT THE GROCERY TAX REPEAL BECAUSE TYPICALLY, THE GROCERY TAX REPEAL IS SOMETHING PUT FORWARD BY PROGRESSIVES, BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A REGRESSIVE TAX.

IT REALLY PINCHES THE POOR MORE THAN IT DOES THE RICH TO PAY TAXES ON GROCERIES.

AND EVERYBODY HAS TO HAVE GROCERIES, RIGHT?

SO I WAS A LITTLE SURPRISED.

IF SOMETHING COMES UP EVERY YEAR.

OBVIOUSLY THIS WASN'T THE TOP LINE PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNOR.

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CONSERVATIVES HAVE LONG TALKED ABOUT IN IDAHO ALONG WITH A NUMBER OF PROGRESSIVES.

ALEX, I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THAT.

IF A PROPOSAL WERE TO MAKE IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK, WE HE SIGN IT ON GROCERY -- WOULD HE SIGN IT ON GROCER TAX?

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN CLEAR.

HE WOULD SIGN IT.

>> WE HAVE ABOUT EIGHT MINUTES LEFT IN THE SHOW.

AND I WANT TO GET TO TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

IT'S SUCH A CRITICALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PUZZLE FOR THE STATE.

LET'S START WITH TRANSPORTATION.

THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET WOULD FULLY FUND TRANSPORTATION DEFERRED MAINTENANCE WITH $200 MILLION ONGOING INVESTMENT THAT WOULD SEE A 60/40 SPLIT BETWEEN THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

THERE LOOKS LIKE BE WITH A $200 MILLION WRUNS TIME INVESTMENT -- ONE-TIME INVESTMENT TO IMPROVE BRIDGES.

LET'S START ABOUT.

ALEX, AGAIN, THE GOVERNOR -- WHEN HE WAS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, CHAIRED THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE EXPLORING ALL THE ISSUES THAT IDAHO HAD WITH TRANSPORTATION FUNDING.

WE HAVEN'T SOLVED IT YET.

DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS THE YEAR TO GET ENOUGH PEOPLE ON BOARD AFTER YEARS OF TRYING AND NOT GETTING TO THAT DEFERRED MAINTENANCE?

>> AS WE SAID, THIS HAS BEEN A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNOR SINCE HE WAS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND CHAIRED THAT TASK FORCE.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS HE DID IN OFFICE WAS REESTABLISH A TASK TO QUANTIFY WHAT WE WOULD NEED TO ADD IN ONGOING FUNDING TO FULLY MAINTAIN AND REPAIR OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES.

AND THAT STUDY CAME OUT LAST YEAR.

IT WAS THE MOVING IDAHO FORWARD STUDY.

THERE WAS A $240 MILLION ONGOING GAP THAT WAS NEEDED TO REMAINTAIN AND REPAIR LOCAL ROADS.

WE HAD SIGNED SOME BILLS.

THE GOVERNOR HAD SIGNED SOME BILLS THAT CLOSED $40 MILLION FOR THAT GAB.

SO THE ONGOING GAP WAS 200 MILLION.

HE'S PROPOSED FULLY RECOVERING THAT ONGOING GAP AS PART OF THIS BUDGET.

THIS IS A MATTER OF SAFETY AND COMMERCE.

HAVING A STRONG PRORUSS -- ROBUST INFRASTRUCTURE IS KEY TO OUR ECONOMIC POSTERITY.

HE'S ALSO PUTTING $200 ONE-TIME TO LOCAL BIJS -- BRIDGES.

WE HAD WORKED WITH THE LOCAL PARTNERS AND ITD AND THE BACKLOG FOR LOCAL BRIDGES IS ABOUT $600 MILLION.

THOSE ARE BRIDGES MORE THAN 50 YEARS OLD.

THOSE ARE BRIDGES THAT REDATE AND NIXON ADMINISTRATION.

-- PREDATE THE NIXON ADMINISTRATIONS.

THEY HAVE LOAD RESTRICTIONS.

SO -- HELP MAINTAIN AND MAINTAIN A PERIOD OF THAT LOCAL BRIDGE BACKLOG.

>> DR. WILT, WHAT'S TO DOUBT ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL FOR YOU?

>> WELL, I -- I PERSONALLY THINK IT'S GREAT THAT EVERY YEAR I'M USUALLY NOTING, GOSH, WHY AREN'T WE FULLY FUNDING THE BACKLOG AND MAINTENANCE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND HERE WE HAVE A PROPOSAL TO% DO IT.

NOW, PROPOSAL AND THE GOVERNOR -- IN THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH AND ASSIGNED BILLS, THERE'S A LOT IN BETWEEN THREE.

-- THERE.

SO THE LEGISLATURE MAY NOT SEE THIS AS MUCH OF A PRIORITY AS THE GOVERNOR DOES.

BUT I HOPE SO.

YOU AND I TALKED EARLIER.

IT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THE 60/40 SPLIT.

I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS ANOTHER FUNNEL OF MONEY THAT GOES -- THAT'S DIRECTED TO COUNTY THAT IS MIGHT HELP THEM PAY THAT 40% PART.

BUT GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF THE SURPLUS THAT WE HAVE, IT'S CURIOUS THAT WE'RE MAINTAINING THAT 60/40 SPLIT.

I CAN'T SPEAK FOR THE CITIES OR COUNTIES, BUT I WOULD ASSUME THEY MIGHT WELCOME IN HELP -- SOME HELP.

>> ALEX, YOUR TAKE ON THAT.

WHY?

WHEN WE KNOW THAT SOME OF THESE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES AND TAXING DISTRICTS REALLY HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING TO FUND THESE PROJECTS, WHY COULDN'T THAT SPLIT MECHANISM -- WHY CONTINUE THAT SPLIT MECHANISM?

>> WE'RE FOLLOWING THE EVIDENCE OF THE MOVING FORWARD FORWARD STUDS, PUT TOGETHER WITH ACADEMIC EXPERTS AS WELL AS BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY.

AND WHAT THAT STUDY QUANDFIED WAS THE BACKLOG FOR STATE ROADS WAS 126 MILLION AND BACKLOG WAS 909 MILLION.

SO THIS GIVES 80 MILLION TO LOCALS ONGOING.

AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE BILLS THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE ONE THAT HE SIGNED LAST YEAR AIDED THE -- ADDED THE 25 MILLION ONGOING TO LOCAL ROAD MAINTENANCE.

AND THE ONE BEFORE THAT WAS SOMEWHERE LIKE FIVE MILLION.

SO WE FULLY ACHIEVED THE LEVELS THAT ARE IN THE MOVING IDAHO FORWARD STUDY.

SO WE'RE LETTING THE EVIDENCE TAKE US TO THE DESTINATION, NOT SOME ARBITRARY SPLIT.

>> KEVIN, ANOTHER BIG PART OF THIS INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE IS 225 MILLION DOLLARS OF FEDERAL FUNDS TO UPGRADE BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.

THAT'S AT THE DIRECTION OF THE IDAHO BROADBAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

BIG IMPLEMENTAY -- IMPLIATIONS FOR RURALS -- IMPLICATIONS FOR RURAL AREAS.

>> THAT'S SHOWN US BY THE PANDEMIC.

PARENTS AND KIDS AND -- YOU KNOW, DECIDING THAT THIS IS THE WAY THAT THEY WANT TO PURSUE EDUCATION.

SO I THINK THERE'S DEFINITELY MORE FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND THAN MAYBE WE HAD A FEW YEARS AGO.

AND THERE'S -- YOU KNOW, AGAIN, WITH THE 1.9 BILLION DOLLARS SURPLUS, THERE'S THE MONEY THERE.

>> THE GOVERNOR TOUCHED ON A NUMBER OF THINGS, INCLUDING ELECTION INTEGRITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

WATER, INFRASTRUCTURE.

THERE WERE SOME THINGS THAT WE DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT OR AT LEAST NOT VERY MUCH, ALEX.

ONE OF THEM WAS THE HOUSING SHORTAGE IN THE STATE.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAS BEEN A REAL ISSUE WITH RECRUITING WORKERS FOR THOSE JOBS THAT IDAHO HAS PLENTY OF.

DAYCARE SHORTAGES.

NO REAL MENTION OF AVOIDING FUTURE CRISIS STANDARDS OF CARE, WHICH OF COURSE THE STATE WENT THROUGH FOR 70 DAYS THIS PAST FALL.

ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A THANK YOU FOR THE HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE ISSUES THAT WE'VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT, OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST SIX YEARS, ARE WE GONNA HEAR PROTESTS ON HOUSING OR DAYCARE WORKER SHORTAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR?

>> SURE.

SO MELISSA, ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IS PUTTING TOGETHER THE SPEECH EACH YEAR IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU HAVE RELATIVE TO THE AMOUNT OF PRIORITIES THAT YOU HAVE.

SO CERTAINLY DETAILS IN THE OTHER PROPOSALS WILL COME OUT IN THE COMING DAYS.

I KNOW TOMORROW HE'LL BE PRESENTING THE BUDGET COMMITTEE AND WE'LL BE GOING THROUGH MUCH DETAIL SOME OF THOSE PROPOSALS.

I'LL TOUCH ON HOUSING JUST BRIEFLY.

ONE OF THE THINGS THE STATE HAS ACCESS TO THIS YEAR IS MONEY FROM ARPA.

AND THERE'S SOME LIMITED RANGE OF DISCRETION HOW STATES CAN USE THOSE DOLLARS FOR, ONE OF WHICH IS WORKFORCE HOUSING.

THIS IS A TOPIC THE GOVERNOR HAS HEARD FROM QUITE A FEW INDUSTRY LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE.

WHEN I WAS WITH HIM IN ANY CORNER OF THE STATE, HOUSING CAME UP AS AN ISSUE.

IMPEDING THE GROWTH OF OUR STATE AND THE GROWTH OF BUSINESSES.

SO THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING THAT THE LEGISLATURE USE SOME OF THOSE ARPA DOLLARS FOR HOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE U.S. TREASURY.

>> WE HAVE LESS THAN A MINUTE LEFT, KEVIN.

IN THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS OF THE SESSION, WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING TO SEE FROM LAWMAKERS?

>> I THINK IT'S GOING TO START QUICKLY.

ALEX MENTIONED HE'LL BE BEFORE THE BUDGET COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY.

THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT IS MAKING HER BUDGET PRESENTATION ON K-12.

HER INTERPRETATION OF HOW TO FUND ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN OR HER TAKE ON TEACHER SALARIES, THE SESSION IS GOING TO BE IN VERY QUICKLY AND VERY FAST.

>> WE'LL HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

THANK YO SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

AND THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOR A RECAP OF THE FIRST WEEK OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

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