>> PRESENTATION OF "IDAHO REPORTS" ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION,BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO.

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

>> SPECIAL COVERAGE OF GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE'S 2025 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

WE ARE WAITING FOR HIM TO GET STARTED.

JOINING ME FOR LIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SPEECH AFTER IS LAURA WOLF AND STEPHANIE WITT.

KEVIN, AS WE'RE WAITING FOR THE GOVERNOR TO GET STARTED, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE LISTENING FOR?

>> ON THE EDUCATION FRONT THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE CAN BE LISTENING FOR IN TERMS OF FUNDING, IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE OF ADD-ON LUNCH PROGRA, BUT ALSO THE DEBATE ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE AND WHAT MIGHT FORM THAT MIGHT TAKE AND WHERE THE GOVERNOR MAY COME DOWN ON THAT.

>> DR. WITH IT, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE LISTENING FOR IN THE HIGHLIGHTS?

>> WELL, THERE'S A CHANCE FOR THE GOVERNOR TO SIGNAL TO THE LEGISLATURE WHAT HE HOPES TO SEE HAPPENING.

I'M INTERESTED IN THE HIGH POINTS.

>> LORI, YOU'RE RELATIVELY NEW TO THE DIVISION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

CAN YOU GIVE US A PREVIEW OF WHAT WE MIGHT BE HEARING FROM THE GOVERNOR?

>> YEAH.

YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THE SAME THING YOU'VE SEEN FROM THE GOVERNOR OVER AND OVER, AGAIN HIS COMMITMENTS.

IT'S GOING TO BE A CONSERVATIVE BUDGET, STRUCTURALLY BALANCED.

>> I'M GOING TO CUT YOU OFF THERE.

THE GOVERNOR IS ABOUT TO GET STARTED.

LET'S LISTEN IN.

>> MR. SPEAKER, MR.

PRO TEM, MR. PRESIDENT, HONORED LEGISLATORS, MY FELLOW CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, MR. CHIEF JUSTICE, AND MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, MY WIFE TERESA AND OUR FAMILY -- WAVE, YOU GUYS -- MY FRI ENDS, AND MY FELLOW IDAHOANS, JUST TWO MONTHS AGO, ON THE EVE OF A HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, AMERICA TEETERED BETWEEN TWO VERY DIFFERENT FUTURES.

FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AND BEYOND.

ONE FUTURE GUARANTEED THE STATUS QUO -- OUT-OF-CONTROL FEDERAL SPENDING, A LAWLESS OPEN BORDER, SKY-HIGH INFLATION, ONEROUS REGULATIONS AND A DEPRESSED ECONOMY THAT TRAPS FAMILIES' POTENTIAL.

AMERICANS REJECTED THAT FAILED PATH AND INSTEAD RE-ELECTED A MAN WITH A VERY DIFFERENT VISION FOR AMERICA -- DONALD TRUMP.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S VISION FOR AMERICA ACTUALLY LOOKS A LOT LIKE IDAHO.

WITH THEIR VOTES, AMERICANS AFFIRMED WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR COUNTRY AND WHAT IDAHO HAS -- SAFE COMMUNITIES, BUSTLING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, INCREASED INCOMES, TAX RELIEF, FEWER REGULATIONS, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND COMMON-SENSE VALUES.

I AM EXCITED ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S RETURN TO THE WHITE HOUSE.

WE HAVE A RENEWED OPPORTUNITY TO HELP HIM DELIVER RESULTS AND SHOW THE REST OF THE COUNTRY HOW TO DO THINGS RIGHT.

AND THAT STARTS WITH KEEPING PROMISES.

IDAHO'S ELECTED LEADERS HAVE PROMISED AND DELIVERED REAL RESULTS OVER AND OVER AND OVER FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.

I WANT TO CONGRATULATE ALL OUR LEGISLATORS ON THEIR ELECTIONS AND RECOGNIZE THE NEW MEMBERS OF LEADERSHIP IN BOTH PARTIES.

[APPLAUSE] AS A FORMER LEGISLATOR AND MEMBER OF SENATE LEADERSHIP, I UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES AND THE REWARDS OF BRINGING EVERYBODY TOGETHER.

I COMMIT TO ALL MY LEGISLATIVE PARTNERS THAT WE WILL WORK PRODUCTIVELY TOGETHER THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

TOGETHER WE PROMISED IDAHOANS HISTORIC TAX RELIEF AND DELIVERED BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK TAX CUTS FOR IDAHO FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES.

WE DELIVERED PROPERTY TAX CUTS AND A NEW LOWER FLAT INCOME TAX.

WE INCREASED THE GROCERY TAX REBATE.

WE STAND READY TO IMPLEMENT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PROMISED TAX CUTS.

AND MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN CONTINUES THE TREND.

I AM PROPOSING YET ANOTHER ROUND OF TAX RELIEF FOR HARD WORKING IDAHO FAMILIES -- $100 MILLION -- ON TOP OF THE $4.6 BILLION WE HAVE ALREADY GIVEN BACK TO IDAHOANS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

WE ALSO PROMISED AND DELIVERED UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENTS IN SCHOOLS, THE AMERICAN WORKER, WATER, ROADS, FIRE, OUTDOOR RECREATION, AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE, WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

[APPLAUSE] MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN BUILDS ON THOSE INVESTMENTS BY MORE SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS, ON TOP OF THE 80% INCREASE IN STATE FUNDING WE CHAMPIONED FOR EDUCATION SINCE I TOOK OFFICE.

IDAHO OFFERS AN ABUNDANCE OF SCHOOLING OPTIONS FOR EACH STUDENT'S UNIQUE NEEDS.

WE LEAD THE NATION IN EXPANDING AND SUPPORTING PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

I WAS PROUD TO RECEIVE THE NATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL CHAMPION AWARD ON BEHALF OF OUR STATE AFTER WE CUT RED TAPE AND ADDED MORE SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY LAST JUST LAST YEAR.

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE UNQUESTIONABLY POPULAR IN OUR STATE, SERVING ABOUT 30,000 STUDENTS, UP 30% FROM JUST FIVE YEARS AGO.

I SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS BECAUSE THEY OFFER FAMILIES MORE OPTIONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION WHILE PROVIDING TAXPAYERS THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY THEY DESERVE.

WE ARE ALSO ONE OF THE FEW STATES THAT ENABLE PARENTS TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY LIVE.

AND OUR POPULAR EMPOWERING PARENTS PROGRAM OFFERS GRANTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS' EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.

WE ARE A LEADER IN EDUCATION FREEDOM.

I RECOGNIZE THE GROWING DESIRE TO EXPAND SCHOOL CHOICE, ESPECIALLY FOR STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE PHYSICAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS.

I AM RECOMMENDING $50 MILLION TO FURTHER EXPAND EDUCATION OPTIONS FOR IDAHO FAMILIES.

[APPLAUSE] JUST LIKE WE DO WITH EVERY TAXPAYER DOLLAR THAT IS SPENT IN GOVERNMENT, WE WILL ENSURE THERE IS OVERSIGHT IN SCHOOL CHOICE.

WHY?

BECAUSE ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT IS AN IDAHO VALUE, AND IT IS WHAT TAXPAYERS DEMAND AND DESERVE.

AS WE EXPECT THE FOLLOWING FROM OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ANY SCHOOL CHOICE MEASURE I WOULD CONSIDER MUST BE DONE THE IDAHO WAY.

THAT MEANS IT IS FAIR, RESPONSIBLE, TRANSPARENT, AND ACCOUNTABLE.

IT MUST PRIORITIZE THE FAMILIES THAT NEED IT MOST AND IT MUST NOT TAKE AWAY FUNDS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE WILL DO SO WHILE CONTINUING TO PRIORITIZE FIRST AND FOREMOST OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

EQUALLADEQUATELY FUNDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS BOTH OUR CONSTITUTIONAL AND OUR MORAL OBLIGATION, AND WE WILL NOT ABANDON THAT OBLIGATION.

WE HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED TEACHER PAY, HEALTH BENEFITS, INCREASED FUNDING FOR LITERACY, AND BEGAN TO ADDRESS THE LONG STANDING FACILITIES NEEDS IN SCHOOLS ALL ACROSS IDAHO.

HOWEVER, EVEN WITH THE HISTORIC INVESTMENTS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THERE ARE STILL KNOWN GAPS.

MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN INCLUDES OVER $150 MILLION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE LEGISLATURE TO ADDRESS GAPS IN RURAL SCHOOL FACILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOL SAFETY AND LITERACY.

WE ALSO MUST EMBRACE ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO GUARANTEE THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR OUR STUDENTS.

TOGETHER WE WILL ENSURE THE BEST EDUCATION IN IDAHO IS IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.

[APPLAUSE] WE ALSO HAVE KEPT OUR PROMISES TO IDAHOANS BY STANDING UP FOR COMMON-SENSE VALUES.

IDAHO WAS THE FIRST STATE TO TAKE ACTION TO DEFEND WOMEN'S SPORTS.

I'M INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THE BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY'S WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR STANDING UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.

I THOUGHT THAT WOULD GET BARB UP ANYWAY.

GENERATIONS HAVE WORKED HARD TO GUARANTEE OUR GIRLS AND WOMEN CAN PLAY FAIR AND SQUARE.

TO OUR FEMALE ATHLETES, WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR YOU.

WHILE WE'RE ON THE TOPIC OF FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S SPORTS, I'M DISAPPOINTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE VOTER FRAUD DOES EXIST.

AN ELECTION WAS STOLEN.

I'M ASKING THE SPEAKER, THE PRO TEM, TO LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FLAWED VOTING ON THE HEISMAN TROPHY.

[APPLAUSE] REALLY NERVOUS ABOUT THAT PART.

REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR, TWO NATURAL ELEMENTS CONSUMED IDAHOANS' ATTENTION -- WATER AND FIRE.

OUR PHARMACY CONFRONTE FARMERS CONFRONTED A REAL PROBLEM HEAD ON, THE LONG-TERM DECLINE OF WATER IN THE AQUIFER THAT SUSTAINS IDAHO AGRICULTURE.

OUR FARMERS WORKED HARD TO SECURE A NEW WATER DEAL THAT SAFEGUARDS IDAHO'S WATER SOVEREIGNTY.

FRIENDS, LET'S THANK OUR FARMERS.

[APPLAUSE] ALONG WITH OUR CITIZEN LEGISLATORS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SCOTT BEDKE, THEY CRAFTED A NEW PLAN THAT MAINTAINS CONTROL OF OUR WATER DESTINY.

NOT OTHER STATES, NOT THE FEDS, AND NOT THE MEN AND WOMEN IN ROBES.

NO OFFENSE.

MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN KEEPS TACKLE THE BACKLOG OF UNFUNDED WATER PROJECTS BECAUSE SECURING WATER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND PROTECTING IDAHO AGRICULTURE REQUIRES BOTH THE NEW PLAN AND CONTINUED INVESTMENTS THAT HAVE PROVEN TO RAISE THE WATER LEVELS IN THE EASTERN SNAKE PLAIN AQUIFER, THE LIFEBLOOD OF IDAHO AGRICULTURE.

[APPLAUSE] ON THE HEELS OF I DESTRUCT FIFE FIRE SEASON, OUR KEEPING PROMISES PLAN ALSO DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL BONUSES TO HIRE AND RETAIN WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS.

OUR FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS TO PROTECT LIVES, PROPERTY, AND OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.

PLEASE RECOGNIZE A FEW OF THESE TOUGH IDAHOANS WE HAVE WITH US TODAY.

RIGHT UP THERE.

[APPLAUSE] STAND UP.

I'M ALSO ASKING THE LEGISLATURE TO PROPERLY FUND THE FIRE SUPPRESSION ACCOUNT SO THESE FIREFIGHTERS KNOW THAT WE'VE GOT THEIR BACK.

LAST SUMMER I CALLED OUT THE FEDS FOR NOT PUTTING OUT FIRES MORE AGGRESSIVELY.

THE STATE OF IDAHO LEADS ON FIRE AND FOREST MANAGEMENT WHERE THE FEDS HAVE FAILED.

IDAHOANS ARE TIRED OF CHOKING ON SMOKE FOR WEEKS ON END.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO BOLDLY TRANSFORM HOW WILDFIRE AND OUR WESTERN LANDS ARE MANAGED.

[APPLAUSE] HOW ELSE ARE WE KEEPING OUR PROMISES TO IDAHOANS?

WITH MORE PEOPLE TRAVELING IDAHO'S HIGHWAYS THAN EVER BEFORE, WE HAVE RESPONSIBLY CHAMPIONED HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS TO KEEP UP WITH RECORD GROWTH WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

OUR KEEPING PROMISES PLAN KEEPS OUR FOOT ON THE GAS WITH ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR EXISTING ROADS AND BRIDGES AND GIVE PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS -- GET PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS ACROSS OUR STATE SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY.

SPOOKING OF GROWTH, I'VE IDENTIFIED THE SOURCE OF IDAHO'S POPULATION BOOM -- COWS.

FORMER RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA, OREGON AND WASHINGTON.

LAST YEAR, I TOLD YOU WE WOULD BUILD A WALL AROUND IDAHO AND MAKE CALIFORNIA PAY FOR IT.

THIS YEAR, I THINK A CATTLE GUARD WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE AT KEEPING OUT THE COWS.

FOR YOU CITY FOLKS, THAT'S RANCHER STUFF I'LL EXPLAIN LATER.

IT'S TRUE, WE ARE VICTIMS OF OUR OWN SUCCESS.

GROWTH DOES INDEED COME WITH MANY OPPORTUNITIES, BUT IT ALSO COMES WITH CHALLENGES.

THE COST OF OWNING A HOME IS JUST TOO EXPENSIVE FOR TOO MANY IDAHO FAMILIES.

YOU'VE ALL HEARD ME STATE MY GOAL FROM DAY ONE -- TO MAKE IDAHO THE PLACE WHERE OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CHOOSE TO STAY AND FOR THE ONES WHO LEFT TO CHOOSE TO RETURN.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL WHEN HOMEOWNERSHIP IS SO FAR OUT OF REACH.

WE ARE FEELING THE PINCH IN THE HOUSING SUPPLY.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH LEGISLATORS TO REMOVE EVEN MORE REGULATORY BARRIERS AND FURTHER ADVANCE NEEDED PERMITTING REFORMS IN ORDER TO KEEP UP WITH HOUSING DEMAND.

[APPLAUSE] IN 2022, THIS BODY PUT A RECORD AMOUNT INTO WORKFORCE HOUSING, CREATING THOUSANDS OF HOMES FOR IDAHO FAMILIES.

AND OUR KEEPING PROMISES PLANS WILL HELP BUILD EVEN MORE HOMES SO MORE WORKING FAMILIES CAN ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM.

WE ALSO NEED SKILLED LABOR TO KEEP UP WITH THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT.

OUR EFFORTS TO GET MORE IDAHO KIDS INTO THE TRADES IS HELPING.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE NUMBER OF SUBSTITUTION ON TRACK TO A CAREER IS DECLINING, BUT NOT IN IDAHO.

IDAHO IS BUCKING THE TREND.

THANKS TO LAUNCH, WE HAD THE LARGEST COHORT EVER OF STUDENTS ENROLLING IN AN EDUCATION OR TRAINING PROGRAM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.

TWO-THIRDS OF STUDENTS WHO WENT ON TO AN IDAHO SCHOOL LAST YEAR USED A LAUNCH GRANT.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATTENDANCE IS SURGING.

15%.

THOSE ARE REAL RESULTS.

LAUNCH CONVINCED KIDS WHO NEVER WOULD HAVE CONSIDERED TRAINING AFTER HIGH SCHOOL TO GO ON.

MANY OF THESE STUDENTS WILL SUPPORT THE INDUSTRIES THAT HELP US KEEP UP WITH GROWTH, JOBS IN CONSTRUCTION, AUTO TECHNICIANS, PLUMBERS, WELDERS, ELECTRICIANS, AND A HOST OF OTHER PROFESSIONS.

MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN INCREASES CAPACITY FOR WORKING CLASS IDAHOANS TO GET A FAST-TRACK TO A CAREER.

THERE IS ONE MAJOR TAKEAWAY FROM THE HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TWO MONTHS AGO -- THE WORKING PEOPLE OF AMERICA WANT SOMEONE FIGHTING FOR THEM.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HIMSELF SAID, "WE MUST EMBRACE NEW AND EFFECTIVE JOB TRAINING APPROACHES."

MR. PRESIDENT, WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH YOU TO STRUCTURE INNOVATIVE EFFECTIVE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS LIKE IDAHO'S LAUNCH ACROSS THE NATION.

[APPLAUSE] THERE IS NO DOUBT IDAHO IS ON A ROLL.

EVEN ELON MUSK POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY ABOUT IDAHO'S RED TAPE REDUCTION SUCCESSES.

WE KNOW WE HAVE CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S NEW DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY IS ALREADY LOOKING TO IDAHO FOR THE BLUEPRINT ON HOW TO CUT RED TAPE, STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND STREAMLINE GOVERNMENT.

IDAHO STANDS READY TO PARTNER WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, BECAUSE LET'S FACE IT, IDAHO WAS DOGE BEFORE DOGE WAS COOL.

AS THE LEAST REGULATED STATE IN THE COUNTRY, IDAHO HAS AN INCREDIBLE STORY TO SHARE, ONE WORTH REP TAKING ELSEWHERE, INCLUDING WASHINGTON, D.C.

IN THE COMING WEEKS, I WILL HIGHLIGHT ALL THE WAYS IDAHO IS CONQUERING WASTE IN GOVERNMENT, AND SOME BRAND-NEW IDEAS ON REDUCING GOVERNMENT'S FOOTPRINTS IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.

IN THE SPIRIT OF EFFICIENCY, A SURE YOU THIS SPEECH WILL BE ONE OF THE SHORTEST STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESSES IN A LONG TIME.

YOU'RE WELCOME.

AS A NEW ADMINISTRATION TAKES PLACE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, WE WILL KNOW MORE AND WE WILL SEE A MORE SECURE BORDER IS IMMINENT.

AT PRESIDENT TRUMP AND CONGRESS DELIVER ON THEIR OWN PROMISES TO LOCK DOWN THE BORDER, IDAHO STANDS READY TO HELP DEPORT DANGEROUS CRIMINALS HERE ILLEGALLY.

THE IDAHO STATE POLICE JUST WRAPPED UP THEIR FOURTH MISSION TO THE BORDER.

THEY INTERCEPTED DEADLY DRUGS AND APPREHENDED CRIMINALS COMING ACROSS THE OPEN BORDER UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

NO OTHER STATE HAS COMPLETED MORE MISSIONS TO BORDER STATES THAN IDAHO.

[APPLAUSE] AS WE HAVE DONE BEFORE, OUR TROOPERS RETURNED WITH NEW KNOWLEDGE AND WILL TRAIN OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON THE DRUG CARTELS' LATEST TACTICS.

WE HAVE SOME OF THOSE TROOPERS HERE WITH US TODAY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE.

PLEASE STAND.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU GUYS.

MEANWHILE IDAHO IS TAKING EVEN MORE STEPS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

WORKING WITH LOCAL AW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS, WE REDUCED CRIME IN IDAHO BY 17% SINCE I TOOK OFFICE, DESPITE RECORD POPULATION GROWTH.

VIOLENT CRIME IS AT A FIVE-YEAR LOW, AND WE ARE AMONG THE TOP 10 SAFEST STATES.

BUT THERE'S MORE WE CAN DO.

MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN INCLUDES THE ADDITION OF A NEW PROSECUTOR IN NORTH IDAHO WHO WILL SOLELY FOCUS ON PUTTING AWAY DRUG TRAFFICKERS.

[APPLAUSE] UNLIKE DRUG-FRIENDLY STATES INCLUDING OUR NEIGHBORING OREGON, WE ARE SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE TO NEFARIOUS CRIMINALS THAT THE ONLY PLACE THEY'RE WELCOME IN IDAHO IS BEHIND BARS.

[APPLAUSE] WE WILL ALSO SEE THE BENEFITS OF OUR MEANINGFUL INVESTMENTS IN CORRECTIONS.

WE ARE DEMONSTRATING WE CAN BE TOUGH ON CRIME, WHILE ENSURING THOSE WHO WANT TO BE PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY HAVE AN OFFRAMP TO A BETTER LIFE.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAFETY OF AMERICANS, CHINA AND RUSSIAN ARE WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO INFLICT HARM THROUGH CYBER THREATS.

WE ROUTINELY BEAT BACK FOREIGN HACKERS TO PROTECT IDAHOANS' DATA AND THE LEADING EXPERTS AT THE IDAHO NATIONAL LAB CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST SUCH BAD ACTORS, BUT WE WILL DO EVEN MORE TO PROTECT CITIZENS ONLINE.

MY KEEPING PROMISES PLAN REINFORCES OUR STATE'S DEFENSES AGAINST CHINA AND RUSSIAN BY ADDING MORE RESOURCES TO CYBER SECURITY.

[APPLAUSE] MY FRIENDS, I'M EXCITED TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND PICK UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP.

WE STAND READY TO HOLD UP IDAHO AS THE SHINING EXAMPLE OF HOW TO PROPERLY AND MINIMALLY GOVERN.

IT STARTS AND ENDS WITH KEEPING PROMISES TO THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.

AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE 250th BIRTHDAY OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY, WE REFLECT ON WHAT IT MEANS T TO BE AMERICAN.

OUR PAST, OUR FUTURE, IS ROOTED IN FREEDOM AND SELF RELIANCE, WHILE TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER WITH A CONSTANT FAITH IN GOD.

TO THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO, AS YOUR ELECTED LEADERS, WE PROMISE TO CONTINUE GOVERNING RESPONSIBLY AND TO UPHOLD FREEDOM AND COMMON SENSE IN OUR DECISIONS.

LIKE WE'VE DONE TIME AND TIME AGAIN, WE WILL DELIVER ON THAT PROMISE.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.

[APPLAUSE] >> WE JUST HEARD GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, KICKING OFF THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

LORI, WHAT IS THE GOVERNOR'S REQUEST, THE TOTAL REQUEST, AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO PREVIOUS YEARS?

>> SO YEAR OVER YEAR EXPENDITURES, THERE'S AN INCREASE, INVESTING IN EDUCATION, IN INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORTATION.

HE'S FOCUSED ON PUBLIC SAFETY, BUT HE'S ALSO PREPARED TO ISSUE TAX RELIEF AND IN HIS BUDGET HE'S ALSO TRANSFERRING -- ACTUALLY RECORD RESERVE FUNDS IN OUR RAINY DAY ACCOUNTS, UP TOENS $1.4 BILLION IN RESERVES.

>> TO CLARIFY, TRANSFERRING BUDGET MONEY WE HAVE THIS YEAR IN THE 2026 BUDGET TO THE RAINY DAY FUNDS FOR FUTURE USE?

>> UH-HUH.

>> WE HEARD THOSE HIGHLIGHTS.

AS USUAL, EDUCATION IS AT THE TOP OF THE GOVERNOR'S PRIORITY LIST, WITH $150 MILLION IN PUBLIC SCHOOL FENDING, INCLUDING $50 FOR RURAL SCHOOL FACILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.

WHAT MIGHT THOSE INVESTMENTS LOOK LIKE?

>> YEAH.

SO YOU HEARD THE GOVERNOR TODAY, DOUBLING DOWN ON EDUCATION.

HE'S ACTUALLY DELIVERED, SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE, 80% INCREASE IN INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION.

YOU HEARD HIM TALK ABOUT THAT TODAY.

THIS YEAR, WITH THAT ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION, HE KNOWS THAT WE STILL HAVE NEEDS IN RURAL SCHOOL FACILITIES.

WE TOOK A BIG CHUNK OUT OF FACILITIES LAST YEAR.

A LOT OF PROGRESS THERE.

SCHOOLS ARE RECEIVING THEIR MONEY.

IT'S TOUGHER IN RURAL SCHOOLS, BECAUSE OF THEIR ATTENDANCE, THEY HAVE LESS STUDENTS, SO THEY GET LESS MONEY.

BUT A ROOF IS ABOUT THE SAME COST, REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY STUDENTS YOU HAVE.

SO WE NEED TO RIGHT-SIZE THAT.

THE GOVERNOR IS COMMITTED TO THAT.

WE'VE ALSO HAD CALLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OVER AND OVER AGAIN, LOOKING FOR A BILL THAT CAN HELP SUPPORT SCHOOLS IN THAT AREA.

AND THEN YOU HEARD HIM TALK ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY, NOT ONLY IN SCHOOL CHOICE, BUT ALSO IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AND HE WANTS TO SEE LITERACY AND LEARNING ACROSS THE BOARD.

THAT'S WHERE HE WANTS TO SEE INVESTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS, BOTH IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ANY CHOICE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE GIVE STUDENTS.

>> DR. WITT, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS SO MANY TIMES, BUT TALKING ABOUT RURAL SCHOOLS, YOU DON'T HAVE THE ATTENDANCE UNITS THAT HELP FUND ON THE STATE LEVEL, BUT ALSO THE LOCAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS, THERE ARE FEWER OF THEM, AND PROPERTY VALUES VARY FROM DISTRICT TO DISTRICT.

THAT PLAYS INTO HOW THE RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE ABLE TO FUND FACILITIES.

>> WELL, PRIOR TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECENTLY-ADOPTED PLAN LAST YEAR TO ADD STATE MONEY FOR FACILITIES, 100% OF THE COST OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND REMODELED, THAT KIND OF THING, FELL TO LOCAL TAXPAYERS.

SO WHEN YOU HAVE FEWER LANDOWNERS AND A POTENTIAL THAT YOUR WHOLE OF YOUR PROPERTY TAX VALUE IS NOT GOING TO GENERATE VERY MUCH, IT'S DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP.

YOU KNOW, THERE'S A MARGINAL COST TO HAVING A SCHOOL BUILDING REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY KIDS ARE INSIDE IT, RIGHT?

SO IT'S A TOUGH ONE FOR RURAL DISTRICTS TO COME UP WITH THAT KIND OF TAX REVENUE.

>> IT'S ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE OF TAX BASES IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

BOISE CAN TAX FOR FACILITIES ACROSS A MUCH WIDER SWATH OF PROPERTY.

SILVER SPRINGS HAD A BOND ISSUE FAIL IN NOVEMBER, IT'S TOUGHER, BECAUSE THERE AREN'T AS MANY PROPERTY TAXPAYERS TO GO AROUND.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> DR. WITT MENTIONED THE BILL FROM LAST YEAR, THAT WOULD HELP FUND SOME OF THESE DIFFERENT MAINTENANCE NEEDS FOR RURAL SCHOOL FACILITIES.

WHERE ARE WE ON THAT NOW?

>> WELL, WHAT WE'VE SEEN, WE'VE SEEN THE MONEY STARTING TO ROLL OUT.

WE'VE SEEN -- I BELIEVE RIGHT NOW PROBABLY MOST, IF NOT ALL OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR 10-YEAR PLANS, EXPLAINING WHAT THEY FEEL THEY NEED IN TERMS OF FACILITY NEEDS.

I THINK WHAT YOU HEARD TODAY, WE PUT ALL THIS MONEY IN, NOW WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S WORKING ACROSS THE BOARD.

IS IT WORKING PROPERLY FOR THE SMALL DISTRICTS AS WELL AS THE LARGER DISTRICTS.

>> MELISSA, I THINK JUST TO ADD ON TO THAT, I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE GOVERNOR RECOGNIZED IN THIS BUDGET.

SCHOOLS ARE STARTING TO GET THAT FUNDING.

I REMEMBER LAST YEAR KEVIN TALKED -- I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THAT CAFETERIA, BUT IT'S A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A RURAL DISTRICT THAT DID GET FUNDING THROUGH THE MODERNIZATION FUNDING.

THERE'S STILL SHORT FUNDING.

THE RURAL SCHOOLS HAVE A HARDER TIME, EVEN IF THEY CAN PASS A BOND, TO GET THE FACILITIES FIGURED OUT.

THAT'S WHY HE'S PRIORITIZING A LOOK AT RURAL SCHOOLS THIS YEAR.

>> TO REMIND VIEWERS OF WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT LAST YEAR WITH THE SALMON SCHOOL DISTRICT, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A FACILITY THAT WAS IN SUCH ROUGH SHAPE, IT HAD A LEAKY ROOF, AND I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LIST OF MAINTENANCE ISSUES THAT THE SCHOOL HAD, BUT IT DIDN'T SOUND LIKE A SAFE PLACE TO BE TEACHING STUDENTS.

>> EXACTLY.

I THINK, YOU KNOW, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THEY HAVE TO HAVE A SAFE AND GOOD LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR THEM TO GET OUTCOMES.

THAT'S WHY THERE'S MORE FUNDING GOING TOWARD THAT.

>> THERE'S AN EQUITY ISSUE, TOO, RIGHT?

THERE ARE DISTRICTS IN THE STATE WHERE THE PATRONS HAVE VOTED TO HAVE BONDS AND TAKE ON THAT ADDITIONAL TAX.

OTHER DISTRICTS THOSE HAVE NOT SUCCEEDED, RIGHT?

SO WHAT IS THE FAIR THING TO DO?

ARE WE REWARDING DISTRICTS WHO COULDN'T GET THEIR PATRONS TO VOTE YES AT THE ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH APPROVAL THRESHOLD WE HAVE OR ARE WE DIVVYING UP THE MONEY WE HAVE NOW IN A MORE FAIR WAY?

>> THE GOVERNOR MADE INTERESTING COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ON FRIDAY DURING THE LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW.

HE TALKED ABOUT THE FACILITIES PROGRAM.

HE SAID WE WANTED TO MAKE IT FAIR, FAIR FOR RURAL DISTRICTS, BUT NOT SO FAIR THAT THE DISTRICTS ARE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO -- FIND SOME EFFICIENCIES AND COST SAVINGS WITHIN THEIR OWN BUDGETS.

>> AND IT'S A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY WILL TO PASS THESE, WHICH IS A HIGH THRESHOLD FOR A LOT OF THESE DISTRICTS.

BUT HOW MUCH DOES FAIRNESS PLAY INTO IT WHEN THERE'S A STATE CONSTITUTION MANDATE FOR EQUITABLE PUBLIC EDUCATION?

YOU KNOW, DO YOU PUNISH THOSE STUDENTS BECAUSE THE TAXPAYERS, THE VOTING CITIZENS OF THAT DISTRICT, SOME OF WHOM DON'T HAVE KIDS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOTE NO?

>> WELL, JUST BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A KID IN THE DISTRICT DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T BENEFIT FROM THE SCHOOLS, RIGHT?

I NEED THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO FIX MY CAR, DO MY TAXES, TEACH MY -- YOU KNOW, THE GENERATIONS TO COME ALL THE WORKFORCE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING.

WE ALL NEED EDUCATED IDAHOANS.

AND SO JUST BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A KID IN SCHOOL DOESN'T MEAN THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO RECOMMENDED A 5% RAISE FOR ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS, CLASSIFIED STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS, AS WELL AS $28 MILLION TO ENSURE TEACHERS REMAIN AT THE STATE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR THE INSURANCE PLAN.

KEVIN, TEACHER RETENTION HAS LONG BEEN AN ISSUE IN IDAHO.

THE STATE HAS TACKLED IT IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, TRYING TO GET THOSE LEVELS UP TO AT LEAST OUR NEIGHBORING STATES, THE COST OF LIVING.

>> IT FEELS LIKE WHAT WE'RE ENTERING RIGHT NOW IS A NEW CHAPTER IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO INCREASE TEACHER PAY.

I MEAN, THIS IS A -- WE'RE OUT OF THIS ERA OF THE CAREER LADDER PROGRAM, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED 10 YEARS AGO, I THINK.

DATING MYSELF RIGHT NOW.

10 YEARS AGO THIS WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE.

NOW WE'RE TRYING IT, NOW IT'S PART OF THE CEC.

5% CEC IS -- I'D HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK -- THAT'S A FAIRLY ROBUST CEC ACROSS THE BOARD FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES.

INFLATION PROBABLY DRIVING THAT 5% REQUEST.

INTERESTING TO SATISFY HOW THE LEGISLATURE VIEWS THAT FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES, BUT NOW FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AS WELL.

>> CEC MEANS CHANGE IN EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION.

BASICALLY A PAY RAISE, RIGHT.

IS THE GOVERNOR WORRIED ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE BUYING INTO THIS 5% PAY INCREASE FOR STAMOS?

STATE EMPLOYEES?

>> WE'VE HEARD FOR CAREERS YEARS, AND THE CEC COMMITTEE WILL HEAR FROM HUMAN RESOURCES WITH THE CHALLENGES WE CONTINUE TO CENTER.

THE PUTTING THIS IN THE BUDGET SHOWS HIS COMMITMENT TO TEACHERS, SHOWS HIS COMMITMENT TO STATE EMPLOYEES.

IF WE'RE GOING TO OFFER AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT WE HAVE TO HAVE GOOD EMPLOYEES AND WE NEED TO KEEP THEM.

>> THERE'S ALSO $50 MILLION SET ASIDE TO SUPPORT PUBLIC MONEY GOING TO PRIVATE SCHOOL EXPENSES.

AS LONG AS IT'S, QUOTE, FAIR, RESPONSIBLE, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE'LL ONLY CONSIDER A SCHOOL CHOICE PROPOSAL THAT MEETS THE SAME STANDARDS WHILE PRIORITIZING THE FAMILIES THAT NEED IT THE MOST.

KEVIN, TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE HE HAS HIS VOT VETO STAMP READY FOR ANY SCHOOL CHOICE, TAX CREDIT, OR VOUCHER PROPOSAL, THAT DOESN'T MEET THOSE CRITERIA.

>> IT DOES GIVE HIM A LOT OF LEEWAY TO SAY THIS DOESN'T MEET THE GUIDELINES THAT I SET OUT THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION.

INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT PROPOSAL GETS THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE, ASSUMING ONE DOES, AND HOW IS THAT VIEWED BY THE GOVERNOR IF IT REACHES HIS DESK.

THERE'S A LOT THERE.

I'M SURPRISED, IN THE SENSE THAT ON FRIDAY, WHEN WE MET WITH REPORTERS, THE GOVERNOR WAS VERY NONCOMMITTAL ABOUT ANYTHING REGARDING PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE.

HE'S BEEN PRETTY NONCOMMITTAL ABOUT THIS FOR THE FIRST SIX YEARS HE'S BEEN IN OFFICE.

50 MILLION SET ASIDE IN THE BUDGET IS A BIT OF A SURPRISE.

>> NOT JUST NONCOMMITTAL, BUT AS HE SAID IN TODAY'S SPEECH, IDAHO HAS A LOT OF GREAT SCHOOL CHOICE.

>> HE REPEATED THAT MESSAGE AGAIN.

AN INTERESTING PHRASE IN HIS SPEECH -- THERE WASN'T A LOT TO SPARE IN THE SPEECH, ONLY A 22-MINUTE SPEECH, HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO SAY THAT HE WANTS TO ENSURE THE BEST CHOICE FOR CHILDREN IS STILL THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

I DON'T THINK THAT WAS A THROW-AWAY LINE.

THAT WAS PERHAPS A MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS SAYING I'M WILLING TO LOOK AT THIS, PUT SOME MONEY ASIDE, I DON'T THINK WE NEED IT AS A PANACEA TO ADDRESS ANY AND ALL ISSUES LEGISLATORS MIGHT HAVE WITH EDUCATION IN IDAHO.

>> I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE GOVERNOR WAS DOING WITH THIS BUDGET PROPOSAL.

HE CARES ABOUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUT HE CARES ABOUT EDUCATION OPTIONS AND OUTCOMES.

WHAT HE WANTS TO SEE ARE STUDENTS BEING ABLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND HAVE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES.

HE RECOGNIZED THAT THERE ARE SOME WITH, YOU KNOW, PHYSICAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES THAT AREN'T ABLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THAT'S WHY HE'S OPEN TO OPTIONS.

BUT AGAIN, I THINK HE'S DOUBLING DOWN SAYING, YOU KNOW, PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHOULD BE THE PLACE WHERE OUR KIDS CAN GET THE BEST EDUCATION.

>> THIS IS HIS SEVENTH STATE OF THE STATE.

WHY IS THIS THE YEAR?

>> WE SAW IT FROM PARENTS.

WE SAW IT IN THE ELECTION RESULTS.

IT WAS A RESOUNDING, I THINK, TOPIC THAT INDIVIDUALS WERE TALKING ABOUT.

AND WE'VE HAD LEGISLATORS WHO HAVE TRIED TACKLING SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

I THINK THEY SEE THIS AS A PATH TO OFFER SOME OF THOSE OPTIONS FOR SOME OF THE STUDENTS THAT CAN'T -- MAYBE AREN'T AS SUCCESSFUL IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND WANTS TO MAKE SURE THEY TOO HAVE A PATHWAY TO GRADUATING AND CAREER.

>> AND NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO THE CONVERSATION LEADING UP TO THIS SESSION, THERE'S ALREADY A PROPOSAL READY FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO HEAR.

THIS MORNING A REPRESENTATIVE UNVEILED A PITCH FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL EXPENSES THAT FAMILIES MIGHT INCUR.

>> WE WILL AGAIN BE BRINGING A BILL VERY SIMILAR TO THE ONE WE RAN LAST YEAR, WHICH WAS A REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT.

THAT BILL WILL -- WE WILL BRING FORWARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THIS SESSION.

IT ALLOWS A PARENT TO RECEIVE A REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT FOR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE INCURRED UP TO $5,000 PER CHILD, $7500 IF THEIR CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS IN A NONPUBLIC SCOOTING, WHETHER THAT IS A PRIVATE SCHOOL, A MICRO SCHOOL, A LEARNING POD OR HOMESCHOOL.

AVAILABLE TO ALL OF THOSE OPTIONS.

AN ELIGIBLE STUDENT WILL BE AN IDAHO RESIDENT, 5-18, UNLESS YOU'RE SPECIAL NEEDS, AND IT WILL BE 5-21.

QUALIFIED EXPENSES ARE WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT.

TUITION AT A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL, INCLUDING MICRO SCHOOLS AND LEARNING PODS, TUTORING, NATIONAL COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTS, AP EXAMS, PREP COURSES, TEXTBOOK, CURRICULUM, AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS THIS YEAR.

>> THE PROPOSAL GIVES PRIORITY TO STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES ARE BELOW 300% OF THE POVERTY LEVEL.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS MUST TEACH CERTAIN CURRICULUM TO BE ELIGIBLE, INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE, MATH, AND SOCIAL STUDIES, CAPPED AT $50 MILLION.

REPRESENTATIVE HORMAN SAYS IT DOESN'T TAKE AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL BUDGET.

KEVIN, DO WE KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL YET TO SAY IF IT MEETS GOVERNOR LITTLE'S CRITERIA?

>> THAT'S THE $50 MILLION YES HERE.

THE FIGURES LINE UP.

THEY'RE BOTH TALKING ABOUT A LINE ITEM, BUT MAKING SURE IT'S FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE, THAT IS -- THAT LEAVES A LOT OF ROOM FOR INTERPRETATION AND DEBATE.

THIS IS GOING TO BE THE DEBATE OF THE SESSION, I THINK.

>> RIGHT.

WHOSE DEFINITION OF FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE?

WHEN I LOOK AT TRANSPARENCY, I HAVE A DIFFERENT DEFINITION THAN MAYBE SOME PUBLIC DEFINITIONS.

>> WHICH DEFINITIONS WIN THE DAY OVER THE NEXT THREE PASSES WILL DETERMINE WHAT PASSES, OR IF ANYTHING PASSES AT ALL.

>> DO WE KNOW IF IS THIS PART OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION?

WE ALREADY HAVE A LOT OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY ABOUT EDUCATION.

IS THIS TYPED ON TO THE OUTSIDE OF THAT OR EXEMPT OR DOES ANYONE KNOW?

>> AND WHAT PRIVATE EDUCATION GROUPS SUPPORT THAT?

WOULD THEY WANT TO GO DOWN THAT ROAD, ACCEPT THAT LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS KIND OF STATE FUNDING SUPPORT.

A LOT TO PLAY OUT HERE IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.

>> SO MANY STAKEHOLDERS, NOT JUST EDUCATORS, BUT ALSO HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES AND FAMILIES WHO ALREADY HAVE STUDENTS IN PRIVATE SCHOOL.

AND ALSO THIS PROPOSAL DOESN'T MEAN THERE WON'T BE COMPETING PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING BILLS THAT GO IN FRONT OF THE LEGISLATURE.

>> WE'VE HEARD RUMBLINGS THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE BILLS IN THE HOPPER.

I HAVE TO BELIEVE WE'LL SEE A VARIETY OF PROPOSALS BEFORE THIS SESSION WINDS UP.

>> BEFORE WE MOVE ON FROM EDUCATION, I DO HAVE TO MENTION THE LAUNCH.

THE GOVERNOR TOUTED HIS SUCCESS IN THIS PROGRAM THAT HE INTRODUCED TWO YEARS AGO.

THIS HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF HIS SCOND TERM.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE SOME OF THE OUTCOMES.

I THINK WHEN WE WE GO BACK, WHAT PROBLEM WERE WE TRYING TO SOLVE WHEN WE PUT LAUNCH IN PLACE, WE'RE DOING WHAT WE WANTED IT TO DO, GETTING OUR KIDS TRAINED.

FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH WE HAVE TO HAVE PEOPLE READY TO FILL THOSE JOBS.

THIS IS A PIPELINE.

IT'S IMPORTANT.

AS YOU HEARD FROM THE GOVERNOR, HE'S INVESTING AN ADDITIONAL $25 MILLION TO GO TOWARD THESE PROGRAMS, NOT TOWARD LAUNCH GRANTS, BUT TO THE PROGRAMS TO HELP BUILD THEM OUT.

GET MORE SEATS.

THE DEMAND IS OUT THERE.

I KNOW IN ONE SCHOOL THEY CAN TRAIN ABOUT 64 NURSES.

THEY HAVE ABOUT 160 ON A WAIT LIST.

SO MORE PEOPLE WANTING TO GO THROUGH.

WE ALL KNOW RELIEF WE HAVE A NURSING SHORTAGE.

AGAIN, IT'S THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT THAT THIS PROGRAM GIVES.

WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE IT'S WORKING.

>> IT'S LIKE A BOTTLENECK, THOUGH.

SO MANY STUDENTS.

WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE GO-ON RATE FOR SO LONG NOW.

WHEN GOVERNOR LITTLE WAS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, THAT WAS HIGH ON HIS PRIORITY LIST, HELPING TO GET THAT GO-ON RATE UP, BUT MAKING SURE THERE'S SPOTS FOR STUDENTS TO GO IS A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION AS WELL.

>> IT'S ANOTHER CASE OF HOW YOU DEFINE THINGS IS GOING TO DETERMINE WHICH NARRATIVE WINS OUT THIS SESSION.

THE GOVERNOR TODAY DEFINED SUCCESS OF THE LAUNCH PROGRAM IN TERMS OF THE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT NUMBERS WE SAW THIS FALL.

ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE STUDENTS WHO WENT TO SCHOOL THIS FALL ARE USING LAUNCH DOLLARS.

THE INCREASE IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT.

WHEN THE HOUSE SPEAKER TALKED ABOUT LAUNCH ON FRIDAY, THE LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW, HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE'S LOOKING FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PROGRAM THAT'S ROUTING A LOT OF STUDENTS, OR A VAST MAJORITY OF STUDENTS INTO COLLEGE.

HE WANTS TO SEE AN EMPHASIS ON SHORT-TERM JOB TRAINING, ONE OR TWO-YEAR PROGRAMS, NOT NECESSARILY INCREASES IN FOUR-YEAR ENROLLMENT, OR EVEN TWO-YEAR ENROLLMENT.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHERE THE LEGISLATURE COMES IN AND WHAT LAUNCH LOOKS LIKE AT THE END OF THE HAVE EMOTION.

>> THE FLIP SIDE OF THAT, OF COURSE, IS YOU NEED TO GO ON TO TWO OR FOUR-YEAR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ORDER TO BE A NURSE OR A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

THAT'S THE -- ONE OF OUR MAJOR NEEDS AS A STATE.

>> I THINK OUR ECONOMY DRIVES SOME OF THIS, RIGHT?

WHAT JOBS DO WE NEED WITH THE GROWTH THAT WE'RE SEEING?

AND IT'S ACROSS THE BOARD.

I MEAN, WE DO NEED, EVERYTHING FROM WELDERS TO ELECTRICIANS TO PLUMBERS TO LINEMEN.

WE HAVE SHORTAGES IN SOME OF THOSE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS, AND ENGINEERS.

WE HAVE TO HAVE PIPELINES TO ALL OF THOSE JOBS IF WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE AT THIS GROWTH.

>> THE GOVERNOR ALSO MENTIONED SETTING ASIDE $100 MILLION FOR TAX RELIEF, WHATEVER THAT MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

DIRECTOR, CAN YOU TELL US IF HE HAS A PREFERENCE?

>> SO THE GOVERNOR LOVES TAX RELIEF.

YOU CAN SEE THAT IN HIS RECORD, $4.6 BILLION SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE.

THIS WILL ADD ANOTHER $100 MILLION.

HE WANTS TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION.

HE WANTS TO DO BEST FOR IDAHO FAMILIES, WHAT THEIR PRIORITIES ARE, AND HE'S WILLING TO WORK WITH THE LEGISLATURE SETTING THIS MONEY ASIDE FOR TAX RELIEF AND PUT IT BACK IN A MEANINGFUL WAY IN THE WALLETS OF IDAHOANS.

>> LAWMAKERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, AND ALONG THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS, BECAUSE, OF COURSE, NO TWO REPUBLICANS THINK ALIKE, AS WE KNOW.

LOTS OF CONVERSATION ABOUT GETTING RID OF THE GROCERY TAX IN IDAHO.

GOVERNOR LITTLE HAS LONG BEEN A SKEPTIC OF THAT.

IS THAT SOMETHING THAT HE WOULD CONSIDER?

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR SAID HE'D SIGN A TAX BILL IF IT GETS TO HIS DESK.

HE WILL WANT TO MAKE SURE IT FITS WITHIN THE BUDGET.

AND HE'S WILLING TO TALK TO HIS LEGISLATIVE PARTNERS.

WHEN YOU ASK HIM, GROCERY, HE'LL SAY YES.

WHEN HE SAYS INCOME TAX, HE'LL SAY YES.

PROPERTY TAX, YES.

EVEN DID SOME STUFF WITH THE CHILD TAX CREDIT.

SO HE'S OPEN.

>> AND THAT'S KIND OF A SURPRISE TO HE MOO, BECAUSE, AGAIN, YOU KNOW, HE'S LONG BEEN A SKEPTIC OF THE GROCERY TAX.

>> WELL, I'M NOT SURE WE SHOULD LOOK FORWARD TO IT PASSING THE LEGISLATURE.

HE MAY NOT HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THIS.

THIS HAS BEEN A LONGTIME NO-GOOD FOR THE SPEAKER.

IN TERMS OF THE GROCERY TAX, I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THEY GET A REDUCTION OR AN ELIMINATION THROUGH.

>> I THINK THERE'S BEEN A LOT -- SORRY.

>> NO.

>> -- A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT THE GROCERY TAX CREDIT, YOU KNOW, THE VALUE OF WHAT THAT DOES, AND WHETHER OR NOT, YOU KNOW, GETTING RID OF THAT CREDIT REALLY IS GOING TO GIVE ANY MORE BENEFIT THAN WHAT WE'RE ALREADY GETTING THE CREDIT.

WE NEED TO INCREASE THE CREDIT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE PAY THAT GROCERY TAX, INCLUDING TOURISTS AND -- >> WHICH WE HAVE MORE AND MORE OF.

>> EXACTLY.

>> RIGHT.

>> GOVERNOR LITTLE HAS BEEN AT THIS FOR A WHILE.

THIS IS HIS SEVENTH RODEO HERE.

I THINK THAT'S EVIDENT IN A LOT OF WHAT WE HEARD IN THIS STATE OF THE STATE.

HE'S OPENED OPTIONS, OPEN DISCUSSION ON WHAT TAX RELIEF LOOKS LIKE.

HE'S OPEN TO DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT FORM A PRIVATE SCHOOL -- PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING LOOKS LIKE, WHETHER IT'S AN EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT, A TAX CREDIT, OR SOMETHING ELSE.

HE'S FLEXIBLE ON WHERE THAT $50 MILLION IN EDUCATION GOES.

DOES IT GO TO RURAL FACILITIES, LITERACY?

THERE'S A LOT OF ROOM TO NEGOTIATE.

I THINK THAT'S DELIBERATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S PART.

HE KNOWS HE HAS TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE LEGISLATURE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S AN OVERWHELMINGLY REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE.

HE HAS TO HAVE GIVE-AND-TAKE.

PRETTY CLEAR HE WAS SENDING THAT MESSAGE THIS AFTERNOON.

>> DIRECTOR, YOU MENTIONED IF THIS WERE TO PASS AT $100 MILLION, THAT WOULD BRING THE TOTAL SINCE GOVERNOR LITTLE TOOK OFFICE, $4.7 BILLION IN TAX CUTS.

SOME WOULD ARGUE THAT COULD GO TO DEFERRED MAINTENANCE OR INFRASTRUCTURE.

WHAT'S THE CALCULUS ON INVESTMENT NEEDS THAT THE STATE HAS, ESPECIALLY AS OUR POPULATION GROWS, VERSUS PUTTING MONEY BACK INTO PEOPLE'S POCKETS?

>> THAT'S THE FUN PART ABOUT PUTTING A BUG TOGETHE, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BALANCE, RIGHT?

YOU SAW IN THIS BUDGET ALREADY TODAY SOME OF THE CRITICAL INVESTMENTS IN THINGS WE HAVEN'T PUT MONEY TOWARD FOR, LIKE ONGOING FUNDING TOWARD WATER, ONGOING FUNDING TOWARD FIRE, MORE MONEY TO EDUCATION, MORE MONEY TO LAUNCH.

HE IS PRIORITIZING THE THINGS THAT MATTER TO IDAHO FAMILIES.

HE'S NOT GOING TO KEEP SPENDING.

HE'LL GIVE SOME BACK.

THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF THIS CONSERVATIVE AND BALANCED BUDGET AND BALANCED APPROACH.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT THAT'S IN THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL.

$30 MILLION FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, ESPECIALLY FOR RECHARGING THE EASTERN SNAKE PLAIN AQUIFER.

IS THIS $30 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING?

>> IT IS.

WE'VE PUT A LOT OF ONE-TIME FUNDING IN OUR SURPLUS FUNDS TOWARD PROJECTS, BUT WHAT WE DO KNOW IS THERE'S A COUPLE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS IN PROJECTS STILL ON THE LIST.

AND, YOU KNOW, WE SAY ALL THE TIME IT'S WHAT WE DO IN THE GOOD TIMES THAT MATTER FOR WHEN THE BAD TIMES COME.

AND HAVING THIS ONGOING FUNDING IN WATER HELPS ACCOMPLISH EXACTLY WHAT THE FARMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS DID IN GETTING THIS PLAN TOGETHER.

IT'S GOING TO HELP US EXECUTE IT.

>> AND TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, WATER IS SO IMPORTANT FOR IDAHO'S ECONOMY, ESPECIALLY IN THE AG SECTOR.

IT'S ALSO ELRA IMPORTANT WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT POPULATION GROWTH.

>> YEAH.

WE'RE FOCUSED TODAY ON THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON WATER, WATER'S IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE, BUT OF COURSE THE BIG USERS OF WATER THAT MAY EDGE OUT AGRICULTURE IN THE YEARS IN THE FUTURE WOULD BE OUR GROWING CITIES, WHO ARE DRAWING FROM THE SAME AQUIFERS IN MANY CASES THAT FARMERS ARE.

AND SO THEY'RE OFTEN JUNIOR TO THE AGRICULTURAL USERS IN WATER RIGHTS, AND SO THAT'S -- THAT'S GOING TO BE A PRESSING ISSUE FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD.

MAYBE NOT TODAY.

>> ANY IDEA HOW THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PART TWO MIGHT PLAY INTO DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND OVER STATE LINES?

BECAUSE OF COURSE THE RIVER DOESN'T STOP FLOWING AT THE IDAHO/OREGON BORDER.

>> YEAH.

I WOULD ASSUME THAT THE SALMON ISSUE WOULD BE BACK UP ON THE AGENDA IN A DIFFERENT WAY THAN IT HAS BEEN UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION, WHERE WE SAW SOME SUPPORT FOR REMOVAL OF THE LOWER SNAKE RIVER DAMS.

I'M NOT CERTAIN THAT WILL EXTEND INTO THE NEW TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AT ALL.

AND OF COURSE OUTSIDE OF IDAHO THE MAJOR WESTERN REGIONAL WATER ISSUE IS THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN.

AND THERE'S BEEN A MULTIPLE DECADE-LONG SET OF AGREEMETS TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO KEEP THAT SYSTEM ALIVE AND THRIVING.

SO MY GUESS IS THAT ANY PROGRESS IN TERMS OF CONSERVATION MAY EVAPORATE, IF I CAN USE A WATER METAPHOR HERE, UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

>> I CAUGHT IT.

I APPRECIATE IT.

VERY GOOD.

THERE ARE ALSO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION IN THIS BUDGET, INCLUDING $50 MILLION FOR BONDING AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION EXPANSION AND CONGESTION MITIGATION, ADDING TO THE $80 MILLION IN BONDING AUTHORITY THAT WE ALREADY HAVE ANNUALLY.

IS THAT GOING TO BE ENOUGH?

>> WELL, AS FAST AS THIS STATE IS GROWING, WE CANNOT IGNORE TRANSPORTATION.

AND IDT WILL ISSUE THEIR LAST BOND SALE THIS SPRING.

THE TIME IS NOW FOR THIS FUNDING IF WE'RE GLOWING TO KEEP UP WITH GROWTH.

WE HAVE BETWEEN $8 BILLION AND $10 BILLION IN EXPANSION PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE, AND WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING.

WE HAVE ALL DRIVEN THE HIGHWAYS OF SOME OF THOSE FAST-GROWING STATES, AND WE'RE FORTUNATE, BUT AGAIN, IT'S LIKE WATER, WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING NOW OR WE'LL REGRET IT IN FIVE, TEN YEARS FROM NOW.

>> THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER PARTS OF GOVERNOR LITTLE'S BUDGET PROPOSAL I DO WANT TO GET TO CHILD WELFARE.

$9.6 MILLION RECOMMENDED TO SUPPORT, QUOTE, PREVENTION AND TRANSFORMATION EFFORTS IN IDAHO'S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

THIS COMES AFTER IDHW DIRECTOR ALEX ADAMS HAS MADE THE REFORMATION OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IN HIS, I THINK, SEVEN, EIGHT MONTHS IN THAT POSITION SO FAR.

HOW DOES GOVERNOR LITTLE'S RECOMMENDATION COMPARE TO WHAT IDHW HAS REQUESTED FOR FOSTER CARE?

>> SO GOVERNOR LITTLE FULLY SUPPORTS DIRECTOR ADAMS AND HIS WORK THAT HE'S DOING IN FOSTER CARE REFORM.

HE'S DOING AN INCREDIBLE JOB.

HE HAS A GREAT PLAN.

BETWEEN THE TIME THE REQUEST WAS SUBMITTED AND THE TIME WE GOT THE RECOMMENDATION DONE, WE WORKED WITH DIRECTOR ADAMS ON SOME ADJUSTMENTS THAT HE WANTED.

HE'S GOING TO GO INTO SOME DETAILS OF THAT WHEN HE PRESENTS THAT BUDGET.

YOU'LL FIND THAT THE FUNDING IS ABOUT THE SAME, MAYBE A LITTLE BIT MORE.

THERE'S A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENCE IN THE FTE, BUT IT DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THE TRAJECTORY AND PRIORITIES OF WHAT HE'S DOING IN FOSTER CARE REFORM.

>> AND AN FTE IS A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE.

>> FUND ONGOING FOR A PHYSICAL BODY IN THAT OFFICE.

>> RIGHT.

>> RIGHT.

>> WHILE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE, WE DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING IN GOVERNOR LITTLE'S SPEECH ABOUT MEDICAID, EITHER MEDICAID EXPANSION OR CUTTING EXISTING PROGRAMS TO CUT COSTS, WHICH HAVE -- THAT'S BEEN SUCH A CONCERN FOR LAWMAKERS OVER THE YEARS, WHETHER IT IS GETTING COSTS DOWN OR PRESERVING THE PROGRAMS THAT IDAHO HAS, AND IN SOME CASES EXPANDING THEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF IDAHOANS.

WHERE IS GOVERNOR LITTLE ON THIS?

>> DIRECTOR ADAMS' BUDGET WAS FULLY RECOMMENDED WITH HIS MEDICAID REQUEST THIS YEAR.

IT'S A MAINTENANCE BUDGET.

HE DID NOT ASK FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS OR MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS.

YOU'LL SEE INCREASES BECAUSE OF RATE CHANGES, BUT OVERALL I KNOW DIRECTOR ADAM HAS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE PUTTING BUDGETS TOGETHER, AND MEDICAID IS ALWAYS THE ONE THAT CAN RUN AWAY FROM YOU REALLY QUICKLY IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL.

I KNOW HE HAS HIS EYE ON MAKING SURE WE CAN CONTAIN THOSE COSTS AND LIMIT GROWTH WHILE MAKING SURE PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE.

>> CAN YOU GIVE US ANY INSIGHT AS TO WHETHER DIRECTOR ADAMS OR GOVERNOR LITTLE ARE TAKING A STEP BACK TO SEE HOW THE SECOND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION APPROACHES MEDICAID?

>> I THINK WE'LL SEE A LOT OF CHANGES AT THE ADMINISTRATION LEVEL.

I KNOW FOR WHEN TRUMP WAS IN OFFICE BEFORE, THEY WERE A LOT MORE OPEN TO WAIVERS AND CHANGES AND FLEXIBILITY IN STATES IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THOSE COSTS.

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.

I KNOW DIRECTOR ADAMS HAS A LIST OF THINGS HE WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH THEM ON.

>> THE GOVERNOR ALSO REQUESTED $850,000 FOR ADDITIONAL MEDICAL RESIDENCY POSITIONS AND HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE RURAL PHYSICIAN INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

THESE RECOMMENDATIONS COME AS IDAHO CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE WITH A PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE, ESPECIALLY ACUTE IN RURAL AREAS.

WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS, DR. WITT.

>> YEAH.

I'M SURE THE HOPE HERE IS TO TRY TO DECREASE THE BACKLOG THAT WE HAVE IN THE NUMBER OF PHYSICIANS THAT WE NEED IN IDAHO, OUR PHYSICIAN-TO-POPULATION RATIO IS NOT GOOD.

I THINK THIS IS -- THERE ARE SOME CHALLENGES TO THIS.

NOT ONLY ECONOMIC, LIKE SALARY ISSUES, BUT ALSO WE'RE SUING RESISTANCE AMONG PHYSICIANS TO RELOCATE TO IDAHO RELATIVE TO THE ABORTION LEGISLATION AND PRACTICING IN A STATE WITH THAT PARTICULAR SET OF LAWS.

SO I THINK THERE'S SOME BIG QUESTIONS THERE.

AND DOES THE IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF THE MEDICAL SCHOOL COME IN TO THIS AT ALL?

>> THAT IS NOT PART OF THIS BUDGET.

>> OKAY.

>> IT'S NOT BEEN AN ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION.

BUT THE 850,000 DOES FUND AN ADDITIONAL ABOUT 18 SLOTS FOR RESIDENCIES.

THEN THE RURAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM, THE GOVERNOR IS ACTUALLY RECOMMENDING THAT'S ONGOING FUNDING SO THAT THERE'S SOME CONSISTENCY IN BEING ABLE TO INCENTIVIZE THOSE PHYSICIANS TO RELOCATE TO RURAL AREAS.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT MEDICAL EDUCATION IN IDAHO.

DR. WITT REFERENCED IDAHO STATE'S INTEREST IN THE FEASIBILITY OF ACQUIRING THE IDAHO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MANAGE MEDICINE.

IT'S A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION AT THIS POINT.

BUT IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF THIS LEGISLATURE LOOKS AT TRYING TO BUY MORE SEATS IN MEDICAL SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION, WHETHER IT'S UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO.

>> THE GOVERNOR ALSO REQUESTED $37 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE.

HOW DOES THAT MATCH WHAT THE STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE REQUESTED?

>> SO THE GOVERNOR HAS FULLY RECOMMENDED WHAT THE PUBLIC DEFENSE OFFICE HAS REQUESTED.

THEY DID HAVE ONE REQUEST BACK IN SEPTEMBER, AND THAT WAS BEFORE THE CONSOLIDATION HAPPENED.

>> RIGHT.

STARTED IN OCTOBER, RIGHT.

>> YES, ON OCTOBER 1st.

SINCE THEN OBVIOUSLY WE'VE SEEN SOME CHALLENGES AND MAYBE SOME UNKNOWN BARRIERS IN BEING ABLE TO GET THAT CONSOLIDATED.

IN DECEMBER, STATE PUBLIC DEFENSE CAME BACK AND REQUESTED ADDITIONAL FUNDING.

THAT'S BEEN FULLY RECOMMENDED IN THIS BUDGET.

>> AND OF COURSE THIS ALL COMES AFTER THE ACLU FILED AN EMERGENCY MOTION WITH THE IDAHO SUPREME COURT IN LATE DECEMBER ASKING THEM TO INTERVENE IN THE STATE'S NEW STATEWIDE PUBLIC DEFENSE SYSTEM, AND RELEASE ANY DEFENDANT WHO HASN'T YET BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK TO THEIR PUBLIC DEFENDER.

WE HAVE A STORY ON THAT AT IDAHOREPORTS.ORG.

WE'LL HAVE MORE ON THIS FRIDAY'S SHOW.

DR. WITT, WAS THERE ANYTHING WE DIDN'T HEAR YOU WERE LISTENING FOR?

>> WELL, WE TOUCHED ON SEVERAL.

THE CORRECTIONS IS A GIANT SLICE OF THE BUDGET.

IT WAS MENTIONED IN PASSING.

BUT NO PARTICULAR PRIORITIES LISTED THERE.

OF COURSE, MEDICAID YOU MENTIONED.

AND WE TALKED ABOUT TAX RELIEF.

BUT NOT, PROPERTY TAXES IN PARTICULAR.

AS IDAHOANS CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH THE RAPID RISE OF ASSESSED VALUES OF OUR HOMES, SOME WOULD LIKE TO SEE ATTACHED TO THE PROPERTY TAX.

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

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING FOR IN THE COMING WEEKS?

>> INTERESTED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS WE SEE UNFOLD, EVENTUALLY PUBLICLY, OVER WHAT A PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE BILL MIGHT LOOK LIKE, WHAT A TAX BILL MIGHT LOOK LIKE, WHAT SOME.

THESE EDUCATION FUNDING ISSUES MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

PRETTY SHORT SPEECH TODAY.

HE DID KEEP ONE PROMISE, THAT HE MADE TO STATE LEADERS, A SHORT SPEECH.

WHETHER THAT TRANSLATES INTO A SHORT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I'M HOPEFUL, BUT NOT WILDLY OPTIMISTIC.

>> WE DIDN'T HEAR A LOT ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION, EXCEPT FOR WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL AND THE HEISMAN TROPHY.

>> STANDING OVATION.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL HAVE MUCH MORE ON THE FIRST WEEK OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON THIS WEEK'S "IDAHO REPORTS" AND MORE ONLINE AT IDAHOREPORTS.ORG.