Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little delivered his 2024 State of the State and Budget Address today, outlining his IDAHO WORKS plan to keep Idaho strong.
“When we look back at what we’ve done over the past six years, I can’t believe it was ever possible. We made decisions that positioned our state to propel ahead in our economic performance. We strategically and thoughtfully deployed relief funds and balanced the needs of our growing state with returning more money back to the people of Idaho than ever before. What Idaho is doing is WORKING. There’s no need to change course, and we must raise the bar,” Governor Little said.
Among many highlights, Governor Little’s IDAHO WORKS plan proposes:
- HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN SCHOOL FACILTIES, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF – Governor Little proposes the largest ever state investment in school facilities – $2 billion over 10 years – to ensure all districts have the resources necessary to address unmet capital construction needs and improve student achievement. The $2 billion is long-term property tax relief. The budget also includes up to $150 million in NEW property tax relief through the surplus eliminator, on top of the hundreds of millions in property tax relief already directed to Idahoans over the past year.
- LAUNCH – The IDAHO WORKS plan includes $75 million to fund the extremely popular Idaho LAUNCH program to strengthen the state’s pipeline of skilled workers and create new opportunities for thousands of young Idahoans.
- TRANSPORTATION – In recent years, Governor Little and the Legislature have championed historic investments in transportation infrastructure without raising taxes or fees. IDAHO WORKS builds off the investments by adding $200 million to improve the last one-third of dilapidated bridges in the state and $50 million to bond for an additional $800 million for other badly needed transportation projects.
- WATER – Since 2019, Idaho has directed more than $1 billion to improve water quality and water quantity. IDAHO WORKS adds another $30 million to ensure a stable water supply and $6.5 million to continue the state’s response to invasive quagga mussels.
- PUBLIC SAFETY – As the state marches on in its fight against fentanyl, IDAHO WORKS recommends a new Idaho State Police (ISP) mission to the border to strengthen the state’s ability to end human trafficking. The plan also BACKS THE BLUE by investing in new resources for ISP. IDAHO WORKS also protects communities by adding $25 million for the construction of a secure, forensic mental health facility to care for the dangerously mentally ill.
- HEALTHCARE – The IDAHO WORKS plan further implements the state’s 10-year plan to increase the number of available doctors in Idaho.
- FISCAL CONSERVATISM – Governor Little’s IDAHO WORKS plan outlines the most fiscally conservative budget since the Great Recession, bolsters rainy day funds, leaves a surplus, and maintains a structurally balanced budget.
Reflecting on Idaho’s fiscal strength, Governor Little also announced he is signing on as a member of the Governors Debt Council for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“In Idaho, we live within our means. We deliver tax relief while making meaningful investments, we maintain a balanced budget, and we keep responsible amounts in reserve. If Idaho can do it, Washington, D.C., SHOULD do it. The runaway freight train of federal spending has got to stop. It’s not right. It’s not what the founders envisioned for our great country. The U.S. Constitution gives the states the power to propose a Balanced Budget Amendment, and in the coming weeks I will announce new steps we’ll take to force Congress to live within the people’s means,” Governor Little said.
The full transcript of the Governor’s 2024 State of the State and Budget Address can be found here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-sots.pdf
The FY2025 IDAHO WORKS Budget Highlights can be found here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fy25-budget-highlights.pdf