Brad Little in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
Intervention better than incarceration to turn lives around
Two-thirds of Idaho inmates are in prison because of probation and parole violations--more than any other state in the country. Idaho taxpayers pay $110 million per year to incarcerate this population. I am seeking continued investments in community
reentry centers, where inmates returning to our neighborhoods can learn job and life skills. The cost of investing in proven interventions that help inmates turn their lives around before they reoffend is fractional to the cost of incarceration.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Education:
Doubled funding for literacy; don't rely on property tax
As state elected leaders, our constitutional obligation to K-12 public education is clear. Article 9 Section 1 states it is our duty "to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools." I want to thank the
Legislature for joining me last year in passing significant investments in public education. We raised starting teacher pay. We increased funds available for Opportunity Scholarships. We doubled funding for one of my highest priority areas--literacy.
We cannot simply rely on the good hearts of teachers any longer to retain an effective teaching workforce in Idaho. We must pay them competitively. Your property taxes shoulder a growing share of teacher salaries and operating expenses in our school
districts. It's out of balance and not sustainable. I propose we put an additional $30 million in ongoing General Fund as a down payment to continue increasing teacher pay over the next several years. Performance criteria will ensure accountability.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Education:
Direct state colleges & universities to work together
I have directed our universities, community colleges, and the State Board of Education to adopt a fresh approach to meeting the needs of Idaho students and businesses by working together. I am recommending the development of cybersecurity programs
that will be offered jointly by Boise State University, Idaho State University, and University of Idaho. This increased level of collaboration will offer Idahoans a path to earn a degree in a high-demand profession by partnering with Idaho employers.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Supports "cleaner, safer carbon-free nuclear energy"
One very big accomplishment that serves to protect Idaho's environment and jobs involves the nation's leading center for nuclear energy research--the Idaho National Laboratory.
Our updated agreement also paves the way for more groundbreaking research at the INL. It will bring high-tech jobs to eastern Idaho and promote cleaner and safer carbon-free nuclear energy for America.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Free Trade:
New trade agreement with Canada & Mexico good for Idaho
Last month, the country took a critical step toward helping us secure future jobs and economic prosperity in Idaho. Congress finally ratified President Trump's trade agreement with two of Idaho's biggest export markets--Canada and Mexico. I strongly
supported the deal because it preserves and enhances critical gains made in previous trade agreements for Idaho products. Our farmers and agriculture industry have good reason to rejoice for this important agreement making it across the finish line.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Government Reform:
Idaho now the least-regulated state in the nation
Just last month, I was joined by many of you in announcing Idaho surpassed South Dakota, and we are now the least-regulated state in the nation. Together, we cut and simplified 75% of all regulations in less than a year. How did we achieve the largest
regulatory cuts in Idaho history?I issued two executive orders aimed at scaling back and streamlining Idaho's administrative code. And the Legislature made it possible for us to examine the entirety of our administrative code in one sweeping step.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Government Reform:
Budget reset for all state entities except public education
Idaho has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. But nationally and internationally, the pace of economic growth is expected to slow. Last fall, I asked all state entities that receive General Funds to undergo a spending reset--except my highest
priority area, public education.The time to prepare for a potential downturn is now, when times are good. The spending reset also forces a closer examination of spending. We cannot lose our focus on the taxpayer.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Health Care:
First state to introduce "enhanced short-term plans"
We began implementing Medicaid Expansion. My budget implements a full year of Medicaid Expansion with a net-zero impact on the General Fund. Starting this year, Idaho became the first state in the nation to make "enhanced short-term plans"
available, offering more options to individuals and families priced out of the market by ObamaCare. Two insurance carriers have signed up to offer the plans, creating competition and coverage to help drive down the cost of health care for Idaho families.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Budget proposes $35 million in grocery tax relief
One of the staples of conservative governing is to put money back into taxpayers' pockets. I have long supported tax relief for Idahoans on the most basic of needs--groceries.
My budget leverages $35 million from the dedicated Tax Relief Fund to provide Idaho families with grocery tax relief without competing against our General Fund priorities.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
On Technology:
Improve highway system; invest in broadband
One thing I consistently hear about is our transportation system. In a growing state, we must move people and products as safely and efficiently as possible. I am recommending that we direct close to $100 million to maintain and improve the state's
highway system. I am also pursuing another strategic investment--improvements in Idaho's broadband infrastructure. For both urban and rural Idaho to attract business and enhance our citizens' quality of life, Idaho must be connected.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021