Brad Little in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
$126 million for highways; $80 million for transportation
My plan invests $126 million in state and local highway infrastructure projects and makes targeted investments in safe routes to schools, rail infrastructure, and community airports. I am also proposing $80 million dollars in new ongoing transportation
funding. A dependable transportation system is fundamental to commerce. In Idaho, we grow and process most of our commodities, and getting those products down the road in a timely fashion is critical.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Crime:
Other places defund the police; Idaho defends the police
My plan invests in the items necessary to support frontline personnel at the Idaho State Police--and training for our local frontline police officers.
While other places seek to defund the police, I am proud to say that Idaho DEFENDS the police. Idaho "backs the blue."
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Education:
Make sure all students can read by end of third grade
With all the disruptions in education delivery over the past ten months, many of Idaho's students are experiencing a learning loss. We must close the achievement gap. To help, my "Building Idaho's Future" plan recommends investments in literacy--my
highest priority in education.We must ensure this school year is an anomaly--not a permanent system-wide flaw for Idaho's students in the next decade or more. We must make sure all young students are on track to read by the end of the third grade.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Environment:
Wildfires are about land management, not climate change
Activists are trying to rebrand wildfires as "climate fires"--a divisive, defeatist term that does not accurately capture the West's fire problem and dismisses the opportunity to do something about it. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Good
Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship, Idaho is focused on a solution--active land management. Idaho is actively mapping out the future of our forests, and your grandkids and mine will directly benefit from our actions today.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Government Reform:
Idaho is now the least regulated state in the nation
A robust economy cannot exist with burdensome regulations on citizens and business. Part of the reason Idaho's economy is catapulting ahead of other states is because of the regulatory rollbacks we achieved. Together, the Legislature and our
administration achieved historic regulatory cuts, making Idaho the least regulated state in the nation. The people of Idaho can be assured that their Governor & legislators will maintain a lean and efficient system of regulations in Idaho moving forward.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Health Care:
Expanded telehealth access, let's make changes permanent
We lifted regulations to expand telehealth access. It worked. The use of telehealth rose by 4,000%, and Idahoans in all parts of the state could continue to access care from the safety of their homes.
The pandemic opened the door to great advances in telehealth access. Let's work together to make those red tape cuts permanent!
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Principles & Values:
Our statehouse demonstrates openness of political process
The dark events at the U.S. Capitol last week disturbed us. In Idaho, we'll celebrate the centennial of our statehouse this year, a building known as "the Capitol of Light." What an appropriate time to let the light of democracy shine--today and for
one hundred more years and beyond. The openness of our political process in Idaho is demonstrated in the openness of this building. Let's keep it that way.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
On Tax Reform:
Proposes the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history
My plan is called "Building Idaho's Future." I am proposing more than $450 million in tax relief. This would be among the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history! To get there, I'm proposing $295 million in one-time tax relief and
$160 million in permanent tax cuts to boost Idahoans' prosperity while keeping our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant. Curbing government spending and returning taxpayer dollars should be the perpetual mission of public servants.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022