Brad Little in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Investing in local infrastructure IS property tax relief
Let us work on better ways to facilitate growth paying for growth and give local governments the tools they need to keep taxes low. The fact is, investing in local infrastructure IS property tax relief. Over the past two years, we made the biggest
investments ever in our most precious resource--water. When we invested in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, we saved Idaho citizens the local taxes or fees they would otherwise pay to cover those improvements.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Crime:
While others seek to defund the police, we DEFEND the police
And my IDAHO FIRST plan Backs the Blue again, adding 10-percent pay raises for our brave and dedicated law enforcement officers. What does this mean for your average state police trooper? It means a $6,000 raise.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, while other places seek to defund the police, here in Idaho we DEFEND the police!
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Education:
Support public schools AND educational freedom
We also put the single largest ongoing investment ever into Idaho education - $330 million for public schools and $80 million for in-demand career training. The people's vote affirming tax relief and our education investments passed in every single
county, every single city, and every single legislative district. The overwhelming support of our plan means, unmistakably, Idahoans expect us to support public schools.
We are third in the nation for education freedom--measures that include spending, school choice, transparency, and regulations. Whether it is traditional public schools,
public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, or homeschooling, hundreds of schooling options are available to Idaho families.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Education:
$8500 scholarship for in-state post-high school education
I am very proud to announce my budget provides access to a scholarship of $8,500 starting next year to graduating high school students in Idaho to attend an Idaho university, community college, career technical or workforce training program of their
choice. Never have we provided a catalyst of this magnitude for students to "go on," in whatever way suits them. There are many pathways to success in today's economy and all pathways deserve our support.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Health Care:
Make behavioral health services more accessible
We're on track to advance all of the recommendations from our historic three-branch Behavioral Health Council, and this year my IDAHO FIRST plan does even more to improve resources for troubled youth in mental health crises.
We are also going to make behavioral health services more accessible for the neediest of our neighbors and add more doctors for rural Idaho and more healthcare workers overall.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Immigration:
Secure the border to stop supply of fentanyl from Mexico
I have seen for myself how Mexico drug cartels control access into our country under the current administration. The vast majority of illicit drugs in Idaho, including fentanyl, are sourced in Mexico.
We will not relent in our efforts to end the supply of fentanyl by continuing to work with our states to the south and helping to secure our border.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
On Tax Reform:
We created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax
In just three years, we have given back more than ever before in Idaho history--a whopping $2.7 billion to Idaho citizens and businesses. Our commitment to cutting taxes doesn't just start and end with one-time relief. We also cut back Idahoans' ongoing
tax burden by more than $650 million. We took the income tax from six brackets down to one and created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax once and for all.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023