Brad Little on Government Reform

	Brad Little on Government Reform

We made Idaho the least regulated state in the nation

During my time as Governor, together we made Idaho the least regulated state in the nation. We cut or streamlined 95 percent of rules and regulations. Last year, this body took the next step by passing the Code Cleanup Act, turning our attention-- and our scissors--to state statutes. The agencies in my administration got to work, dedicating countless hours to scrub Idaho Code and deliver our Red Tape Rollback report to the Idaho Legislature last fall. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature , Jan 12, 2026

Remove regulatory barriers to keep up with housing demand

We are feeling the pinch in 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. In 2022, this body put record amounts into workforce housing, creating thousands of homes for Idaho families. Our KEEPING PROMISES plan will help build even more homes so more working families can achieve the American Dream. Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature , Jan 6, 2025

We have cut or simplified 95% of Idaho regulations

While D.C. continues to crank out onerous new regulations, we took an axe to Idaho's regulations for three straight years, and we continue to widen our lead as the least regulated state in the nation. In fact, since I took office three years ago, we have cut or simplified 95% of Idaho regulations. And now, through our Zero-Based Regulation initiative, this year we aim to cut or simplify another 20% of what remains, removing rocks from the shoes of small businesses. Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature , Jan 10, 2022

Proactive integrity audits to enhance election transparency

I am proposing $12 million to establish the new Cyber Response and Defense Fund to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any cyber-attack from bad actors in China, Russia, or elsewhere.

I'm also pushing for proactive integrity audits to enhance transparency and confidence in our elections here in Idaho. We must make election integrity a priority, to give our citizens confidence that their vote matters.

Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature , Jan 10, 2022

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

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

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

Revoke two regulations for every new regulation implemented

Late last year, I finalized a report that outlined the scope of occupational licensing in Idaho and provided key recommendations. My first executive order as Governor will put in place two of those recommendations: sunrise and sunset processes for future occupational licensing laws.

To reduce overall regulatory burdens on our citizens and businesses, I will issue another executive order requiring state agencies to revoke two regulations for every new regulation they want to implement. This commitment to cutting red tape will ensure we are governing with the lightest possible hand.

Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature , Jan 7, 2019

Term limits for governor but not state reps

Q: Do you support limiting the number of terms for Idaho governors?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support limiting the number of terms for Idaho state senators and representatives?

A: No.

Q: Do you support limiting contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?

A: No.

Q: Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in Idaho are closed?

A: Undecided.

Source: 2004 Idaho Congressional National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 2004

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