PRESENTATION OF IDAHO REPORTS ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION.

BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION AND CORPORATION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

♪ HELLO, WELCOME TO "IDAHO REPORTS," LIVE COVERAGE OF THE 2024 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, I AM MELISSA DAVLIN.

WE ARE GOING LIVE TO THE STATE HOUSE WHERE GOVERNOR LITTLE IS BEGINNING TO SPEAK.

>> HOW MUCH HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS.

I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH GRAYER MY HAIR IS.

SIX YEARS AGO, MAYBE SPEAKER MOYLE HAD HAIR.

[LAUGHTER] >> I KNOW.

BUT, FOR ALL THE CHANGE, I CAN CONFIDENTLY STAND BEFORE YOU FOR THE SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR AND SAY, THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG.

STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE.

[APPLAUSE] >> WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WORKING.

OVER THE PAST YEAR, I HAVE TRAVELED 25,000 MILES ACROSS THE STATE OF IDAHO, AT TIMES WITH YOUR FIRST LADY THERESA.

THERESA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT.

[APPLAUSE] ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST IMPORTANT PART OF MY JOB IS VISITING WITH PARENTS, VETERANS, SENIORS, TEACHERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, FAITH LEADERS, FARMERS, AND OF COURSE, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

IDAHO IS DIVERSE BUT ONE QUALITY ABOUT IDAHO PEOPLE IS CONSISTENT.

THEY CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND KEEP OUR GREAT STATE A SPECIAL PLACE FOR THIS GENERATION AND THE NEXT.

THAT'S ALWAYS BEEN MY GOAL ALSO, NEVER SETTLE, KEEP IMPROVING.

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE LEADING THE COUNTRY IN SO MANY WAYS, WE CAN ALWAYS DO BETTER.

BECAUSE WE WANT IDAHO TO BE THE PLACE WHERE WE ALL CAN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE.

WHERE OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN CHOOSE TO STAY AND FOR THE ONES WHO ARE LEFT TO CHOOSE TO RETURN.

[APPLAUSE] YOU, THE LEADERS OF OUR STATE IN THIS ROOM HAVE HELPED IDAHO SURGE AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION.

OF COURSE, OF NOTE, WE ARE THE LEAST REGULATED STATE.

WE ARE ONE OF THE SAFEST STATES IN THE UNION.

WE RANK FIRST FOR INCOME GROWTH.

WE HAVE DELIVERED MORE TAX RELIEF PER CAPITA THAN ANY OTHER STATE.

IDAHO IS ONE OF THE MOST FISCAL RESPONSIBLE STATES AND RECOGNIZED FOR OUR ABILITY TO WITHSTAND ANY ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS.

WE ARE TOP TEN STATES OF THE ECONOMY RIVALLING FLORIDA AND TEXAS.

FLORIDA AND TEXAS, AND IDAHO ARE THE THREE BEST STATES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

[APPLAUSE] AND ON ISSUES WHERE IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE A STAND, IDAHO LED THE CHARGE.

WE ARE THE FIRST STATE TO BAN CRITICAL THEORIES IN YOUR SCHOOLS.

WE ARE TAKING A STANCE THAT WE SHOULD NOT DIVIDE OUR CHILDREN.

WE INTRODUCE CURRICULUM FOR OUR SCHOOL.

ID IDAHO IS A TOP TEN STATE FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS.

WHILE PROVIDING TAXPAYERS THE TRANSPARENCY THEY DESERVE.

[APPLAUSE] TO GET MORE BANG FOR OUR BUCKS IS THE NUMBER ONE STATE ON RETURN INVESTMENT EDUCATION, WE ARE PREPARING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.

IDAHO CAME IN FIRST FOR THE BEST NEW OPEN ENROLLMENT LAW BECAUSE WE EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO CHOOSE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL THAT IS BEST FOR THEIR CHILD, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ZIP CODE.

I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT A FAIR, RESPONSIBLE, TRANSPARENT, AND ACCOUNTABLE APPROACH TO EXPANDING SCHOOL CHOICE IN IDAHO.

ONE THAT DOES NOT DRAW RESOURCES AWAY FROM OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

[APPLAUSE] WE ALSO BANNED DIVERSITY STATEMENTS IN UNIVERSITY HIRING.

OUR ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICIES PROTECT FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS, WHILE BARRING HATEFUL, DANGEROUS THREATS AGAINST THE JEWISH PEOPLE.

AND, WE ARE PUSHING BACK ON CHINA.

I BAN TIKTOK AS STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT OUR INFORMATION FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SINISTER MOTIVES.

IDAHO LAND COULD NOT BE SOLD TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS THAT WANT TO DO US HARM.

WE SUCCESSFULLY ENDED AN ILLEGAL ENCAMPMENT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE.

A SCENE WHERE DRUG USE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, VIOLENCE, AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY TOOK PLACE.

WE ARE SHOWING STATES HOW TO STAND UP TO ACTIVISTS WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HOMELESS AND VULNERABLE.

I WAS ALSO THE FIRST STATE TO SIGN A BILL DEFENDING INTEGRITY IN WOMEN'S SPORTS AND WE'LL KEEP UP THE FIGHT.

[APPLAUSE] >> ALL OF THESE STEPS HAVE BEEN A COLLECTIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.

I AM PROUD TO BE APART OF IT.

FOLKS, WHAT WE ARE DOING IN IDAHO IS WORKING.

YOU HEARD ME SAY IT BEFORE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.

WE ARE ON A TREMENDOUS PATH, A POWERFUL TRAJECTORY AND WE NEED TO KEEP IT GOING.

WE NEED TO LEAD THE NATION IN FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND TAX RELIEF, STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS TO KEEP UP WITH RECORD GROWTH.

SPEAKING OF GROWTH, A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, I JOKED THAT WE BUILD A WALL AROUND IDAHO AND MAKE CALIFORNIA PAY FOR IT.

WELL, NOW HALF OF OREGON WANTS TO BE APART OF IDAHO, I AM NOT SURE WHERE WE WOULD BUILD A WALL.

[LAUGHTER] >> THERE IS A REASON THAT A U-HAUL FROM CALIFORNIA TO IDAHO COSTS FOUR TIMES AS MUCH AS A RETURN TRIP.

IDAHO'S RECORD POPULATION GROWTH AND MIGRATION COMES WITH OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGES.

I GET WHY PEOPLE ARE FLOCKING HERE FROM MANY PLACES.

I CAN THINK OF 3.7 BILLION REASONS WHY PEOPLE COME HERE.

WE ARE ON PACE TO DELIVER $3.7 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF AND WE ARE NOT DONE YET.

[APPLAUSE] WITH THE SURPLUS ELIMINATOR PASSED LAST SESSION, OUR BUDGET THIS YEAR INCLUDES UP TO $150 MILLION IN NEW PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

ON TOP OF THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PROPERTY TAX WE ALREADY DEPLOYED TODAY.

PEOPLE ARE COMING HERE BECAUSE WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WORKING.

LET ME SHOW YOU SOME OF WHAT WE HAVE GOTTEN DONE TOGETHER.

♪ ♪ >> ONE OF THE BASIC RULES OF GOVERNMENT IS TO ENSURE US SAFE AND CONNECTED SYSTEM OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.

THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY OF OUR BUSINESSES INCLUDING OUR FARMERS, RANCHERS AND LOGGERS IN RURAL IDAHO DEPENDS ON THEIR ABILITY TO GET THEIR PRODUCTS TO MARKET.

UNWILLING TO PUT THE TIME AND SAFETY OF IDAHOANS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF OUR STATE AND BRIDGES, WE TAKE THE TRANSPORTATION.

NO GAPS OF NO NEW TAXES AND PROVIDING LONG-TERM FUNDING FOR LONG-TERM NEEDS.

THIS MEANS, WE ARE TACKLING PROJECTS THAT HAD BEEN ON THE WAIT LIST FOR YEARS.

♪ >> I AM HERE TO ATTEST TO THE HISTORIC INVESTMENT THE LEGISLATURES PROVIDED FOR OUR LOCAL AND STATES SYSTEM.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ARE NEEDS, NOT MERELY WANTS, WORKING WITH GOVERNOR LITTLE, ITD, AND EACH OF YOU AS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, WE HAVE MET MOST OF THESE NEEDS WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

LET'S CONTINUE OUR GOOD WORK WHILE PROTECTING OUR LOVED ONES AND HELPING IDAHO ECONOMY TO GROW.

IDAHO IS WORKING TOGETHER.

♪ >> WATER IS A FOUNDATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, OUTDOOR RECREATION, A STRONG AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND IDAHOANS IDAHOANS' OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE.

WE MUST MAINTAIN AND NOT TURN OUT THE WESTERN STATES, SUCH AS CALIFORNIA WHERE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STEPPED INTO SUPERSEDE OF THE STATE'S CONTROL OF ITS WATER.

SINCE I TOOK OFFICE AND I HAVE RECOMMENDED AND THE LEGISLATURES HAVE APPROVED MORE THAN $1 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR WATER-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.

WE DEDICATED ROUGHLY HALF OF THAT TO IMPROVE DRINKING WATER AND WASTE WATER TROPICAL STORM HERMINE SYSTEMS AT THE LOCAL LEVELS.

IDAHO HAVE SAFE WATER TO DRINK USE.

WE PUT THE OTHER HALF OF THE $1 BILLION TO MODERNIZE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE STATEWIDE, MUCH OF WHICH IS ESSENTIAL AND A DIRE NEED OF REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR.

WE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS, BUT WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO.

I APPRECIATE ALL THE PARTNERS WHO CONTINUALLY DEMONSTRATE THAT IDAHO AND NOT THE FEDS CAN BEST DETERMINE THE FATE OF OUR WATER.

>> THERE IS PERHAPS NO GREATER RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STATE OF IDAHO THAN PROVIDING A STRONG SYSTEM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR IDAHO FAMILIES.

WHY?

BECAUSE ONE OF THE DUTIES MOST PLAINLY WRITTEN INTO THE IDAHO'S CONSTITUTION.

AS ELECTED LEADER, IT IS NOT JUST OUR CONSTITUTIONAL OBLIGATION BUT OUR MORAL OBLIGATION AS WELL.

TO PRIORITIZE AND STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IN 2018, I ASSEMBLED A TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHAT THE STATE OF IDAHO CAN DO BETTER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IN JUST FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE DELIVERED.

WE INCREASE FUNDING FOR LITERACY, 500%, BECAUSE THERE IS NO BETTER INVESTMENT IN A CHILD THAN ESTABLISHING EARLY ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF READING.

WE PROVIDED A RECORD LEVEL OF FLEXIBLE FUNDS SO LOCAL SCHOOLS CAN MEET LOCAL NEEDS.

AND, WE MEET THE TEACHING PROFESSION MORE COMPETITIVE BY INCREASING STARTING TEACHER PAY.

WE BROUGHT IDAHO UP IN THE BOTTOM TEN FIVE YEARS AGO TO THE TOP TEN FOR STARTING TEACHER PAY.

WE INCREASE PAY FOR TEACHERS AT ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE, AND BOOSTED, HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS SO TEACHERS AND STAFF CAN KEEP MORE THEIR EARNINGS IN THEIR POCKETS.

AS STATE LEADERS, WE CAN NOT IGNORE THIS FACT.

THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO STRONGLY SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.IMPROVE - NOT JUST BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES IT BUT BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WE SERVE DEMAND IT.

♪ BEYOND K THROUGH 12 EDUCATION, WE ARE ALSO TAKING UNPRECEDENTED STEPS TO PREPARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR A LIFETIME OF PROSPERITY.

STATE OF IDAHO HAVE ALWAYS OFFER SUPPORT FOR THE CAREERS THAT REQUIRE FOUR YEARS DEGREE, WE HISTORICALLY FALLEN SHORT IN PROVIDING EQUAL SUPPORT TO OTHER SKILLED WORKERS, JOBS LIKE TRUCKING, ALIGNMENT, FIREFIGHTERS, WELDERS, PLUMBERINGS, AND A HOST OF OTHER PROFESSIONS THAT MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND.

THESE ARE GOOD PAYING JOBS.

THAT REQUIRES SPECIALIZED TRAINING.

OUR NEW LAUNCH GRANT COVER 80% OF THE COST UP TO $8,000 TO ENROLL IN AN EDUCATION OR TRAINING PROGRAM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL THAT ALIGNS WITH AN IN-DEMAND CAREER.

THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CAREER PATHS TO CHOOSE FROM.

WE WANT IDAHO KIDS TO STAY IN IDAHO AND WORK IN IDAHO.

WE DON'T WANT OUR EMPLOYERS TO IMPORT WORKERS FROM OTHER PLACES WHEN WE CAN TRAIN OUR OWN KIDS RIGHT HERE AT HOME.

LAUNCH HAS BEEN EXTREMELY POPULAR SO FAR.

BLOWING AWAY MANY EXPECTATIONS.

MANY OF THESE KIDS WOULD NOT HAVE CONSIDERED GOING TO TRAINING PROGRAM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.

LET'S HEAR FROM A FEW OF THEM.

>> HI, I AM GRANT SHEPARD.

>> I AM ANDREW PETTIBONE, I AM PLANNING TO USE THE LAUNCH FUND TO GO TO BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

>> MY NAME IS NUNEZ, I PLAN TO USE THE GRANT TO GO WITH PHARMACY.

>> MY NAME IS DEREK ZENNER, I PLAN TO USE MY SCHOLARSHIP TO PURSUE A COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE AT BOISE STATE COLLEGE.

>> I AM DALLAS CLARK, I PLAN TO USE MY GRANT TO GET MY MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION.

>> MY NAME IS ALICIA CAMERON, I PLAN TO ATTEND THE DENTAL SCHOOL.

>> MY NAME IS JENKINS, I PLAN TO USE MY FUNDING FOR HEALTH SCIENCE, DENTAL HYGIENIST.

>> HI, I AM FROM IDAHO, JERIKO, I PLAN TO USE MY GRANT ATHL ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP.

>> I AM SO DARN PROUD OF THESE KIDS.

HOW IS IT THAT IDAHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE RECORD TAX RELIEF WHILE MAKING SO MANY MEANINGFUL INVESTMENTS IN OUR FUTURE?

SIMPLE.

IT IS HOW WE MANAGE OUR BUDGET.

WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT KITCHEN TABLE ECONOMICS.

WELL, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

WE LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS, JUST LIKE ANY IDAHO FAMILY MUST.

WE MAINTAIN A STRUCTURALLY BALANCE BUDGET.

THERE ARE NOT COSTS IN OUR BUDGET THAT WE CAN'T SUSTAIN.

WE PASS BUDGETS ON TIME AND NOT THE 11th HOUR LIKE CONGRESS, CREATING CERTAINTY AND NOT IN-STABILITY.

WE HAVE AMPLE MONEY IN RESERVE SO WE CAN WEATHER ANY ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY.

WE MAKE INVESTMENT WHERE THEY COUNT AND WE GIVE BACK TO TAXPAYERS TO KEEP FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES THRIVING.

IT IS THAT EASY.

SO EASY, IN FACT, THAT IT MAKES YOU WONDER WHY WASHINGTON, D.C. CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT.

OUR HARDWORKING IDAHO CONGRESSIONAL DELL CONGRATULATION STANDS UP FOR RAINING END FEDERAL SPENDING AND USING IDAHO AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE FEDS TO FALL ON.

>> WHEN I CAME TO WASHINGTON, I QUICKLY LEARNED THAT CONGRESS HAD A BAD HABIT OF LEGISLATING CRISIS.

IT IS NOT THE WAY TO DO BUSINESS.

THAT'S ONE OF MANY WAYS THAT WASHINGTON, D.C.

NEEDS TO BE MORE LIKE IDAHO.

HERE IS ANOTHER, UNITED STATES CARRIES NEARLY $34 TRILLION IN DEBT AND HAS NO MEANINGFUL MONETARY RESERVICE.

IDAHO BALANCES ITS BUDGET WITH RESPONSIBLE LEVELS IN RESERVE IN AN EVENT OF ECONOMIC DOWNTURN.

HIGH INFLATION AND UNSUSTAINABLE ENERGY PRICES BUT IN IDAHO, LEADERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN DELIVERING TAX RELIEF WHILE SUSTAINING AND MEETING THE NEED OF A GROWING STATE.

FOR THESE AND OTHER REASONS, MANY OF MY CONGRESSIONAL COLLEAGUES ENVY WHAT I HAVE IN IDAHO.

I AM SO PROUD TO REPRESENT THE STATE AND APPRECIATE OUR COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO BUDGETING AND GOVERNANCE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. CAN LEARN FROM WHAT'S RIGHT IN IDAHO.

IDAHO IS WINNING.

>> RUSS IS RIGHT.

IDAHO IS SETTING AN EXAMPLE NOT JUST FOR WASHINGTON, D.C.

BUT EVERY OTHER STATE.

ONE AREA WHERE WE SHINE IS TAX RELIEF.

IDAHO IS IN THE TOP TEN FOR LOWEST TAXES IN THE NATION.

WE HAVE THE THIRD LOWEST PROPERTY TAXES IN THE COUNTRY.

WE JUST DEPLOYED ANOTHER $300 MILLION IN RELIEF TITLE PROPERTY TAXPAYERS LAST YEAR.

NO OTHER STATES IN THE COUNTRY HAVE GIVEN MORE TAX RELIEF PER CAPITA THAN IDAHO.

>> THE HISTORIC TAX RELIEF WE HAVE CHAMPIONED THE PAST YEARS HAVE HELPED THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR STATE.

CRUSHING INFLATION AND SKYROCKETING RATES ARE HOLDING PEOPLE BACK.

IDAHO STEPPED UP TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL TAX RELIEF.

THIS IS NOT OUR MONEY.

IT IS YOURS.

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT, REMEMBER IT.

IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS AND OTHER REASONS SUCH AS OUR HISTORIC INVESTMENTS AND EDUCATION AND ROADS, MANY PEOPLE CONTINUE TO MOVE TO IDAHO TO LIVE THE KIND OF LIVES THEY USED TO BE ABLE TO LIVE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.

WHAT WE ARE DOING IN IDAHO IS WORKING, AND WE WANT YOUR HELP TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

>> WE ARE ON PACE TO DEPLOY A TOTAL OF $3.7 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF.

♪ >> WHAT IDAHO IS DOING IS WORKING, AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

[APPLAUSE] >> WITHOUT POPCORN.

BEFORE WE GET TOO FAR, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE MORE THAN 12,500 STUDENTS WHO APPLIED FOR LAUNCH.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BEDKE AND I TRAVELED THE STATE OVER THE PAST YEARS TO VISIT THESE STUDENTS.

THE INTEREST IN LAUNCH FAR EXCEEDED EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS.

WE ARE EXCITED FOR THESE YOUNG IDAHOANS.

TO KEEP THAT EXCITEMENT GOING, EVERY LEGISLATURE IS RECEIVING AN E-MAIL RIGHT NOW WITH INFORMATION ON THE STUDENTS AND THEIR DISTRICTS WHO APPLIED FOR LAUNCH.

LOOKING AHEAD, -- GO AHEAD.

[APPLAUSE] >> LOOKING AHEAD, WE HAVE A PLAN TO KEEP IDAHO STRONG.

IT IS CALLED IDAHO WORKS.

WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WORKING.

THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

WE MUST NEVER GET COMPLACENT.

IDAHO WORKS IS TAKING WHAT WE KNOW CONTRIBUTES TO OUR STATE'S TREMENDOUS SUCCESS AND NOT JUST PRIORITIZING ITS CONTINUATION BUT RAMPING UP OUR EFFORTS.

WE'LL WORK TO RAISE THE BAR HIGHER BECAUSE IT IS WHAT OUR CITIZENS EXPECT, WHAT THEY DESERVE FROM THEIR ELECTED LEADERS.

BUT, WE MUST DO SO RESPONSIBLY.

WE HAVE ALL SEEN THE TREND, THE ECONOMY IS RETURNING TO NORMAL.

IDAHO IS SEEING REVENUE GROWTH BUT AT PREPANDEMIC LEVELS.

THAT MEANS, WE CAN'T DO IT ALL.

THIS SESSION SHOULD BE ABOUT PRIORITIES.

WE MUST INVEST IN THOSE MATTERS THAT ARE MOST PRESSING FOR IDAHOANS.

KEEP UP WITH THE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF A GROWING STATE ARE AMONG THE PRESSING FOR OUR PEOPLE.

OUR STATE, OTHER STATES THINK THEIR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN SOLVED BY ONE-TIME FEDERAL FUNDS.

IDAHOANS KNOW THAT WE MUST TAKE CONTROL OF OUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS.

WE CAN'T PUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT.

WE'LL NOT RAISE TAXES OR FEES TO CLEAR OUT OUR TRANSPORTATION BACKLOG, BUILDING OFF OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN RECENT YEARS.

SO, LET'S GO BIG.

OUR IDAHO WORKS PLAN PROPOSES ANOTHER $50 MILLION ONGOING TO BOND ADDITIONAL $800 MILLION IN NEW TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SO WE CAN SAVE IDAHOANS NEAR PRECIOUS TIME ON THE ROADS.

WE'LL PUT $800 MILLION TOWARDS THE HIGHEST PROPERTIES AND HIGHEST VALUE PROJECTS THAT'S BEEN IN THE Q FOR WAY TOO LONG.

WE CALL FOR REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT OF THE LAST 1-THIRD OF BRIDGES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

900 BRIDGES IN IDAHO HAVE BEEN READY TO POUR OR PREDATE THE MOON LANDING.

WE HAVE PUT $400 MILLION IN TO THIS EFFORT IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND IT IS TIME TO BUCKLE UP AND FINISH JOB.

LET'S CONTINUE TO FACILITATE COMMERCE WITH ADDED TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS ESPECIALLY IN RURAL IDAHO.

REMEMBER, THIS IS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF, TOO.

LET'S PRIORITIZE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THAT'LL BENEFIT GENERATIONS OF IDAHOANS SO WE CAN KEEP IDAHOANS SAFE AND ENJOY MORE OF WHAT WE LOVE.

[APPLAUSE] SPEAKING OF INFRASTRUCTURE, WE PUT A BILLION DOLLARS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN RECENT YEARS.

OUR WORKS PLAN CALLS FOR CONTINUED EXPANSION OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SO WE CAN ENSURE A STABLE WATER SUPPLY BOTH DURING THE GOOD WATER YEARS AND THE BAD ONES.

THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT NOW.

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GOOD WATER YEARS BUT WE MAY BE HEADED INTO A PROLONG DROUGHT AGAIN AND PRUDENT DICTATES WE PREPARE.

WE HAD QUITE A SQUARE THIS YEAR, WHEN WE DISCOVERED IN THE SNAKE RIVERS.

IT CLOGS PIPES AND DELIVER WATER FOR DRINKING, AND ENERGY AND DEBILITATING OUR STATE'S ECONOMY AND COSTING TAXPAYERS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ANNUALLY.

THE TEAM AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PUT 15 YEARS OF PREPARATIONS INTO ACTION.

THEY DEPLOYED A TREATMENT PLAN QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO PROTECT OUR WATER.

IDAHO GOT DONE IN SIX WEEKS.

WHAT TOOK OTHER STATES SIX MONTHS TO GET DONE.

THANKS, JANELLE.

[APPLAUSE] WE MUST FINISH THE FIGHT.

OUR IDAHO WORKS PLAN CONTINUES, OUR STATE RESPONSE IS HIGHLY DESTRUCTED AND SPACIOUS SPECIES.

OUR PLAN ALSO EXPANDS RECREATIONS.

WE ALL AGREE THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF OUR CHILDREN IS PARAMOUNT.

PROTECTING OUR YOUTHS AND COMMUNITIES FROM HARM IS ALL OUR RESPONSIBILITY, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO FENTANYL.

IN THE PAST YEAR, IDAHO BEGAN A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO REACH PEOPLE IN IDAHO 60 MILLION TIMES IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS.

NOW, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE MORE AWARE OF FENTANYL.

THEY'RE MORE CONCERNED OF THEIR PEERS USING IT THAN EVER BEFORE.

IMPORTANTLY, THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT IT WITH THEIR FRIENDS.

[APPLAUSE] AS WE MARCH ON WITH BETTER INFORMATION OF FENTANYL, WE HAVE TAKEN MANY STEPS TO REDUCE SUPPLIES AND DISDISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS ON OUR STREETS.

MUCH OF OUR FENTANYL THAT WILL GREW OUT OF OPERATION, OUR CRIME-FIGHTING CREW THAT HAS HELPED US STAYED LASER FOCUS TO COMBAT THIS DEADLY DRUG.

NOW, IT IS TIME TO EXPAND ITS FOCUS.

IN THE COMING WEEKS, I WILL ESTABLISH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO FORMALLY ESTABLISH OPERATION S OVER PERPETUAL.

TO ASSESS THE THREAT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND OUR OPEN BORDER.

WE'LL WORK HARDER TO ADDRESS THE OPEN BORDER AND ITS IMPACT BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TO ADMIT IT IS EVEN A PROBLEM.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS MODERN DAY SLAVERY.

OTHER BAD ACTORS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR OPEN BORDER TO MANIPULATE AND ABUSE THE MOST VULNERABLE INCLUDING CHILDREN.

TO HELP CURVE HUMAN TRAFFICKING, MY IDAHO WORKS PLAN CALLS FOR SENDING STATE TROOPERS TO TRAIN AND ACT AS FORCE MULTIPLIER AT OUR SOUTHERN BORDER AS WE DID WITH FENTANYL TWICE BEFORE.

ONLY NOW THE TROOPERS WILL LEARN THE BEST TACTICS TO RESPOND TO THOSE WHO SMUGGLE AND ABUSE VULNERABLE PEOPLE.

THEY'LL COME BACK TO IDAHO WITH BETTER KNOWLEDGE TO STOP THESE PERPETRATORS IN OUR STATE.

AND, AS THEY DID BEFORE, OUR TROOPERS WILL DEBRIEF AND TRAIN THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLEAGUES ALL AROUND THE STATE WHEN THEY RETURN.

[APPLAUSE] OUR CHILDREN NEED OUR PROTECTION IN ALL ASPECT OF LIFE.

WE KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE FACING LEVELS OF STRESS AND ISOLATION THAN ANY OTHER GENERATIONS BEFORE THEM.

IDAHO WORKS DOUBLE THE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL'S ADVISERS.

THESE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS ON THE FRONT LINES IN TALKING TO STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR FUTURE AS WELL AS THEIR CURRENT PERSONAL STRUGGLES.

IDAHO WORKS ALSO PROPOSES A NEW STATEWIDE STUDENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE FOR ADDITIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION.

[APPLAUSE] WE KNOW PREVENTION MEASURES WORK.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS.

THE PROGRESS WE MADE IN STANNING UP YOUTH CRISIS CENTER AND SAVE TEAM ASSESSMENT CENTERS AROUND THE STATE CONTRIBUTED TO A REASSURING TREND.

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, EVEN WITH THE GROWING POPULATION, THE NUMBER OF JUVENILES IN STATE, CUSTODY HAVE DROPPED BY HALF.

THIS GOES TO SHOW, WHEN WE INVEST IN PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION EFFORTS TO SUPPORT EVERY KID'S SUCCESS, WE IMPROVE LIVES.

[APPLAUSE] AND THERE IS MORE WE CAN DO TO PROTECT OUR KIDS ONLINE.

THE DOMINANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE PAST DECADE IS OBVIOUS REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF YOUTH OF MENTAL HEALTH.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS ADDICTING AND CREATES A FORUM FOR CYBER BULLYING AND REPLACES QUALITY TIME WITH KIDS' FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.

IT MAKES THEM COMPARING THEMSELVES TO IMPOSSIBLE OF ARTIFICIAL STANDARDS OF LOOKS AND STYLES.

I AM ASKING MY PARTNERS IN THE LEGISLATURES TO PASS MEANINGFUL REFORM, THIS SESSION LIKE LEGISLATIVE BODIES IN ARKANSAS AND UTAH AND OTHER STATES HAVE DONE TO BETTER PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM THE HARMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA.

[APPLAUSE] AND, OF COURSE, ONE SUBJECT TAKEN UP THE LARGER SHARE OF OUR ATTENTION, PUBLIC EDUCATION.

TOGETHER, WE HAVE IMPROVED TEACHERS' TAKE HOME PAY AND BOOST LITERACY.

THE IMPROVEMENTS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

WE ARE FAR FROM MEETING OUR OBLIGATIONS TO MAINTAIN A GENUINE FORMED AND THOROUGH SYSTEM OF PUBLIC-FREE COMMON SCHOOLS AS REQUIRED BY THE IDAHO CONSTITUTION.

ONE AREA IN PARTICULAR NEEDS WORK, THAT'S SCHOOL'S FACILITIES.

WE HAVE SEEN THE PICTURES AND THE VIDEOS OF SOME IDAHO SCHOOLS ARE NEGLECTED AND CRUMBLING.

ONE SCHOOL I VISITED, RAW SEWAGE INTO THE SPACE UNDER THE CAFETERIA.

FOLKS, WE CAN DO BETTER.

THE CAN WE ARE KICKING IS GETTING HEAVIER AND WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF ROAD.

LET'S MAKE THIS PRIORITY NUMBER ONE.

MY IDAHO WORKS PLAN PROPOSES THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN SCHOOL'S FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AND OUR MAINTENANCE MATCH $2 BILLION.

[APPLAUSE] NOT ONLY WILL WE MAKE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS MORE PRODUCTIVE FOR STUDENTS, WE'LL GET THIS $2 BILLION INVESTMENT SCHOOL FACILITIES IS $2 BILLION IN LONG-TERM PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

LET ME SAY THIS AGAIN.

LET'S PASS $2 BILLION IN LONG-TERM PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

[APPLAUSE] >> WHILE OTHER STATES ARE DIGGING THEMSELVES OF RECORD DEFICITS AND GRABBING ANOTHER SHOVEL, WE CAN INVEST $2 BILLION TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SCHOOLS' FACILITIES.

DID I MENTION $2 BILLION?

WHILE DELIVERING ANOTHER $2 BILLION IF PROPERTY TAX RELIEF TO IDAHO CITIZENS.

WE MUST DO IT RIGHT.

WE MUST PROVIDE FOR NEW FACILITY CONSTRUCTIONS AND MAINTENANCE.

WE SHOULD NOT PUNISH THOSE WHO STEPPED UP AND INVESTED IN THEIR FACILITIES.

WE CAN'T WAIT YEARS OR DECADES, THE COST OF CONSTRUCTIONS ARE SKYROCKETING AND BACKLOGS GROW DAILY.

LET'S ENSURE WE INCLUDE ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

MY PROPOSAL INCLUDES RECORD FUNDING FOR OUR CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES, ALSO.

LET'S DEDICATE THE $2 BILLION IN SCHOOL FACILITIES NOW TO MODERNIZE SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADDRESS UN-MET CRITICAL MAINTENANCE.

[APPLAUSE] MY SPEECH LAST YEAR, I MENTIONED ONE OF MY FRIENDS TOLD ME I USED THE WORD "HISTORIC" MORE THAN ANY OTHER WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.

IT IS TRUE.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT WHAT WE HAVE DONE OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WAS EVER POSSIBLE.

WE MADE DECISIONS TO POSITION OUR STATE TO PROPEL AHEAD IN ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.

WE STRATEGICALLY AND THOUGHTFULLY DEPLOYED RELIEF FUNDS.

WE BALANCED THE NEEDS OF OUR GROWING STATE WITH RETURNING MORE MONEY BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO THAN EVER BEFORE.

WE DID IT ALL WHILE PASSING A BALANCED BUDGET EVERY YEAR.

[APPLAUSE] AS REVENUE NORMALIZES FROM PANDEMIC HIGHS, OUR IDAHO WORKS CONTINUE FOR PHYSICAL PRUDENT SO WE ARE READY FOR ANY ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES MAY COME OUR WAY.

IT BOLSTERS RAINY DAY FUNDS TO THE MAX.

IT LEADS A SURPLUS IN BOTH BUDGETED YEARS, BRADDED CUSHION IN CASE THE ECONOMY SLOWS.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE ARE PROPOSING TO SPEND THIS YEAR THAN LAST, ABOUT $200 MILLION TO BE EXACT.

LET ME REPEAT THAT.

IDAHO WORKS BUDGET PROPOSED SPENDING $200 MILLION LESS THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] AS I SAID EARLIER, WE ARE ON TRACK TO DELIVER MORE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF THIS YEAR.

UP TO $150 MILLION THIS YEAR, PLUS THE $2 BILLION IN SCHOOL FACILITIES OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

IF IDAHO CAN DO, WASHINGTON, D.C. SHOULD DO IT.

TO THAT END, I AM SIGNING OFF AS THE GOVERNOR OF DEBT COUNCIL, THE RUN AWAY FREIGHT TRAIN FOR FEDERAL SPENDING HAS GOT TO STOP.

IT IS NOT RIGHT.

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION GIVES US THE STATE THE POWER TO PROPOSE A BALANCE BUDGET AMENDMENT.

FOLKS, WHAT IDAHO DOING IS WORKING.

THERE IS NO NEED TO CHANGE COURSE BUT WE MUST RAISE THE BAR AND NEVER REST ON OUR LAURELS.

HISTORY MAY NOT REMEMBER OUR NAMES OR FACES.

BUT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY WHILE WE ARE HERE TO CREATE A LASTING LEGACY OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO END BY QUOTING ONE OF MY GOOD FRIENDS AND MENTORS.

PERHAPS NOT KNOWN FOR HIS PATIENCE, HE RECOUNTED HIS FIRST WEEK AS A LEGISLATURE IN THIS CHAMBER WHICH HE REPORTEDLY STOOD AND SAID, MR. SPEAKER, LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD.

THAT, OF COURSE, WAS GOVERNOR PHIL BATT.

WE LOST HIM LAST YEAR.

HE WAS THE EPITOME OF A PUBLIC SERVANT.

HIS LEGACY IS DISTINGUISHED BY HIS UNRELENTING HUMAN RIGHTS LEADERSHIP.

SO LET'S CLOSE WITH AN ODE TO GOVERNOR BATT AND SAY EMPHATICALLY LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD.

LET'S GET THE WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF IDAHO.

YOU HAVE LISTENED TO THE SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOR.

ALEX ADAMS, I WANT TO START WITH YOU.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT FROM THE SPEECH IS THIS IS A DIFFERENT BUDGET YEAR THAN WHAT WE HAVE SEEN THE PAST FEW YEARS BECAUSE OF THAT INFLUX OF COVID-19 FUNDS DRYING UP.

ONE OF THE LINES I HIGHLIGHTED WAS THIS SECTION SHOULD BE ABOUT PRIORITIES.

>> IT IS DIFFERENT BUDGET YEAR THAN WE HAVE SEEN.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, WE SAW RECORD GROWTH IN REVENUE OF 20%.

WE NEVER ANTICIPATED THAT WOULD CONTINUE.

GOVERNOR LITTLE USED A LOT OF THAT SURPLUS WHICH THAT SURPLUS STARTED WITH A B, BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUSES FOR ROADS, BRIDGES AND RAILS AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> THAT'S OPPOSED TO USING THOSE FUNDS FOR ONGOING PROGRAMS AND MEETING THEM IN THE FUTURE AND NOT HAVING THEM.

>> FOR SURE.

GOVERNOR ENSURED THAT OUR ONGOING RESERVE NEW AND SPENDING BALANCE, WE USE THE SURPLUS, MOSTLY ONE TIME THE CAPITAL NEEDS THE PAY OFF DEBT.

THIS BUDGET, THEREFORE IS DIFFERENT, WE DIDN'T COME IN WITH A BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS.

WE DIDN'T COME IN WITH OTHER SURPLUS THAT COULD BE USED.

THE GOVERNOR HAD TO PUT TOGETHER WHAT THOSE PRIORITY PRIORITIES ARE AND HE PUT TOGETHER A BUDGET CALLED IDAHO WORKS BECAUSE WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WORKING.

IT IS FULLY FUNDIN IDAHO LAUNCH.

OUR STUDENTS GOING INTO IN-DEMAND SCHOOLS.

AND SOME TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES.

WE DID IT ALL WITH A CONSERVATIVE BUDGET AS HE SAID.

SPENDING GROWTH IS 2.2% YEAR OVER YEAR ON THE GENERAL FUND.

THAT'S OUR MOST CONSERVATIVE BUDGET SINCE THE GREAT RECESSION.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT TOTAL FUNDS WHICH IS GENERAL FUNDS AND FEDERAL FUNDS IS 200 MILLION PLUS YEAR OVER YEAR.

AND HE PUT TOGETHER A CONSERVATIVE PACKAGE, ONE THAT SUSTAINS OVER THE HORIZON OF THE BUDGET'S REVENUE FORECAST.

I LOOK FORWARD TO DIVE INTO IT.

>> FACILITIES STAND OUT.

NOT ONLY TO ME BUT GOT A STANDING OVATION WHEN HE SAID - WHEN HE SHARED THIS PLAN WITH THOSE IN THE CHAMBER.

I AM HARD PRESS THINKING OF ANOTHER TIME OF LAWMAKERS GIVING THE GOVERNOR A STANDING OVATION DURING THE STATE OF ADDRESS.

>> IT WAS PRETTY STARTLING.

WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING IS STARTLING.

THIS IS A BIG INVESTMENT OVER A DECADE OF SCHOOL'S FACILITIES WHICH IS A NEED THAT WE KNOW EXISTS BUT TO A LARGE DEGREE, IT IS A NEED THAT LEGISLATURES - THAT'S A LOCAL PROBLEM AND LOCAL CONCERN.

IT NEEDS TO BE FUNDED THROUGH LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE, HE FEELS LIKE IT IS NOT WORKING ANYMORE AND SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE TO HELP THE DISTRICTS THAT HAVE STRUGGLED TO PASS BOND ISSUES.

>> IT IS ALSO IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION.

THIS CAME UP IN THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH THAT THE STATE SAYS WE NEED TO PROVIDE UNIFORMED PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS FOR IDAHO STUDENTS.

DR. WITT, DEPENDING WHERE THESE STUDENTS ARE GOING TO SCHOOL, THEY ARE GETTING DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND DIFFERENT FACILITIES.

>> THIS REMINDS US THAT IT IS A POLICY CHOICE ABOUT WHICH LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT PAY FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES.

HISTORICALLY, WE HAVE MADE THAT DECISION IN IDAHO THAT IT WOULD BE BORN BY LOCAL TAXPAYERS 100% FOR THE COST.

WHEN YOU COMBINE THAT LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY TO LOCAL TAXPAYERS AND OUR BOND THRESHOLD WHICH IS THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION, IT MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR SOME LOCAL DISTRICTS TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO BUILD THE BUILDINGS OR REPLACE THE BUILDINGS.

THIS IS AS MAJOR SHIFT THAT IT GETS CLOSER TO OBEYING ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

>> IT COMES AT A TIME WHERE YOU SEE A LOT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS REALLY STRUGGLING WITH FACILITY NEEDS AND GETTING SUPPORT FOR FACILITY NEEDS.

SALMON IS THE POSTER TRIAL RIGHT NOW, HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING A BOND ISSUE PASSED.

WEST DATA IN MAINE TRYING TO PASS A LEVY TO OFFSET SOME OF THEIR BUILDINGS, FASTEST GROWING DISTRICT COULD NOT GET THAT LEVY PASSED.

THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR MANY DISTRICTS.

>> YOU MENTIONED IN THE SPEECH, THERE WAS A LINE GOVERNOR LITTLE SAID, RAW SEWAGE IS SEEPING INTO THE SPACE UNDER THE CAFETERIA.

THAT'S PRETTY NOTABLE, ALEX.

>> I WAS WITH GOVERNOR LITTLE WHEN HE VISITED THE SALMON SCHOOL.

THAT WAS NOT HYPERBOLE.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE ISSUES THERE.

I THINK THERE IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT MATTERS FOR THE STUDENTS.

AND GOVERNOR LITTLE HAS SPENT QUITE A BIT THIS TERM VISITING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE.

IF YOU THINK OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE TO DATE, WE HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON THE PERSONNEL WITHIN THOSE, HE DID A NEW CAREER LADDER.

WE INVESTED IN TEACHERS' HEALTH INSURANCE AND PROVIDED OPERATIONAL DOLLARS FOR THINGS LIKE LITERACY.

THIS IS A PIVOT TO FOCUS ON THOSE FACILITIES AND ONE OF THE LAST ITEMS OF OUR KIDS OF THE FUTURE TASK FORCE THAT HE COULD DO BACK IN 2019.

HE SAID LET'S DO BIG.

THAT IS $2 BILLION PROPOSAL IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

IT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN SCHOOL.

YOU ARE TAKING THAT BURDEN OFF OF THE LOCAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS.

WHAT WE HAVE USED IN BUILDING OUT THIS PROPOSAL IS THE LEGISLATURES OWN PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THEY TALKED ABOUT HOW WE ARE BELOW INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND FINANCIING MAINTENANCE NEED.

SO, WE TOOK A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH, THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE WORKING FOR THIS GOVERNOR, HE'S A SPREADSHEET AND DATA JUNKIE, IF WE ARE FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATIONS, HOW DO WE GET THERE?

>> THERE WERE SOME CALCULATIONS THEIR TODAY.

I DON'T THINK THE GOVERNOR GOT A STANDING OVATION OVER THIS IF ALL HE'S SAYING IS WE GOT TO BUILD FACILITIES OF PROBLEMS AROUND THE STATE, COUNTING IT AS A $2 BILLION PROPERTY TAX.

I THINK CONTRIBUTED TO SOME OF THE SUPPORT HE HEARD ON THE FLOOR THIS AFTERNOON.

>> I WANT TO TOUCH ON LAUNCH AS WELL.

SOMETHING WE TALKED ABOUT AND SOMETHING YOU COVER A LOT, KEVIN.

THIS PLAN WOULD FULLY FUND THE LAUNCH PROGRAM.

POPULAR, NOT QUITE AND TWICE AS MANY APPLICATIONS SO FAR.

IT IS PRETTY DARN CLOSE WITH MORE THAN 12,000 APPLICATIONS SO FAR JUST FOR THIS YEAR.

POPULAR WITH SENIORS.

>> HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS.

NOT QUITE AS POPULAR WITH LEGISLATURES.

THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT BARELY PASSED THE LEGISLATURES.

THE GOVERNOR IS WORKING ON TRYING TO GET LEGISLATORS ONBOARD.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT LEGISLATORS DOES.

THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF OPPOSITIONS STILL WITHIN THE LEGISLATORS.

>> AND HIGH PROFILE WITH SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.

>> I WAS STRUCK ON THURSDAY WHEN THE GOVERNOR SPOKE TO THE PRESS CLUB, SPENT A LOT OF THAT TIME TALKING ABOUT WATCH, A COUPLE OF STUDENTS CAME IN AND TALKED ABOUT WHY THEY APPLIED FOR THE MONEY AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE ON THE ROAD TO PROMOTE THE PROGRAM.

AND A FEW MINUTES LATER, YOU HAD HOUSE SPEAKER MOYLE TALKED ABOUT LAUNCH.

IT IS THE GOVERNOR'S HANDOUT AND I DON'T THINK IT IS WORKING WELL.

A STRIKING DIFFERENCE.

>> IT IS ALWAYS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS.

I WONDER WHAT WE'LL SEE IS NOT A WHOLESALE OPPOSITION TO THE PROGRAM BUT IT MATTERS WHAT MAJOR IS ON THAT LIST AND WHAT THINGS ARE AVAILABLE AND SOME TANKERING THERE TO BRING THAT BACK IN A NARROW WELDING AND NOT BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, I DON'T KNOW.

SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

IMPLEMENTATION QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2 BILLION IN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AND THIS IS - I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS, I THINK IT IS REALLY AN INTERESTING IDEA.

HOW WILL DISTRICTS CHOSEN TO TAX THEMSELVES HAVE PASS BONDS FEEL ABOUT THE LATE COMERS GETTING MONEY AND HOW DO WE GET THE MONEY TO THE DISTRICTS WHO WOULD NOT OWN THEIR OWNERS' RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN FACILITIES.

THIS IS A DIFFICULT NEEDLE TO THREAD TO GET SOME EQUITY THERE.

SUCH A GREAT IDEA, I AM CURIOUS TO SEE HOW TA BALANCES OUT.

>> THERE IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT REALITIES WITH EACH OF THOSE TAXING DISTRICTS, TOO WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT INCOME LEVELS AND PROPERTY VALUES AND WHEN WE ARE TALK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN ANY GIVEN DISTRICT.

TOTALLY DIFFERENT WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SALMON VERSES KETCHUP.

>> IT IS.

MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOU WILL BE USING AN INDEX THAT'S TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES OF ADVANTAGES THAT SOME DISTRICTS HAVE.

>> SO, THAT MEANS WE SAY THIS AS A COLLABORATION WITH OUR PARTNERS AND LEGISLATORS.

THAT'LL BE WEEKS AHEAD.

THE GOVERNOR MADE IT CLEAR, WE DON'T WANT TO PUNISH THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

WE DON'T WANT TO DISPORTIONALLY REWARD THOSE WHO KICK THE CAN HOPING THE STATE WOULD COME IN SO TO THE EXTENT, THERE IS A FORMULA FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THOSE FUNDS AND THE GOVERNOR WANTS TO RING TRUE TO THOSE PRINCIPLES.

IF I CAN GO BACK TO THE LAW, WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE TRYING TO SOLVE?

THE PROBLEM WE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE IS GETTING MORE AND MORE OF IDAHO'S YOUNG FOLKS TO GO ON AND STAY IN THE STATE AND PURSUE IN-DEMAND CAREERS.

OPPORTUNITIES HAD BEEN DECLINING, I THINK IT HIT 38% DURING THE PANDEMIC.

FOR YEARS, THE STATE HAD BEEN CHASING 60%.

THIS IS DESIGNED OF STIMULATE INTERESTS ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS DEMAND, NURSING, I.T.

AND ENGINEERING AND WELDING, PROGRAMS LIKE THAT.

THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT'S CONTINUING TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS THROUGH MAY.

WE THOUGHT IT WAS A TWO TO THREE-YEAR LEAD TO GET CLOSE TO THE 60% GO ON RATE.

IN THE BILL, UNUSED DOLLARS WILL OVER FLOW IN THE PROGRAM TO TRAIN ADULTS.

TO SEE THIS RESPONSE THIS EARLY, I THINK IT IS EMBLEMMATIC OF THE NEEDS THAT'S OUT THERE.

THIS IS NOW PUTTING THE STATE WHERE IT IS FUNDING ROLES OF APPRENTICESHIP.

THE REACTION IS POSITIVE AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORK WITH LEGISLATURES IN THIS SESSION.

>> THAT MAY BE WHERE YOU SEE THE LEGISLATURE TWEAKS OR LAUNCHES THIS YEAR.

WHAT CAREERS LINE UP?

THAT HAS BEEN A CONTENTION ABOUT THIS WHEN IT WAS LAUNCH AND THROUGH THE SUMMER.

I THINK YOU CAN SEE LEGISLATURES SAY OKAY, THERE ARE ALL THESE DEMANDS.

MAYBE WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IS HOW DO WE TWEAK THAT IN-DEMAND LISTS TO DRILL DOWN WHERE SPECIALIZED TRAINING IS NEEDED AND WORKERS ARE NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITIES.

>> PREEMPTIVELY NARROW THAT APPLICANT'S FIELD, PERHAPS.

>> THAT'S THE AREA WHERE LEGISLATURES MAY LOOK AT AND WE'LL SEE HOW IT PLAYS OUT.

>> ALEX, I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT TRANSPORTATION.

GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THE LEGISLATURES MAY SIGN ON.

THEY MAY SAY NO OR TWEAK THESE IDEAS.

RIGHT NOW THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING $800 MILLION IN NEW TRANSPORTATION SPENDING SPENDING -- SORRY, $50 MILLION ONGOING TO BOND.

NO NEW FEES OR TAXES TO PAY FOR THESE BRIDGE INVESTMENTS.

CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH HOW IT WORKS.

>> HOW WE ARE GOING TO FINANCE TRANSPORTATION MOVING FORWARD IS DIFFERENT.

MORE FUEL ECONOMY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES MEANINGLESS RELIANT ON GAS TAX WHICH IS HISTORICALLY FUNDED QUITE A BIT OF TRANSPORTATION.

SO, THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN USING QUITE A BIT OF OUR SURPLUS IN RECENT YEARS TO CLEAR OUT OUR TRANSPORTATION BACKLOG BACKLOG.

ONE OF THE THINGS HE TALKED ABOUT IS FUNDING BRIDGES.

WE HAD BACKLOG OF BRIDGES THAT WERE OLD AND PREVENTING FARMTRUCKS FROM GETTING TO MARKET AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

IF WE FUNDED 400 MILLION OF THAT GAP, WE WOULD USE THE SURPLUS THERE.

THE 50 MILLION COMES OUT OF SALES TAX.

THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT AND CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLAN, YOU BOND OFF OF SALES TAX, THE 50 MILLION ONGOING WOULD ISSUE A BOND FOR $800 MILLION.

THE $800 MILLION WOULD CLEAR OUT SOME OF THE BACKLOGS ON OUR ROADS.

OUR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HAS BEEN $8 BILLION LIST OF PROJECTS THAT IS ARE IN THE Q THAT ARE CURRENTY UNFUNDED.

SO $800 MILLION WILL CLEAR OUT 10% OF THAT LIST.

WE ARE GETTING CLOSER BUT NOT EXCEEDED OUR TRANSPORTATION DEMANDS.

THE LEGISLATURES HAVE BEEN WILLING TO INVEST IN OUR RECREANT RECENT SERES.

THIS IMPACTS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US AS WE DRIVE HOME.

IF YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT TRAFFIC OR CONGESTION, OR THE LACK OF CAPACITY, THIS IS A PACKAGE THAT WILL HELP DEFRAY SOME OF THOSE DEMANDS.

>> THIS CONVERSATION COMES AS DR. WITT, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT POPULATION GROWTH IN OUR STATE.

WE HAVE ALL SEEN IT REGARDLESS OF WHAT COMMUNITY WE ARE LIVING IN IN THE STATE.

WE ARE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT MAINTENANCE, WE ARE ALSO TALKING ABOUT CAPACITY.

>> WELL, YOU NEED TO DO BOTH.

NEW ROADS AND BRIDGES TO DO THE MAINTENANCE.

IT IS NOT VERY - TO GET MONEY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE.

THIS IS GREAT OF US CLEARING THE BACKLOGS OF DEFERRING -- THIS IS A GOOD BITE OF THAT APPLE.

>> I WANT TO TOUCH ON SOME OF THE THINGS WE DIDN'T HEAR IN THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

AND, WHILE HE COVERED A LOT OF AREAS, THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT HE DIDN'T TOUCH ON.

WE DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT HEALTHCARE AND NOTHING ABOUT MATERNAL HEALTH OR INFANT HEALTH.

THESE ARE ALL HOT BUTTON ISSUES BOTH WITH THE LEGISLATURES AND THE PUBLIC.

THE ONE EXCEPTION WAS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH THAT WE HEARD AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

KEVIN, WHAT WERE YOU LISTENING FOR THAT YOU DIDN'T HEAR?

>> ONE THING THAT I HEARD THAT THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT KIND OF SLIPPED IT IN WAS HE ADDRESSED THE SCHOOL CHOICE ISSUES FROM THE STANDPOINT OF SUPPORTING SCHOOL CHOICE AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT DRY RESOURCES AWAY FROM OUR SCHOOLS.

THAT SETS UP A BATTLE WITH LEGISLATURES WHO REALLY WANT TO PUSH FOR EITHER EDUCATION.

SAVING ACCOUNT PACKAGES OR TAX PACKAGES, WE SAW THE PROPOSAL.

THAT WAS UNVEILED ON FRIDAY.

I THINK THIS IS A BIG BATTLE IN THE EDUCATION SPACE.

>> DR. WITT, WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU AS FAR AS WHAT WAS NOT IN THE SPEECH?

>> MEDICAID.

IT IS AN ENORMOUS PART OF OUR BUDGET.

I KNOW IT DOES NOT MEAN NO ONE IS WORKING ON IT.

HE DIDN'T MENTION IT AND HE DIDN'T ALSO MENTION CORRECTIONS AT THE ADULT LEVEL WHICH IS OFTEN ANOTHER BITE, BIG BITE OF OUR BUDGET, RIGHT, FOR CORRECTIONS.

WE DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT ABORTION, OR CULTURAL WAR STUFF WITH HAVING BAN CRITICAL RACE THEORY OF ONE LINE THERE.

THOSE ARE THINGS THAT TAKE UP A LOT OF SPACE IN SOME STATES, THE STATE ADDRESSES ACROSS THE NATION BUT WE DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT IT TODAY.

>> ALEX, AS WE MENTION THIS SESSION SHOULD BE ABOUT PRIORITIES, I AM GETTING THE SENSE THAT GOVERNOR LITTLE REALLY WANTS TO FOCUS ON THESE PROPOSALS AND LESS ON SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN UP A LOT OF OXYGEN IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS IN IDAHO.

>> WHEN YOU PUT TOGETHER THE SPEECH OF THIS NATURE, IT IS BROADER THAN WHERE IT ENDS.

SO, THERE IS A TIME AND ELEMENT TO IT.

SO, JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS NOT IN THE SPEECH SHOULD NOT MEAN IT IS A PRIORITY MEDICAID, FOR EXAMPLE.

WE LEVERAGE THAT FLAT BUDGET.

JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS NOT ON THE SPEECH SHOULD NOT IMPLY IT IS NOT A PRIORITY.

IN TERMS OF WHERE THE GOVERNOR CAN PUT HIS TIME AND EFFORT IN THIS SESSION, FULLY FUNDING IDAHO LAUNCH.

$2 BILLION FOR SCHOOL'S FACILITIES.

CLEARING OUT OUR BACK LOCK OF BRIDGES, EXPANDING THE TRANSPORTATION OF CONGESTION AND EXPANSION PLAN BY $800 MILLION AND DOING IT ALL WITH A CONSERVATIVE BUDGET.

THE MOST CONSERVATIVE BUDGET SINCE THE GREAT RECESSION OF 2.2% GROWTH.

MARXES OUT THE RAINY DAY FUNDS AND LEVERING THE LARGE BALANCES.

>> IN TEN SECONDS, CAN YOU GIVE US ANY INDICATION OF HOW DISCUSSIONS OF THE LEGISLATURES HAVE BEEN GOING IN THE LEADUP TO THIS?

>> GOVERNOR MET WITH LEADERSHIP ABOUT MAJORITY AND MINORITY AND AS WITH ANY SESSION, THERE IS A VEND DIAGRAM THAT OVERLAPS OF VARYING DEGREE.

>> LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM.

>> RIGHT TURN ALL RIGHT, I AM GOING TO LEAVE IT THERE, ALEX ADAMS AND KEVIN RICHERT AND DR. WITT.

>> COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MOORE AND BETTIS LEGACIES OF BUILDING STATE OF IDAHO.

BY THE CORPORATIONS FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.