Idaho Gov. Little visits area to talk 'Keeping Promises' plan
CAROLYN BOSTICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 days, 22 hours AGO
Governor Brad Little spoke on education matters and mapped out some of his major points from his State of the State address Monday at the StanCraft Jet Center.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Carolyn Bostick has worked for the Coeur d’Alene Press since June 2023. She covers Shoshone County and Coeur d'Alene. Carolyn previously worked in Utica, New York at the Observer-Dispatch for almost seven years before briefly working at The Inquirer and Mirror in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Since she moved to the Pacific Northwest from upstate New York in 2021, she's performed with the Spokane Shakespeare Society for three summers. | January 14, 2025 1:00 AM
HAYDEN — Gov. Brad Little unveiled his "Keeping Promises" plan for 2025 during a Monday press conference at the StanCraft Jet Center, highlighting education funding as a cornerstone of his vision for investments throughout the state.
Little announced that state education funding has increased by 80% since he took office in 2019. His latest plan includes nearly $200 million for education, with $50 million earmarked for expanding school choice through an education freedom initiative.
"Good schools are an essential component for a thriving community," Little said.
While the state Legislature is still working out the details of the school choice policy, Little emphasized the need for accountability in non-public schools receiving state funds.
"The people of Idaho expect there to be some accountability and some transparency," Little said. "We're going to do that."
He added that the state tax commission will ensure transparency and prevent "double-dipping."
"There are going to be guard rails," he said.
The governor's 2025 plan also includes $100 million in tax relief and $15 million for workforce housing. Little emphasized his administration's focus on infrastructure improvements, noting significant roadway projects have been completed without tax increases.
On public safety, Little highlighted a 17% decrease in the state's crime rate despite rapid population growth.
"Our crime rate has gone down 17% despite the fact that we're one of the fastest-growing states," he said.
The plan allocates $10 million to enhance the foster care system.
"We're putting in new programs not only to take care of these foster kids but to intervene where they don't become foster kids," he said.
Addressing workforce development, Little praised Idaho LAUNCH's role in expanding technical education.
"There's a dire need for construction, auto technicians, plumbers, electricians," he said, commending programs at NIC, Kootenai Technical Education Campus and North Idaho College Parker Technical Education Center.
Following his recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Little expressed optimism about future federal partnerships.
"There's going to be a lot of things happening right away and I just want Idahoans to have a say in what takes place," he said.
Regarding concerns raised by the Idaho Dairymen's Association about Trump's deportation policy, Little emphasized the need for balance.
"We want to know who's here and we want a good worker program," he said.
The governor also requested additional wildfire funding from the state Legislature for 2025, noting strong local preparedness.
"Here in Coeur d'Alene, we keep it stocked up, so we have all the supplies we need for fire," he said.
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