Governor defends his budget plan as lawmakers probe cuts to K-12

IDAHO FALLS — Gov. Brad Little defended his budget proposal Monday in the wake of calls from some legislative leaders for cuts that Little’s plan doesn’t suggest, including up to $55 million for K-12.

“We did our due diligence,” Little told reporters. “That’s what we’re sticking with.” 

The governor spoke during the first leg of a highlight tour for his Enduring Idaho plan at the Regional Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls.

Little’s proposal would keep funding at K-12 brick-and-mortar schools flat next fiscal year, protecting them from more than $850 million in cuts, reversions and transfers aimed at balancing Idaho’s budget. But just weeks into the legislative session, budget writers reversed a decision to exempt K-12 from possible 2% cuts this fiscal year and next. Budget writers asked state superintendent Debbie Critchfield to prepare for cuts, which the first-term Republican declined to do. 

Little has spoken with Critchfield at least twice since lawmakers lifted the exemption, the governor said Monday. “We’re not inclined to negotiate.” 

Little also addressed up to $9 million in possible cuts to higher education that Little never suggested. Idaho’s higher ed institutes are already grappling with 3% holdbacks Little ordered in August. Another round of holdbacks from lawmakers would force immediate staff cuts and furloughs across state campuses, college and university officials say.

Little said Monday that he’s a “huge proponent of higher ed” but noted a tuition tailwind from accross-the-board enrollment increases at higher education institutions — including a buoy from Idaho Launch, a state-funded program that covers 80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000 for in-demand careers at approved Idaho colleges or training programs. 

Little also stressed the state’s constitutional mandate to fund its K-12 schools when discussing differences in the funding landscape between higher education and K-12. 

Little continued his tour Monday with a stop at the Twin Falls Public Library at 2 p.m. He’ll also speak at Lewiston’s city library today at 9:30 a.m. and at Coeur d’Alene’s public library at 1 p.m.