Little speech on target

Reaction to Gov. Brad Little’s State of the State speech during the open day of the Legislature on Monday was primarily positive. Here’s what some legislators and agencies had to say:

Sen. Mary Souza, District 4

“I liked the Governor’s recognition that election integrity is a top priority. He is recommending additional funding for cybersecurity in our elections, which will help solidify our firewall. We are not safe in our Idaho elections. The Heritage Foundation just issued their first ever scorecard for each state’s Election integrity rating and Idaho is 38th in the nation. Not a strong showing for one of the most conservative states. We can do better, and I am introducing several bills to bolster our election security.”

Rep. Paul Amador, District 4, House Seat B

“I think Governor Little took a very measured approach to his 2022 State of the State address. This session will be defined in very historic terms in how we handle a $1.6 billion surplus, something we have never even remotely seen in Idaho’s history. Idaho’s economy is the strongest in the country and where some states have had to drain rainy day funds, we have the opportunity to provide tax relief and make strategic investments for the future of Idaho.”

He said he also supported Little’s commitment to eliminating outstanding deferred maintenance over the next few years.

“Our children are our future and strategically investing in education will pay dividends to a bright future for Idaho.”

Rep. Doug Okuniewicz, District 2, House Seat B

“I agree with Governor Little that surplus taxpayer dollars should be returned to taxpayers.” 

Schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra

“In announcing the largest-ever investment in Idaho education, our governor gave a glimpse of a bright future in the midst of the setbacks and disruptions of this long-running pandemic. I am excited that he not only continues to make education a top priority, but shares my passion for boosting early literacy and improving teachers’ pay as crucial steps toward improving student achievement and success.”

Lanye McInelly, Idaho Education Association president

(Gov. Little’s) proposed 11% increase to the state’s K-12 education budget is the strongest improvement in recent years. If approved by the Legislature, this new funding would begin to move Idaho away from the horrifying distinction of ranking below every other state, and the District of Columbia, in per student spending. Our students deserve much more than what they have been getting from Idaho policymakers in recent years, and Governor Little is guiding us to the right path forward.”

Reclaim Idaho co-founder Luke Mayville

“Governor Little’s plan is a positive step in the right direction. But even with the Governor’s plan fully adopted, Idaho will likely remain dead last of 50 states in funding

for K-12 education. It will remain as urgent as ever to put the Quality Education Act on the ballot.”

Alejandra Cerna Rios, Director, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy 

“The best way to support Idaho’s working families without a doubt is a tax credit based on Idahoans’ hard-earned income. The credit would help offset the income and sales tax that working families pay, letting them use that offset to keep up with rising costs. The credit would also support our economy as families would use it for goods and services at local businesses. We are concerned that a tax rebate not tied to employment status would exclude some Idahoans. I urge policymakers to consider a new tax credit based on earned income that will reflect our values of hard work and fairness.” 

Lupe Wissel, AARP Idaho state director

“For the third year in a row, Governor Little continues to focus on the importance of young people in Idaho and while we certainly agree, we would again offer a reminder that Idaho’s population is aging faster than most. This includes an influx of new residents seeking retirement opportunities in the Gem State.

 “Idaho’s 65+ population has increased by 53% in the last ten years and will represent 20% of the population by 2026. We think Idaho deserves to be a great place for people of all ages – not just children and grandchildren.”