Little says state can afford $400M in tax cuts

NAMPA — Gov. Brad Little touted tax cuts and public school funding as key takeaways from this year’s legislative session.

In a news conference on Monday in Nampa, Little reflected on the outcome of the 2025 session of the Idaho Legislature and ongoing federal cuts — by the executive branch and proposed by Congress.

With the over $400 million in tax cuts Little signed into law this year, the governor said he and state lawmakers have cut taxes by $6 billion in the six years he’s been in office. 

“Idaho has proven that we can give back consistently while taking care of the needs of a very fast growing state,” Little told reporters.

He also said since he became Idaho’s governor, the state’s support for public schools has boosted 60% — from a $1.7 billion budget to now over $2.6 billion. 

Early on in the legislative session, Little expressed concern about the high amount of tax cuts proposed by the Legislature — which were well over the $100 million the governor proposed in his budget. 

Asked how he felt about the state’s finances after signing the tax cut bills, Little pointed to the future. 

“I remember the speaker saying, ‘Oh yeah, we can afford it.’ And he’s exactly right. We can afford the 400 million. But the issue is, where are you in year two, year three, year four?” he said.

“Right now, we’re still about the fastest growing state. And if we can continue, we’re going to be fine. But I just don’t think most Idahoans think we ought to bet on being the fastest growing state forever,” Little continued.