Idaho doesn’t have to choose between a balanced budget and meeting the needs of its people. We can do both. But that requires that the Legislature stops defaulting to cuts and starts making choices that strengthens our state.

Idaho Democrats are offering a better path, one that keeps people working, supports kids and families, and protects the investments that drive our economy.

One place to start is relief that actually reaches families who feel every price increase. Democrats want to reinstate Idaho’s child tax credit, which Republicans decided to sunset. Created in 2018 after federal changes increased tax bills for families with children, the credit helped cover groceries, rent, utilities, and other basics. Bringing it back would deliver targeted relief to families feeling the squeeze of rising costs.

The same logic applies to child care. Idaho’s workforce doesn’t function if parents can’t find or afford a safe place for their kids. Democrats are pushing to increase investment in the Idaho Child Care Program so more parents can stay on the job, pick up more hours, or take a better job when it’s offered. That’s good for families, and it’s good for employers who are tired of trying to staff shifts in a state where child care is out of reach.

And Idaho should be protecting the workforce pipeline, not shrinking it. Idaho LAUNCH connects graduates to training and education for in-demand careers. Families and businesses support it because it’s practical and grows our economy. Yet lawmakers have already moved money out of the LAUNCH fund. This means fewer scholarships to build the workforce of the next generation. Right when employers are already short, we will produce fewer welders, nurses, and other skilled professionals.

These ideas only pencil out if lawmakers curb expensive giveaways while squeezing everything else. The $50 million voucher-style private school tax credit is an indulgence we can’t afford in a tight budget year. Pausing or repealing it would free up real dollars for shared priorities that are on the chopping block.

Tax policy needs the same honesty. Estimates put the cost of the tax conformity package at roughly $155 million this year and $175 million next year. That kind of revenue loss reduces funds for schools, public safety, and health care. Democrats have been clear about the direction we need: targeted relief for working people and small businesses, not choices that force cuts to backfill the loss

Idaho also has a responsible bridge option. The state has around $1.4 billion in reserves. Using a portion strategically can prevent long-term damage while lawmakers unwind unaffordable choices and stabilize the budget.

Idaho can balance the books without balancing them on the backs of working families. The Legislature just has to decide who this budget is for.

Onward,

Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair