Good governance depends on honesty. Anyone who has watched the Statehouse closely knows Idaho’s budget is in trouble. Gov. Brad Little must think no one is paying attention, because he is trying to take a victory lap.

Little signed deep cuts to higher education as Idaho students face the largest tuition and fee increases. He also cut the LAUNCH scholarship program, which helps graduates train for in-demand careers, by 12.5%.

Neighborhood schools are struggling. Districts are eliminating teaching positions, especially where levies have failed, because state funding alone does not meet their needs.

In 2018, child advocates applauded Idaho’s first investment in home visiting, a program that helps prevent child abuse and neglect. Little’s budget eliminated it.

Last winter, his administration eliminated Assertive Community Treatment, a proven service for people with severe mental illness, despite warnings from providers and law enforcement. Four Idahoans died before funding was restored, and even then, only through a temporary one-year fix.

Under Little, the state has restricted therapies for children with disabilities and cut another $22 million from disability services.

He is touting a budget that sets back roads and bridges just as growth puts more pressure on them. Nearly $2.8 billion in transportation projects is at risk.

Idaho entered wildfire season with nothing left in its firefighting fund. The fires will not wait for the state to get its finances in order, and the bills will still come due.

Why is Idaho short on money for basic responsibilities like protecting children, educating students and preparing our workforce?

Since 2018, income tax changes have cost Idaho $4.5 billion in revenue, more than the state invests in healthcare and education combined. Today, the wealthiest 1% of Idaho households receive an average annual tax cut of $111,610. A family earning the median income receives $1,318. Idahoans with the lowest incomes pay an average of $96 more.

Little’s administration has acknowledged the truth. Early in 2025, he admitted the Legislature’s proposed revenue cuts were unaffordable. Days later, he reversed course and endorsed them.

This year, Little’s budget director warned that permanent cuts could cause structural harm and weaken Idaho’s ability to support economic development. Little signed the deeper cuts anyway.

After the governor celebrated this irresponsible budget, a House Republican leader pointed out that Little did not do it alone.

That much is true. Republicans up and down the ballot consistently prioritize tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy, regardless of the damage to Idaho’s schools, roads, healthcare system and long-term prosperity.

Idaho Democratic candidates judge a budget by what it delivers for working families, not by how much it gives away to the wealthy and profitable corporations.

This November, Idaho voters can choose a smarter course.

Onward,

Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair