In response to Governor Brad Little’s executive order directing state agencies to implement 3% mid-year budget holdbacks, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement:
“These holdbacks are the bill coming due for reckless Republican rule. Idaho Democrats opposed giveaways to the wealthy and costly voucher schemes because we knew they would blow a hole in the budget and do nothing for working families. Now, the resulting cuts make it harder for the next generation to pursue careers that support a family, weaken state law enforcement, and strip away other critical services, like health care for people with disabilities.
“We were honest with Idahoans about where this budget was headed. Back in the spring, Democrats warned that Statehouse Republicans were budgeting dishonestly while the Trump regime was driving up costs and undermining our economy. The GOP ignored these warnings, and now Idaho families are paying the price.
“Idaho Democrats are ready right now to repeal the $50 million voucher scheme, an essential first step toward fiscal responsibility. The only thing standing in the way is a Republican supermajority that answers to special interests instead of Idahoans.”
###