Official Government Website
Press Releases
By Governor Brad Little As our economy evolves and we position ourselves to remain competitive with 49 other states and countries across the globe, our ability to develop and attract a skilled, educated workforce becomes increasingly important. Idaho’s students and workforce must possess the skills to fill every level of need, from vocational graduates performing […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Sherry Maupin as Valley County Commissioner. “Sherry’s interest and expertise in issues important to Valley County make her an ideal fit for this important role,” Governor Little said. “She possesses the leadership skills and knowledge expected of a county commissioner.” Maupin worked 27 years […]
By Governor Brad Little Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, and they will have to adapt to change in their careers more than any other generation before them. In a word, they will have to be agile. Technological advances and the anticipated automation of more jobs down the road mean families, schools, and colleges must push […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced the proposed elimination of 10 outdated regulatory programs in the state’s occupational licensing rules, as part of the implementation of one of his executive orders. “I am deeply committed to reducing regulations and cleaning up outdated laws that only serve to confuse and burden Idaho citizens and businesses,” […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of James S. Cawthon, Jr., as District Judge to the Fourth Judicial District Court. “Judge Cawthon’s extensive experience as a magistrate and with specialty courts makes him extremely qualified for this position,” Governor Little said. “The Fourth Judicial District will be well-served by his continued […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the members of a broad-based group he created to advise the implementation of Shared Stewardship in Idaho, an initiative that aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and support jobs through additional, coordinated active land management projects. “The protection of our rural communities and the health […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has appointed Shawn Keough to the Idaho State Board of Education. “Improving education in Idaho is my highest priority and a key factor in ensuring Idaho’s children and grandchildren have the best opportunities to stay in Idaho and for the ones who have left to choose to return,” Governor […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little joined representatives of the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle in the State Capitol today to sign a letter of intent for the Taiwan Flour Mills Association to purchase U.S. wheat over the next two years, a deal valued at $576 million. Governor […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little concluded a six-day diplomatic mission Friday to strengthen Idaho’s ties with the Basque Country, the Netherlands, and Ireland. “A strong economy in Idaho depends on positive relationships between our state and international companies that do business here or are looking to expand in Idaho,” […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little’s next “Capital for a Day” event will be held in Rathdrum on September 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53. Officials joining Governor Little include: Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, First Lady Teresa Little, and Idaho officials will depart for Europe on Saturday for a six-day diplomatic mission to promote positive economic relations between the State of Idaho and the Basque Country, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey and Idaho State Department of Agriculture […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has ordered all U.S. and state flags in Idaho to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, September 14, 2019, in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Dustin B. Ard. Ard, 31, of Idaho Falls, died August 29, 2019, from wounds sustained during combat operations in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has appointed two members to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Derick Atterbury has been reappointed to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission representing the Upper Snake Region. Atterbury is an irrigation company operations manager residing in Idaho Falls. He studied environmental sciences at Idaho State University and University […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued his latest executive order today continuing Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. “There are few things in life as rewarding as service to others. Volunteers in our communities, schools, and churches across the state play an important role in making Idaho the place where our […]
By Governor Brad Little Activist federal judges overstepped yet again in a case involving an Idaho transgender inmate seeking gender reassignment surgery. If upheld, taxpayers will foot the bill down the road for more lawsuits and medically unnecessary procedures for prisoners. Adree Edmo is a transgender prisoner serving time for sexually abusing a 15-year-old child. […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, Senate Pro Tem Brent Hill, and House Speaker Scott Bedke issued a joint statement today in response to a decision by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) saying Idaho’s 1332 Coverage Choice waiver application is “incomplete.” “We are disappointed and surprised by the assessment from CMS […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has appointed two new members to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Judge Patricia Young of Boise will fill an opening vacated by Lisa Growette Bostaph. Bostaph resigned from the commission effective Aug. 1. Young is a former Boise County Magistrate Judge. She received her undergraduate degree […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today in response to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s ruling that the State of Idaho must provide gender reassignment surgery to transgender inmate Adree Edmo. “The court’s decision is extremely disappointing. The hardworking taxpayers of Idaho should […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has hired two full-time field directors to enhance communication and outreach efforts between the Office of the Governor and Idahoans. Jake Garringer will serve as field director in northern Idaho. Emma Johnson will serve as field director in eastern Idaho. “I created these positions to make my office more […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little appointed Rex Cromer and Diane Holt to the Bovill City Council. Three of four city council members resigned earlier this year, and Governor Little had to appoint two of the vacancies to establish a quorum of the council. Cromer is a retired logger and has served as a Bovill […]
By Governor Brad Little Opioid and substance misuse is one of America’s – and Idaho’s – growing problems. It is not a problem that just affects the individuals who feel condemned to addiction, either. Families and communities are affected. State and community resources are going to crime, incarceration and lower quality of life, instead of […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little’s next “Capital for a Day” event will be held in Grace on August 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center, located at 704 S. Main Street. Officials joining Governor Little include: Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra Department of Water Resources Director […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little will address his Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Advisory Group at its first meeting on Aug. 15 in Boise. Governor Little established the advisory group by executive order to combat the growing epidemic of opioid and substance misuse in Idaho. The public meeting is scheduled to run 8 a.m. […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little unveiled new steps this week to improve transparency and accountability in Idaho’s administrative rulemaking processes. Governor Little directed the Idaho Office of the Administrative Rules (OAR) Coordinator housed within the Governor’s Division of Financial Management to make four changes that simplify rulemaking for the public: New one-stop shop for […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little joined House and Senate Majority Leadership in a joint press conference today to announce the state will pursue further cuts to the Idaho Administrative Code this year. Since Governor Little took office in January, his administration worked with the Legislature to cut and simplify 40 percent of Idaho’s administrative […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little’s next “Capital for a Day” event will be held in Grangeville on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grangeville Senior Center, located at 108 Grangeville Truck Route. Officials joining Governor Little include: Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave […]
By Governor Brad Little Four simple budgeting concepts guide governing in Idaho: Don’t spend more money than you bring in. Save some money as preparation for a potential downturn. Make investments where they matter. Take steps to put budget surpluses back into taxpayers’ pockets. We just closed the books on the State of Idaho budget […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little is accepting applications through July 19, 2019, for two positions he will appoint on the Bovill City Council. Three of four city council members recently resigned. Governor Little will appoint two of the vacancies to establish a quorum of the council. The appointments will be until the next city […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued the following statement today on the passing of former legislator and lobbyist, Bill Roden, who died at his home on July 8, 2019. For nearly 60 years, Bill Roden helped shape the quality of life we enjoy in Idaho. Bill was always generous in giving his advice and […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced the identification of two largescale project areas in Idaho where federal, state, and private land management activities will align to reduce wildfire risk to communities, create and sustain jobs, and improve the health of Idaho’s forests and watersheds. Governor Little set a deadline of July 1 for the […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little proclaimed today “Census Day” in Idaho and announced the creation of a new committee to assist federal partners in completing the 2020 Census Count. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a population count every 10 years. Census results help determine the allocation of federal funds and electoral redistricting, and they […]
Boise, Idaho – The first meeting of Governor Brad Little’s Salmon Workgroup will be held June 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Idaho Room at the Idaho State Museum in Boise. The meeting is open to the public, and Governor Little is scheduled to address the group at 8:30 a.m. Governor Little […]
By Governor Brad Little When I took office as Idaho’s 33rd Governor in January, I was determined to follow through on my promise to reduce regulatory burdens on Idaho citizens and businesses. Six months later, we have cut or simplified 40 percent of Idaho regulations! Idaho’s work is setting an example for other states and […]
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho administrative rules identified for reauthorization were published in the Idaho Administrative Bulletin today at https://adminrules.idaho.gov/bulletin/2019/06SE.pdf. Under the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act, all administrative rules automatically sunset on July 1 unless extended by the Idaho Legislature. The Legislature traditionally passes a “going-home” bill that extends all administrative rules until July 1 […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little congratulated Boise-based Basque musician Dan Ansotegui today on becoming one of nine recipients of the 2019 National Heritage Fellowships, the highest honor bestowed on folk and traditional artists in the United States. The National Endowment for the Arts announced the fellowship recipients this morning. The award recognizes the artistic […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little’s next “Capital for a Day” event will be held in American Falls on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Falls District Library. Officials joining Governor Little include: Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen Idaho Department of Labor […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed an executive order today aimed at combatting opioid and substance misuse in Idaho. Opioids, including prescription pain relievers and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, lead drug-induced deaths in Idaho. Opioid prescriptions are dispensed in Idaho at a higher rate than 34 other states, and Idaho ranks […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced the recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Cup Scholarships to Idaho colleges and universities. The 44th Governor’s Cup fund-raising drive brought in enough money for 37 new scholarships to award this year. Recipients were chosen from among more than 1,000 applicants by the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship Fund Inc.’s […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced the recipients of the 2019 Idaho Awards for Leadership in Energy Efficiency. The awards acknowledge Idaho companies that exhibit leadership in their communities by implementing energy efficiency measures at their local facilities and buildings. “Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption are the foundation of a secure future […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced two new appointments today. Governor Little appointed Andrea Courtney to the Third Judicial District bench, serving Canyon County. Courtney has been a Deputy Attorney General in the Natural Resources Division of the Office of Attorney General Lawrence Wasden for more than 10 years. She earned her law degree […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little is accepting applications for two openings on the State Board of Education. Don Soltman and Richard Westerberg’s terms are set to expire at the end of June. “I want to thank Don and Richard for their unwavering service and dedication to Idaho’s students. They both leave a legacy and […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed his latest executive order today, establishing the Idaho Broadband Task Force to improve connectivity and broadband infrastructure across Idaho. “In a data-driven society, connectivity is imperative for a vital economy,” Governor Little said. “Improved broadband infrastructure ensures both urban and rural Idaho will be connected and well-positioned to […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced appointments to fill vacancies on the Idaho Board of Correction, the Idaho Transportation Board and for Legislative District 21 Seat B. Dr. Karen Neill is appointed to the Idaho Board of Correction. Neill is a professor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little is accepting public comment through June 11 on the administrative rules identified for elimination or simplification after the Idaho Legislature’s decision not to reauthorize Idaho’s Administrative Code during the 2019 legislative session. The Idaho Administrative Code has the full force of law. At the beginning of the year, it […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has appointed Connie Fogle and Sidney Purser to the Sugar City Council. Fogle currently works as a real estate broker. Purser is a former Rigby City Councilmember and Jefferson County Commissioner. Three of four city council members recently resigned. Governor Little appointed two of the vacancies to establish a […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice announced today its indictment of ten members of an Idaho prison gang called the “Aryan Knights.” “The indictment of this prison gang is a welcome step for Idaho citizens as well as our correctional officers and prisoners. The indictment […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced the members of his new “Our Kids, Idaho’s Future” Task Force today, establishing the group that will formulate a five-year blueprint for improvement of and investment in Idaho’s K-12 public education system. The task force members include teachers, school administrators, education stakeholders, business leaders, and a bipartisan group […]
BOISE, Idaho – The Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission will meet May 16 in Idaho Falls. The commission makes recommendations to the Governor on policies and actions of the State of Idaho to support and enhance the long-term viability and mission of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other nuclear industries in Idaho. “There […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today appointments to Idaho’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERSI) Retirement Board and the Seventh Judicial District Court. Darin DeAngeli will serve on the Retirement Board for PERSI. DeAngeli has worked as an attorney and certified public accountant for more than 25 years. DeAngeli received his Juris Doctor and […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little has issued two pardons in accordance with the unanimous recommendation of the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Each of the individuals pardoned paid their debt to society, did not commit any subsequent felonies or misdemeanors and made exemplary contributions to their communities through business, volunteerism, and community leadership […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little appointed Tom Harris of Eagle to serve as the new chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission. Harris retired in 2018 as president of Western States Equipment after 45 years with the company. He led the 850-employee multi-state company in its support and distribution of Caterpillar and related products. […]
NOTE: Deadline was extended to October 31, 2019 Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little issued Executive Order 2019-04 today, renewing the Idaho Medal of Achievement, Idaho’s highest civilian honor. Governor Little also called on Idahoans to submit nominations for recipients of the Idaho Medal of Achievement by August 5, 2019. “The Idaho Medal of Achievement […]
State’s action defends its collaborative plan to save the bird from extinction and preserve multiple use of public lands in Idaho Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little, the State of Idaho, and Idaho Legislature moved to intervene in a federal lawsuit Thursday to defend the federal Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently-adopted sage grouse plan […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed his latest Executive Order into law today, creating a working group chaired by Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin to identify where Idaho can gain efficiencies and improve customer service at state agency regional offices across the state. “It’s important for citizens across Idaho to access state government services close […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today some of the newest board appointments in his administration. Brian Beckley of Meridian will serve as the District 3 representative on the Idaho Park and Recreation Board. Beckley is the Chief Operations Officer at Biomark, Inc., a company that supplies electronic identification technology to fish, wildlife, and […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little began laying out his plan today to ensure existing administrative rules remain in effect following the Idaho Legislature’s decision not to reauthorize the rules during the 2019 legislative session. “The efficient operation of state government is a priority of mine, and the people of Idaho expect it,” Governor Little […]
Boise, Idaho – The States of Idaho and Oregon signed a settlement agreement last week for the Hells Canyon Complex, representing a monumental step toward Idaho Power’s reauthorization to operate three Snake River dams. The agreement represents the culmination of decades-long negotiations between Idaho, Oregon, and Idaho Power. The parties have been working since 2005 […]
By the State Board of Land Commissioners With 40 percent of Idaho covered in trees, the management of our forests affects us all. All Idahoans benefit from the clean water, abundant wildlife habitat, recreation, and wood and paper products that healthy forests provide, along with many positive economic impacts. Arbor Day is April 26, a […]
Click here for “Governor Little’s 100 Days of Achievement” handout (pdf) Boise, Idaho – Investing in public education, expanding access to healthcare, and scaling back regulatory burdens are some of Governor Brad Little’s biggest achievements in his first 100 days as Idaho’s Governor. “We made great advances since January to improve the lives of Idahoans […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little’s hometown of Emmett will host his first “Capital for a Day” event since becoming Idaho’s 33rd Governor. The event will be held April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emmett City Hall, located at 501 E. Main Street. Governor Little will be joined by First Lady […]
By Governor Brad Little Our neighbors to the north and south play an integral part in Idaho’s economy. A trade agreement being considered for approval by Congress would enable Idaho businesses to continue competing in a global market and enhance their customer base in North America. Congress must ratify President Trump’s United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) […]
Think back on your favorite teacher. We all have one. Mine was Mrs. Dresser, my second-grade teacher at Butte View Elementary in Emmett. Before Mrs. Dresser, reading felt like a chore to me. She brought joy to reading and set me on a path of learning that benefits me still today. Undoubtedly there are moments […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed into law House Bill 153 today, increasing starting teacher pay to $40,000 per year. The bill passed the Idaho Legislature with overwhelming support. It fulfills one of his key campaign promises and one of the priorities he laid out in his first State of the State speech in […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today his appointments of Jim Thompson of Sandpoint and Robert Hoff of Idaho Falls to serve on the Idaho Transportation Board, and Betty Coppersmith of Eagle to serve on the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Jim Thompson, P.E., will serve as the District 1 representative on the […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Jeffery Allen to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Allen has been the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s Idaho Office Director and Policy Analyst since 2008. He now joins Jim Yost as the second Idaho representative on the Council, which includes Idaho, Montana, Oregon […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Little today announced Idaho’s participation in an innovative cybersecurity training partnership with the SANS Institute, the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification for professionals in governments and commercial institutions worldwide. The partnership – which is also supported by Idaho National Laboratory and the Idaho STEM Action Center – aims to inspire […]
Boise, Idaho – Less than one month after Governor Brad Little implemented the “Red Tape Reduction Act” through Executive Order 2019-02, progress is taking place to simplify and scale back Idaho’s administrative rules. All State of Idaho agencies with authority to issue administrative rules are required by Governor Little’s executive order to identify at least […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 12 into law today during a bill signing ceremony to highlight the benefits of a medication called naloxone in saving the lives of people experiencing opioid overdose. He also reminded Idahoans of his forthcoming executive order to address opioid addiction in Idaho. “My administration is fully […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 1 into law today, praising House Speaker Scott Bedke for his determination and months of collaborative efforts between diverse water interests in the Treasure Valley to move the policy forward. “House Bill 1 is about Idaho’s most precious resource – our water,” Governor Little said. “House […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Patrick J. Miller as District Judge to the Fourth Judicial District Court. “Pat is an incredible, experienced attorney and community-minded citizen,” Governor Little said. “We will all benefit from his work in the judicial branch. I am grateful for his continued service to the […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today two appointments and one opening on the three-member Idaho Board of Correction. Governor Little appointed Dodds Hayden to the Board of Correction. Hayden has served as the President of Hayden Beverage Company since 2006. Born and raised in Idaho, Hayden is a graduate of Bowdoin College and […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little held a press conference today to sign two new executive orders aimed at reducing state regulatory burdens on Idaho citizens and businesses. Executive Order 2019-02, the “Red Tape Reduction Act,” requires state agencies that have authority to issue administrative rules to identify at least two existing rules to be […]
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little appointed Regina Bayer of Meridian to fill the Senate seat for Legislative District 21. Bayer’s son, Cliff Bayer, vacated the seat when he accepted the position of Chief of Staff for Congressman Russ Fulcher earlier this month. Regina Bayer is a small business owner and has more than 30 […]
By Governor Brad Little The education of young Idahoans affects all of us. A well-educated and well-trained population improves our overall prosperity as a state. That is why I declared education my number one priority during my first State of the State and Budget Address earlier this month. A strong K-12 public education system is […]
BOISE, Idaho – The Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission will meet January 23 in Boise. The commission makes recommendations to the Governor on policies and actions of the State of Idaho to support and enhance the long-term viability and mission of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other nuclear industries in Idaho. Governor Little […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the individuals who will lead the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole, and Idaho Department of Finance. Marv Hagedorn will continue to serve as administrator of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. Hagedorn has been in the position since August of 2018. […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today that the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) has appealed a U.S. District Court ruling that orders the State of Idaho to provide gender reassignment surgery to an inmate. On Dec. 13, 2018, Judge B. Lynn Winmill gave IDOC six months to provide gender reassignment surgery for Adree […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor Brad Little is following through on his promises to increase teacher pay, make new investments in public education, eventually eliminate the grocery tax, and fully implement Proposition 2 related to Medicaid expansion during his first State of the State and Budget Address. Little also announced the impending creation of a new […]
BOISE, Idaho – Governor-elect Brad Little has been publicly sworn in as the 33rd Governor of Idaho. The ceremonial swearing-in on the steps of the Capitol included all of Idaho’s constitutional officers. “I will seek to reflect our shared Idaho values and aspirations,” Little said. “This means making decisions through one lens: of ensuring the […]