Legislative leaders and Governor Little discussed ideas that will be presented during the legislative session starting Monday. Education is a top priority.
BOISE, Idaho — Friday morning a two-hour legislative preview was held at the Idaho State Capitol with Governor Brad Little and legislative leaders making remarks and previewing some of their priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session.
Governor Little kicked off the legislative preview by emphasizing education as his top priority for the upcoming session.
He pointed to programs like Idaho Launch, which provides funding for students pursuing training in high-demand fields in the state.
Little highlighted that this initiative is crucial for Idaho’s future growth.
“My top priority always is, and always will be, education,” Little said Friday during his remarks.
“It’s going to help all our industries,” Little added. “It’s obviously going to help us in the housing area, because one of the Critical components are plumbers, electricians, contractors.”
Little also touched on public safety, acknowledging the state’s crime rates while emphasizing Idaho’s status as one of the safest.
He vowed continued action on crime and safety issues.
“Our crime numbers statistics are not where we want them, but they’re, you know, we’re rated as a top 10 state for public safety violent crimes,” Little said. “We’ve got to make sure our legal immigration is working, but I think actually the message to nefarious people is, ‘don’t come here, and if you do come here, you’re going to be prosecuted.’”
Gov. Little also hinted at an upcoming announcement in his State of the State address, promising a “surprise” related to election integrity.
“I will not scoop my State of the State, except there is an election integrity surprise that you’re going to hear about on Monday,” he said.
Republican legislators largely echoed the governor’s priorities on tax relief, spending, and education.
Senator Lori Den Hartog expressed support for expanding educational choices, noting the importance of providing families with options.
“Certainly, education choice and providing options and opportunities for families to find the right fit for their child,” Den Hartog said.
Representative Mike Moyle also reiterated the focus on tax relief, emphasizing its importance to Idaho families.
“My top priority is always tax relief, and will continue to be, always tax relief,” Moyle said. “You’ll hear stuff about income, you’re going to hear about sales tax and property tax.”
In contrast, Democrats are advocating for more investments in social programs, particularly in healthcare and childcare.
Senator Melissa Wintrow emphasized the need for continued access to Medicaid and health care for Idaho, noting the over 60% voter approval for Medicaid expansion years ago.
“Access to high-quality health care and protecting Medicaid and Medicaid expansion—the voters voted years ago at almost 62% that we should expand Medicaid and make sure the working poor are covered and can get to a doctor,” Wintrow said.
Wintrow also emphasized the importance of investing in childcare for the well-being of families and public schools.
“For public schools to thrive, for families to thrive, we have to invest in childcare,” Wintrow stated.
Representative Steve Berch called for increased investment in infrastructure, affordable health care, and protecting public lands from privatization.
“Making sure we’re making investments in infrastructure, affordable health care, access to public lands that are being blocked by out-of-state billionaires,” Berch said.
As the legislative session begins, it’s clear that there are differences in priorities between Republicans and Democrats.
While Republicans focus on education, tax relief, and safety, Democrats stress social investments, including health care and childcare.
A wide variety of topics were discussed and will be brought forth when the legislative session begins on Monday, Jan. 6. Governor Little will also present his State of the State address.
