School choice and tax cuts are some major topics expected to come back to the Statehouse this year.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little and legislative leaders spoke with reporters Friday about their legislative priorities for the upcoming session, which begins Jan. 6. They also highlighted the state’s Idaho Launch grant program, DEI, Medicaid, illegal immigration, public lands and wildfire management.
“My top priority always is, always will be, education,” Little said.
House Speaker Mike Moyle said his key issues were, in short, “more tax relief and less spending.”
During the annual briefing, Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Melisa Wintrow and Steve Berch sparred with Republicans House Speaker Mike Moyle and at times Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog over school choice and the Idaho Transportation Department building.
EDUCATION — SCHOOL CHOICE, IDAHO LAUNCHThe governor said he’s in discussions with lawmakers about “school choice” proposals that would allow state funds to go toward private education tuition or homeschooling. Little said he’d want “sideboards” on any legislation that came forward, but didn’t go into detail.