Gov. Brad Little unveils "Enduring Idaho" plan, pledges to protect K-12 funding and cut red tape

Governor Brad Little used a joint session of the Idaho Legislature on Jan. 12 to present the "Enduring Idaho" plan, a budget and policy roadmap for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 that stresses fiscal discipline while preserving public-school funding and promoting regulatory rollback.

"Our enduring Idaho plan makes way for Idaho to conform to the Trump tax cuts," Little said, describing a mix of one-time and ongoing spending reductions and tightened agency operations to balance the budget without cutting K-12 schools. He told lawmakers: "We will keep money in the bank so we can maintain our triple A credit rating." (Governor Brad Little)

Why it matters: Little framed the agenda as an effort to protect core services and the state's fiscal strength as revenues soften. He argued the approach will shield classroom funding and preserve a competitive tax environment while targeting operational efficiencies across state government.

Key elements: Little highlighted several priorities in the address. He said the administration will continue to protect K-12 funding despite revenue challenges and singled out the state's Idaho Launch workforce initiative as central to retaining and training workers. He also emphasized regulatory reform: "Through my executive order... we made Idaho the least regulated state in the nation," and asked the legislature to consider his red-tape rollback recommendations, which the address said identify the repeal of about 145,000 words of state law.

The governor tied public-safety messaging to federal partnerships and enforcement actions, saying Idaho's work on immigration enforcement and operations to remove criminal noncitizens have helped make communities safer. He also touted federal investments and partnerships to expand rural health care and the role of the Idaho National Laboratory in advancing energy and nuclear research.

Direct quotes and context: Little framed the plan as preserving essential services while trimming bureaucracy. He said, "If you're going to bet on any state, bet on Idaho," arguing a combination of conservative fiscal policy and strategic investments would sustain growth. He also credited previous and current officials and staff for improvements in credit standing and infrastructure.

Limitations and next steps: Little presented recommendations for the upcoming budget cycle; the speech did not itself enact policy. Lawmakers will review the proposals in committee and through the standard budget process. The address was ordered printed in the House and Senate journals for the legislative record.

The joint session concluded after the address, and the House moved to resume its regular business and adjourn later in the day.