The people of Idaho elected Brad Little as the state’s 33rd Governor in November 2018. He became Governor on January 7, 2019. Governor Little is an Emmett native who was raised on his family’s sheep and cattle ranching operation.
Creating career-path jobs for Idahoans requires a plan that harnesses Idaho's resources, talents and entrepreneurial spirit and leverages them with public-private partnerships that work in the marketplace and our communities.
I am seeking out the wisdom and celebrating the homegrown successes of the innovative people creating economic opportunity in our state. I am working to sell more of Idaho's products and services to the world and showcasing Idaho's stable and predictable tax and regulatory environment where businesses can thrive.
Idaho's energy future depends on the emerging role of renewable and alternative energy resources as well as improving Idaho's energy transmission capabilities. I created the Office of Energy Resources in 2007 and the team of experts there hit the ground running with an ambitious agenda aimed at putting Idaho ahead of the curve in energy development, transmission and innovation.
Keeping up with our transportation infrastructure needs is important not only for public safety but for our corridors of commerce as well. There is no more immediate or direct way to invest in our future prosperity than to ensure access to markets here and abroad. Highways and bridges that are safe and meet the needs of individuals and businesses are essential to attracting and retaining jobs. I will advocate for investing in transportation because it pays off in a stronger and more diverse economy.
Education is the key to economic and social well-being and Idaho's future prosperity, and is a fundamental and proper role of state government. Working with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and a State Board of Education that is refocused on its constitutional policy-making and oversight role, I am committed to rewarding innovation, creativity and what works for Idaho students – K through Career.
Improving affordability and access to quality healthcare is a pressing need, and it will take government and the private sector working together collaboratively and with a common purpose to bring about real changes. Reducing healthcare costs and improving accessibility to healthcare requires building public-private partnerships and addressing such specific needs as shortages of healthcare providers, incentives for preventative care, and more efficient and secure health information systems to better coordinate care. It takes fostering innovative, market-based solutions and engaging everyone – patients and physicians, hospitals and insurers, employers and employees – in a sustained effort to change healthcare in Idaho for the better. Read more about Idaho's efforts to improve healthcare for our citizens...
I am extremely proud of the talent, commitment and integrity shown by Idaho´s public safety professionals at the Idaho State Police, Department of Correction, Bureau of Homeland Security and Idaho National Guard and numerous other safety organizations across the state. Together, these agencies and the troopers, correctional officers, soldiers and airmen they command provide a first line of defense for the people of Idaho. As Commander in Chief, I am inspired by the dedication to duty shown by all the uniformed services in Idaho, and I strongly support their missions of protecting and defending our communities and citizens.
Promoting responsible government means focusing on leadership and innovative solutions developed at the local and state levels. After all, the states are the laboratories of our republic. The states are where real change must start if we are to restore our union to what the Founders intended.
My administration is committed to using common sense in ways that make better use of our tax dollars now and in the future. I am personally committed to working for states' rights and will continue to promote and defend policies that work for Idaho.
One of the first things I did when I took office as Idaho's governor in 2007 was to impose a zero-base budgeting program.
That means every agency and operation of our State government must continually justify its spending and ongoing existence; there are no “grandfather” rights when it comes to taxpayer dollars. I've insisted that agencies stick to those jobs required of them by law or the Idaho Constitution.
Idahoans deserve a State government that gives them good value for their hard-earned tax dollars, and I am determined to see that they get it.
State government must live within the people's means. I have responded to the economic downturn and declining State revenues not by seeking to impose new and increased taxes on already struggling Idaho citizens and businesses, but rather by finding efficiencies and new and better ways of fulfilling our State government's important but properly limited role in people's lives.
Most importantly, I have insisted that State government programs and services be built on a foundation of fiscal responsibility and discipline – not only because the Idaho Constitution wisely requires a balanced State budget, but because I trust that individual Idahoans know how to use their own money more efficiently and effectively than any government ever can. It's our job in government to provide the stability and predictability in Idaho's tax base that employers need to invest with confidence in Idaho's future.
From fighting the misguided efforts of D.C. bureaucrats to usurp state management of species under the Endangered Species Act, to speaking out early and often against the colossal expense and unprecedented extension of federal authority in the federal healthcare reform legislation, standing up for Idaho's rights to determine the best policies for our citizens remains one of my highest priorities.
My five grandchildren are seventh generation Idahoans enrolled in Idaho’s public school system. My commitment to their education – and the education of all young Idahoans – starts with our State constitution. Every child in Idaho has been promised a thorough, quality and free public education since statehood. A quality public education system ensures Idaho has the best talent pool for current and future businesses. We must develop the talent living right here in our great state. Our success depends on it.
The most sacred duty of elected officials is to uphold the trust citizens have bestowed upon us. If we want future generations to remain in Idaho, we need institutions and policies that are transparent and ethical. I am committed to finding new ways to cut government red tape. As your governor, I pledge to champion citizen confidence in Idaho State government.