Idaho Gov. Little slams Biden, proposes more tax cuts in State of the State address

Idaho Gov. Brad Little scorned the Democratic President Joe Biden and the federal government and touted Idaho’s frugality, as he proposed investing billions in tax cuts, public safety and education, during the final State of the State address in his first term as governor.

Little, who is expected to join an already crowded gubernatorial campaign in the coming months, spoke to a joint assembly of the House and Senate at the Idaho Capitol on Monday. Little spoke shortly after the two bodies kicked off the second regular session of the 66th Idaho Legislature.

The Republican governor framed his speech around Idaho’s economic success during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He also notched a number of GOP talking points, including election integrity and border security.

He took aim at the federal government and Biden, repeatedly using the term “Bidenflation,” to signify that the Democratic president is responsible for recent inflation increases.

“While other states liquidated their rainy day funds and begged politicians in Washington, D.C., for a bailout, together we rolled up our sleeves, made tough decisions, and led Idaho,” Little said.

Little went on to criticize Biden’s COVID-19 vaccination mandates — one of the few times Little mentioned the pandemic Monday. Little signed onto a lawsuit with other governors that challenged the vaccine mandates. Little also ctiticized Biden’s policy on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Last year, the Idaho governor sent Idaho State Police troopers to Arizona to assist law enforcement officers there. Little announced a new program, “Operation Esto Perpetua,” which “will bring together law enforcement and communities in new ways.” Little said more details on the program will be released later.

“Biden’s inaction has spawned a growing drug threat in our state,” Little said. “The vast majority of illicit drugs in Idaho are now sourced in Mexico.” Little on Monday released his budget proposals for the current and upcoming fiscal year.

He announced a new plan, called “Leading Idaho,” which includes more than $1 billion in tax cuts and more than $1.1 billion in education funding.

Read the full story from Idaho Statesman here.