Key Takeaways: Governor Little’s State of the State address

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - Governor Brad Little kicked off the first day of the 2025 Legislative session with the annual State of the State address. The governor's speech outlined his initiatives and sets the tone for this year's legislature.

Previously, Governor Little told members of the media that his theme for Monday’s State of the State address would be "Keeping Promises." He added that Idaho is doing great economically, and has the fastest-growing personal income in the nation.    

"Idaho’s elected leaders have promised and delivered real results over and over and over for the people we serve," said Little.

Today, the governor highlighted several key promises his administration intends to focus on this year.

Little stated his top priority is education, highlighting his Idaho LAUNCH initiative as providing opportunities in higher education and trades in Idaho.

The governor is recommending $150 million to fund public schools and $50 million in spending to further expand education options for Idaho families.

The 2025 Legislature is expected to tackle the topic of school choice. In preparation for the legislative action, Governor Little outlined his expectations for any measure involving school choice.

"Just as we expect the following from our public schools, any school choice measure I would consider must be done the Idaho way, which means it is fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable. It must prioritize the families that need it most and it must not take funds away from public schools" Little told the people of the state.

Little also reflected on the monumental efforts by farmers and state representatives to avoid a historic water cut off in 2024.

A major focus of his keeping promises plan is to tackle the backlog of unfunded water projects.

"Securing water for future generations and protecting Idaho agriculture requires both the new plan and continued investments that have proven to raise water levels in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer – the lifeblood of Idaho agriculture," said Little.

In keeping with his commitment alongside other republican governors, Little spent a significant portion of his address highlighting efforts by Idaho State Police to secure the southern border. In 2024, the Idaho State Police completed their fourth mission to assist in securing the U.S./Mexico border.

In addition to border security, Little says Idaho is taking even more steps to keep our communities safe. Violent crime is at a five year low - but Little has said the threat of drugs like fentanyl still affects Idaho communities.

"My KEEPING PROMISES plan includes the addition of a new prosecutor in North Idaho who will solely focus on putting away drug traffickers. Unlike drug-friendly states, including neighboring Oregon, we are sending a clear message to nefarious criminals that the only place they’re welcome in Idaho is behind bars," said Little.

The governor's speech also highlighted the efforts to create another round of tax relief for hardworking Idaho families, additional bonuses to hire and retain wildland firefighters, and plans to help build even more homes so more working families can achieve the american dream.

You can read the entirety of the governor's address below.

You can watch the address above.