Minority leaders respond to governor’s message

Idaho Democrats, led by Senator Michelle Stennett and Representative Mat Erpelding responded to Governor Butch Otter’s State-of-the-State message Monday.

In their statement, the minority leaders voiced concern for policies that would lead to a “living wage.” They voiced concern that Otter’s proposed $100 million tax cut would come at the expense of Idaho families with children. And, democrats argued the state must do more to improve teacher salaries and, in turn, the state’s college “go-on” rate.

“When Governor Otter leaves office after 12 years, an entire generation of Idahoans will have been impacted by the inconsistent policies offered by this administration beginning with the Luna Laws,” said the statement.

And, the leaders called for expanding Idaho’s Medicaid program to cover the 78,000 Idahoans without access to health care.

You can read the full statement below.