Idaho governor touts big education spending boost, tax cuts

By KEITH RIDLER
Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little is proposing an 11% budget increase for public schools, which is a record $300 million boost over the amount for schools in last year’s budget. The Republican governor in his State of the State address on Monday also promoted a $350 million one-time income tax rebate and an ongoing income tax cut expected to reduce taxes for people and businesses by $251 million in its first year. Little’s budget includes $12 million to protect elections from cyber threats and $60 million to bolster Idaho State Police efforts. Idaho has a $1.9 billion budget surplus that lawmakers will divide up in the next several months.