Proposed Budget HighlightsÂ
The governor presented his “Keeping Promises†plan, outlining investments in priority areas such as education, workforce development, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, healthcare and human services for children and families, and safety and security, while also reducing regulation, providing additional tax relief, and addressing the state’s housing shortage. Highlights of the budget include:
Education
- Additional public school funding, including for continued investments in rural school facilities, mental health and school safety, and accountability initiatives to improve learning and literacy outcomes
- Investment to support school choice initiatives
- State funds for teacher pay increases and teacher health insurance
- Additional funding for priority needs outlined by public schools in the State Department of Education’s budget
Economy & Workforce
- Funding for additional seats at community and technical colleges
- One-time funds for infrastructure projects to increase capacity for in-demand workforce programs
Infrastructure and Transportation
- Additional funds to augment the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation bonding program
- 3 percent increase for state and local transportation projects funded through the Strategic Initiatives Program
Natural Resources
- One-time supplemental funding to replenish the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund that was depleted in 2024, as well as ongoing funding in the amount equivalent to the five-year average of annual fire suppression expenditures
- Funds for improved aviation and detection efforts to support early fire suppressionÂ
- Ongoing funding for critical water infrastructure that will support the state’s agricultural industry
Children & Families
- Invests in reforms to improve the foster care system and recruit foster parents
- Additional federal funds for multiple years to expand access to high quality, affordable childcare for working families
- Targeted funding to increase the number of medical residency positions to address physician shortageÂ
- Funds to incentivize doctors to practice in rural communities
Safety and Security
- Invests in cybersecurity to combat increasing threats, including from foreign adversaries
- Additional funds for the State Public Defenders Office as the state transitions public defense responsibility from counties to the state per 2022 enacted legislation
- Funding for the interdiction of drones and contraband at state prisons
- Funds a new prosecutor position in North Idaho and for the continuation of awareness campaign to fight fentanyl impacts
Other
- Provides an additional $100 million in ongoing tax reliefÂ
- Invests in strategies to increase the supply of affordable homes
- 5 percent increase in employee compensation for permanent positions, with an additional 4.5 percent increase for IT and engineering positions
- Energy and mining permitting reform to accelerate major projects