The Courier
NEWS The State of Idaho
Governor Brad Little delivered his 2023 State of the State and Budget Address last week, pledging to deliver on the "mandate" given by the people of Idaho to continue investing in public schools, strengthen our workforce, provide more tax relief, and promote safe communities. "Our success did not happen by accident. What we're doing is working. Plain and simple, the people of Idaho have given us a mandate: to stay on course, put IDAHO FIRST, continue down this path of prosperity, and keep investing in education," Governor Little said. "To the people of Idaho, we are listening, and we will continue to deliver. We are not backing down on education – we are doubling down on education. My budget and policy recommendations deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Idaho." However, not everyone agrees with his assessment of the so called mandate. A number of conservative legislators called the Idaho Freedom Caucus responded. "The governor is deaf to the plight of Idaho children trapped in poorly performing schools. Idaho’s return on so-called “education investment” is dismal, as falling assessment scores continue to show. Idaho must fund students not systems. Idaho DOES NOT have universal school choice, instead we have a government school system that rewards the teaching of woke agendas which are full of radical gender identity and liberal indoctrination. Gone are the days of being rewarded for performance. Instead, the governor gives a nod to socialism by increasing the pay for all, regardless of how good or bad a teacher may be. Who among us doesn’t want a $6,300 pay raise." Meanwhile, the Chair of Idaho Democratic Party, Lauren Necochea, seems to support most of the Governor's ideas, at least in regards to spending more money on government programs. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell because most of the messaging from the IDP is spent on attacking various Republican members of the legislature such as the Idaho Freedom Caucus. It appears the Democrat Party is playing the Republican establishment against the newcomers in an effort to gain an advantage in getting their voice heard. Governor Little's State of the State and Budget Address also included the availability of skilled workers, school choice options for families, property tax, Fentanyl, pay raises for law enforcement officers, investments in critical infrastructure (without raising taxes or fees), resources for mental health and childcare, improve emergency medical services in rural areas, and fiscal prudence. A detailed summary of the Governor's budget highlights, including investments in education, public safety, transportation, broadband, agriculture and natural resources, water, fire, outdoor recreation, energy, healthcare, and other areas is available at: gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fy24-budget-highlights.pdf The full text of the Governor's 2023 State of the State and Budget Address is available at: gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-sots.pdf
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
January 18, 2023
Vol 47 Num 3
January 2023 Water Supply Outlook Report
The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho has released the January Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2023 water year (WY23). Idaho is on track to meet water supply needs this irrigation season at this point in the winter, but there is still a lot of winter ahead of us. The snowpack is well above normal throughout the state with the Big Wood, Little Wood and Big Lost basins at 150% of average (1981-2010). However, the U.S. Drought Monitor still shows our area in moderate to severe drought. We need an ample snowpack to replenish depleted reservoirs and provide sufficient springtime natural streamflow before irrigation deliveries begin. The past two years clearly demonstrated that the snowpack isn’t the entire Idaho water supply story. Spring precipitation, the timing of snowmelt, soil moisture and shallow groundwater conditions play a major role in water supply as well. Current condition maps of streamflow, snowpack and precipitation can be accessed on the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey web page. For information on specific basins, streams, and reservoirs, view the full report online at January Water Supply Outlook Report. For more information about the Idaho Snow Survey Program, please visit the Idaho Snow Survey Homepage.
IN CRISIS?
Call or Text "988"
The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline recently updated their system to make it easier for individuals to get help. Just dial 988 and a trained crisis responder will offer emotional support, assessment of suicide risk, and crisis intervention to those in need. Responders support callers by reducing stress and helping them consider options in making decisions. And remember: privacy is important, your calls are confidential.
Suicide Warning Signs & Risk Factors While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may indicate an increased likelihood continued on page 2... someone could be at risk for suicide.