Idaho Legislature begins 2026 session with budget deficit focus

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho lawmakers completed their first week of the 2026 legislative session, with budget concerns dominating discussions at the statehouse.

Gov. Brad Little kicked off the session Monday with his State of the State address, outlining his priorities for the year. “We must commit ourselves to preserving our state as the place where opportunity thrives,” Little said.

The state faces a looming budget deficit, prompting difficult decisions about spending priorities. Little said he wants to preserve funding for K-12 education, Idaho Launch and water programs.

Proposed cuts target Medicaid, online education

The governor’s proposed cuts include Medicaid, online education and one-time reductions to certain state agency programs.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke explained the budget process ahead. “That process starts so the legislature in effect is saying thank you governor for your recommendations we got this,” Bedke said. “They will go back and forth. They are under the same constraint as the governor. We have to balance the budget in Idaho. Period.”

The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee sets the state’s budget. During their Tuesday meeting, Finance Director Lori Wolff addressed the state’s financial position.

“This is a balanced budget. It reflects early action, disciplined spending decisions, and confidence in Idaho’s economic future,” Wolff said.

Legislative priorities emerge beyond budget

Bedke compared the current situation to past recessions, though he noted the state is not currently in a recession. He said lawmakers must ask tough questions about state spending.

“We went through everything the state did and we put them into categories. Is this nice or is this necessary,” Bedke said. “If it was necessary we kept it if it was just nice we didn’t keep it. If it was somewhere in the middle then we tried to prioritize what we would do.”

JFAC will continue hearing from departments and programs until they are ready to set the budget, which must be balanced and approved before the legislative session can end.

“When we get out of whack the balanced budget amendment kicks in immediately and so we never get too far our of water here,” Bedke said. “In fact it’s unconstitutional to get under water. Now we bump up against that line sometimes and I think you’re seeing that now.”

As lawmakers focus on the budget, other committees began working on their legislative priorities. Magic Valley lawmakers have proposed bills on issues including reckless driving and wearing masks during a crime.

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