Otter reveals budget plan in State of the State address

Businesses are not the only entities affected by America’s economic crises. In his annually State of the State address, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter explained the financial status of the State of Idaho, and gave his proposed budget for the New Year.

Along with this, Otter laid out messages of hopes and plans for improving Idaho and the lives of Idahoans.

“The process we begin today is a rare and a wonderful opportunity for the people of Idaho to participate in our government,” Otter said.

Various plans were given. The following are three of his main points:

1. Public schools were exempt from this year’s budget holdbacks. However, Otter is now calling for a 7 percent reduction from what was approved for the 2009 year, which will now include the school system. Otter said it would be unwise to leave schools exempt from the reductions during these tough economic times. Otter believes Idaho must meet the future head on. To do so, means we must take some economic cuts in places that many may not agree with. He also recommended a 9.9 percent cut in base budget support for higher education, including Boise State University.

2. Otter also addressed Idaho’s problem with highways and bridges. He addressed this in three points. First, in terms of accountability and efficiency, Otter proposed they must be used as efficiently as possible to create a more suitable transportation system.

Second, to generate new revenue, Otter proposed an increase in fuel tax by two cents a gallon in each of the next five years, as well as an increase in the cost of vehicle registration.

Third, Otter proposed establishing a task force to study the validity and perceived inequities of truck transportation and truck registration.

3. Otter’s plans also include enhancing and advancing Project 60. Project 60 is oriented toward augmenting and stimulating the growth of businesses and the entrepreneurs of Idaho. This will create more jobs, promote education and help with the development of Idaho as well as generate a better quality of life for Idahoans.

MAT LA RUE
Lead Arbiter Journalist

Related Posts:

1. State lawmakers plan to analyze budget holdbacks
2. Boise State cuts budget by $3.5 million
3. Budget cut of 9.7 percent likely
4. Otter will be an effective governor
5. WSU feels budget knife