Idaho state agencies have been instructed to submit ‘maintenance-only’ budget proposals for 2027-28, indicating a potential hold on new spending. This directive comes from Gov. Brad Little’s budget chief, Lori Wolff, in a memo to agency directors and fiscal officers.

Implications for Public Education and State Agencies

The memo addresses the 2027-28 budget, which will be a key focus when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Based on the memo, it appears that public education and state agencies should not expect significant increases in funding. In fact, higher education may not see a reversal of recent budget cuts.

Agency directors have been told to eliminate any new budget line items that use general funds, although they can use federal or dedicated funds for line-item requests if approved in advance. Additionally, any new revenue will likely be allocated towards nondiscretionary cost increases, employee health benefits, and pay raises.

Pay Raises and Employee Compensation

State agencies have been instructed to include a 1% pay raise in their budget requests as a placeholder. However, it is unclear whether state employees will actually receive a pay raise, as they did not receive one last year despite a similar directive.

A Democratic member of the Legislature’s budget committee expressed disappointment with the memo, citing concerns that state employee pay may be frozen again and that higher education may face further cuts.

Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.