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📌 Table of Contents
Idaho’s Budget: Making Smart, Careful Cuts — Not Harmful Ones
Celebrating the Best of Idaho Teaching: Laron Johnson, 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year
Breakfast with Senator Cook live every Saturday at 9:00 AM.
Idaho’s Budget: Making Smart, Careful Cuts — Not Harmful Ones
Balancing Idaho’s state budget is never easy, especially when revenues come in lower than expected. Right now, Idaho is facing a projected $40–50 million shortfall, and that reality requires action.
But how we respond matters just as much as the numbers.
That’s where the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, comes in.
Why Agencies Are Planning for Additional Reductions
Last year, Governor Brad Little asked agencies to plan for a 3% holdback as a responsible step to keep Idaho on solid financial footing.
More recently, JFAC co-chairs C. Scott Grow and Josh Tanner asked agencies to prepare additional scenarios showing what 1–2% further reductions might look like for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
This is not a demand for immediate cuts. It’s a planning exercise—one that allows lawmakers to make informed decisions instead of rushed ones.
What the Agency Responses Show
The encouraging news is this: agencies are taking a thoughtful, measured approach.
Based on the responses from agencies, a clear pattern emerges:
Agencies are looking first at administrative efficiencies
Vacancy savings and delayed hiring are prioritized
One-time and non-recurring expenses are examined before ongoing services
Every effort is being made to protect classrooms, students, and essential care
In many cases, agencies made it clear that frontline services—especially those serving children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—are the last place they want to cut.
That matters.
Precision Matters More Than Speed
Budget cutting done poorly hurts the people who can least afford it. That’s why I’ve said repeatedly: we should not use a chainsaw when a scalpel will do.
JFAC has asked agencies to identify:
Whether workforce reductions would be required
If any essential services would be affected
Where efficiencies can be found without shifting costs to families later
That information helps legislators separate real savings from cuts that only create bigger problems down the road.
A Balanced Path Forward
No one likes budget cuts. But ignoring fiscal reality isn’t responsible either.
Idaho’s strength has always been its willingness to plan ahead, live within its means, and protect what matters most. By taking a careful, data-driven approach, we can:
Balance the budget
Avoid across-the-board harm
Protect our most vulnerable citizens
Keep Idaho on a stable path
This is hard work—but it’s necessary work. And done right, it’s work Idaho can be proud of.
Idaho Leads the Way on AI in Education
Something exciting is happening at the Idaho Capitol.
Senate Bill 1227 — the AI in Education Act — is now on the 13th Order and is expected to be heard on the Senate floor as early as Monday. If you want to follow along, you can track the bill here:
👉 https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1227/
This bill didn’t start in a committee room. It started with curiosity.
Early this spring, while I was experimenting with artificial intelligence, one thing became clear to me: AI is already part of our daily lives, and Idaho needed to be ready — especially in our schools.
The question wasn’t if students would use AI.
The question was how — and whether we would do it the right way.
Why Idaho? Why Now?
Why shouldn’t Idaho lead the nation in AI education?
We have some of the best teachers in the world, incredibly smart kids, and technology and innovation happening in every corner of the state — from agriculture to banking to manufacturing.
So I set out to build something Idaho-shaped.
I picked up the phone and called AI experts from north, south, east, and west Idaho. About 20 of us — from education, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and other industries — began meeting early this spring. We met throughout the year and asked some hard but important questions:
How do we teach AI in K–12 classrooms safely?
How do we protect students and teachers?
How do we keep parents involved?
How do we set standards without losing local control?
We all agreed on one thing: children’s safety must come first.
What We Agreed On
We wanted a clear framework — but not a one-size-fits-all mandate.
We wanted:
Local control for school districts and charter schools
Transparency for parents
Age-appropriate learning for students
Human judgment to always be in charge
We also wanted students to understand the truth about AI:
AI is not alive
It does not have feelings
It does not form relationships
It is a tool, not a replacement for people
Just as important, we wanted to make sure student data is protected and never mined or misused.
That work became Senate Bill 1227.
A Moment in Committee
This past Wednesday, I presented the AI in Education Act to the Senate Education Committee for a full public hearing.
I started with a simple question:
How many people used spellcheck today?
Google Maps?
Auto-complete in an email or text?
If your hand went up, you already used AI.
Not the sci-fi version.
Not robots making decisions.
Just tools that help humans work a little better.
That’s what this bill is about.
We had thoughtful debate. Good questions. Public testimony both for and against. And at the end of the hearing, the committee voted unanimously to send Senate Bill 1227 to the Senate floor.
That was a big moment.
What the Bill Does — and Doesn’t Do
This bill does not:
force AI into classrooms,
replace teachers,
collect new student data,
or take power away from local schools.
What it does do is provide clarity and common sense.
It puts guardrails before gas pedals.
It makes sure:
humans stay in charge,
local communities make local decisions,
parents are informed,
teachers are supported,
and students are prepared for the future.
Strong Support
I was encouraged by the broad support for this bill.
The Idaho School Boards Association, the Idaho Department of Education, and the Idaho State Board of Education all supported Senate Bill 1227.
The Idaho School Boards Association said it best: this bill provides guardrails without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. It protects local control, supports teachers, strengthens academic integrity, and safeguards student privacy — while keeping human judgment as the final authority in Idaho classrooms.
That’s exactly what we aimed to do.
Looking Ahead
AI is not coming someday.
It’s already here.
The real choice before us is whether Idaho leads responsibly — or waits and reacts later.
Senate Bill 1227 chooses leadership.
It protects students.
It respects parents.
It trusts teachers.
And it prepares Idaho kids for the real world — not the last one.
I’m proud of the work that’s been done so far, and I’m excited about what comes next.
Stay tuned.
750K by 2100: Why Idaho can’t Wait on Water
Earlier this week, I was asked to speak at the Association of Idaho Cities Water Summit. I’m not great at estimating crowd sizes, but I’d guess there were around 100 people in attendance.
More important than the number was who those people were.
They were mayors, city council members, public works directors, and water professionals from all across Idaho. These are the folks who deal with drinking water, wastewater, flood control, and long-term planning every single day. When something goes wrong with water in a community, they’re the ones who get the call.
That’s exactly why this meeting mattered.
What I Meant by “750K by 2100”
At the summit, I talked about a goal I believe Idaho needs to commit to: creating 750,000 new acre-feet of surface water storage by the year 2100.
That goal isn’t flashy, and it isn’t easy. But it’s realistic—and it’s necessary.
Water storage doesn’t happen overnight. Large projects take years just to study, permit, and design. If we wait until we feel a real shortage, we will already be too late. That was my main message to the group: the time to act is now, not three years from now and not five years from now.
How We Get There
There is no single silver bullet that gets us to 750,000 acre-feet. It’s going to take a mix of solutions.
We talked about raising existing dams where it makes sense. We talked about new dams and new reservoirs. We talked about better capturing runoff in wet years instead of letting it disappear downstream. And yes, we even talked about the long-term possibility of rebuilding the Teton Dam.
Those conversations aren’t always comfortable, but they’re necessary. Avoiding hard discussions doesn’t solve water problems—it just delays them.
The Water We’re Letting Go
Here’s a fact that should give all of us pause.
On average, Idaho sends between 1.4 and 2 million acre-feet of water down the river and out to the ocean every year.
Now, some of that water has to go. We have legal agreements, court rulings, and interstate obligations that Idaho must follow—and we will always honor those.
But here’s the question we should all be asking:
Why would Idaho send one more drop of water out of the state than we are legally required to?
That water could support growing communities, agriculture, industry, and future generations of Idaho families. Once it’s gone, we don’t get it back.
A Good Sign: People Are Engaging
One of the most encouraging parts of this week came after the summit. That single meeting led to several follow-up conversations at the Capitol. City officials came to visit, ask questions, and share ideas.
That tells me something important: local leaders understand that water is a real issue, and they want a seat at the table.
Water isn’t just a farming issue.
It isn’t just a city issue.
It isn’t north Idaho versus south Idaho.
Water is an Idaho issue.
Thinking Long-Term
Water storage isn’t about the next election cycle. It’s about the next 50 to 75 years.
If we want Idaho to remain a place where families can live, work, farm, and build a future, we have to plan ahead. Doing nothing isn’t a neutral choice—it guarantees tougher decisions later.
The good news is this: Idaho has never been afraid of big challenges. We have smart people, experienced water managers, and communities willing to work together.
My job is to keep this conversation moving forward and make sure water stays front and center at the Capitol.
Because 750,000 acre-feet of new surface water storage by 2100 won’t happen by accident—it will happen because Idaho decided to get to work.
Celebrating the Best of Idaho Teaching: Laron Johnson, 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year
This week, Idaho had a moment worth celebrating.
A teacher from Rigby was named Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, and the choice could not be more fitting. Laron Johnson, a longtime educator at Rigby High School, was selected from nearly 200 nominees across our state. That alone tells you how special this honor is.
The announcement was made by Debbie Critchfield, and it highlighted nearly three decades of teaching that has shaped lives, built character, and inspired students to think bigger about their place in the world.
Laron Johnson has taught in the Jefferson School District for almost 30 years. During that time, he has become known for something every great teacher shares: he doesn’t just teach lessons—he teaches students.
One of his most well-known contributions is Rigby High School’s Holocaust Studies Program, which he founded and continues to lead. This course goes far beyond textbooks. It challenges students to think deeply about history, humanity, and personal responsibility. Students don’t just learn facts—they learn empathy, courage, and the importance of standing up for others.
Mr. Johnson also teaches economics, world history, and personal development. His “Maximizing Personal Development” course helps ninth-grade students build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness—skills they will use for the rest of their lives. His environmental field studies have taken students outside the classroom and into Idaho’s landscapes, helping them connect learning with the real world.
Parents and colleagues often describe Mr. Johnson as someone who “teaches individuals, not just lessons.” One parent shared that his classroom is a safe place—a place where students feel seen, valued, and capable. That kind of environment can change the course of a young person’s life.
His excellence has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Mr. Johnson has received many honors, including the Stanford University Exceptional Teaching Award and recognition as an Idaho Master Educator. He earned his degree from Utah State University and continues to learn and grow as a professional, even after decades in the classroom.
The Idaho Teacher of the Year program is supported by the Idaho Department of Education in partnership with CapEd Credit Union. As Teacher of the Year, Mr. Johnson will represent Idaho educators at events across the state and nation in 2026.
In his own words, teaching is “the greatest career in the history of humankind.” I couldn’t agree more.
Laron Johnson reminds us why teachers matter. They shape minds, build confidence, and help our kids discover who they are and who they can become. Idaho is stronger because of educators like him.
Congratulations to Laron Johnson—and thank you to every teacher across Idaho who shows up each day to serve our students and our future.
Idaho Leads the Nation Through Service at America’s 250
As our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s a good time to reflect on what has always made this country strong. From the very beginning, America was built not just by leaders, but by everyday citizens who stepped up, served their neighbors, and took responsibility for their communities.
That’s why what happened recently in Idaho matters so much.
During an American 250 celebration event, Idaho was officially recognized as the first state in the nation to be designated a JustServe State. I was there to witness it firsthand—and I can tell you, it was awesome.
What Is JustServe?
JustServe is a nationwide platform that connects people with volunteer opportunities in their own communities. It helps match willing volunteers with real needs—schools, food banks, churches, cities, nonprofits, and service organizations.
JustServe doesn’t replace local service. It strengthens it by making it easier for people to find ways to help close to home.
Why This Fits the American 250
America was founded on the idea that free people take responsibility—not just for themselves, but for one another.
Idaho being named the first JustServe State during the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary sends a powerful message: freedom is sustained by service.
This recognition didn’t come from a government mandate. It came because Idahoans already live this way.
Idaho Is Setting the Example
Today, Idaho is home to:
21 JustServe Cities
4 globally recognized JustServe award cities
Hundreds of nonprofits and community organizations offering service opportunities
In addition, 2026 has been declared the Year of Volunteerism in Idaho, giving our state a chance to further highlight and expand this culture of service.
This isn’t about creating new programs or more bureaucracy. It’s about lifting up what already works—neighbors helping neighbors.
Seeing It in Person
Standing there during the American 250 celebration, watching Idaho receive this recognition, I felt proud. Proud of our communities. Proud of our families. Proud of the quiet, steady service that happens every day across this state.
Idaho doesn’t just talk about values—we live them.
We show up.
We help without being asked.
We teach our kids that service matters.
The Idaho Way
Volunteerism strengthens families, helps kids succeed, supports seniors, and builds safer, stronger communities. It also reminds us of an important truth: government can help, but communities thrive when citizens are engaged.
As other states look for ways to honor America’s 250th anniversary, Idaho is already showing what that celebration looks like in action.
I’ll say it plainly: Idaho is the greatest state in the nation. Not because of a title or an award—but because of the people who live here and the way they care for one another.
As we celebrate America’s past and look toward its future, Idaho is leading by example. Service isn’t something we do once in a while.
In Idaho, it’s who we are.
Idaho LAUNCH Is Working — And It Comes With Accountability
New research confirms what many of us hoped to see: Idaho’s LAUNCH program is working. More students are continuing their education after high school, and more of them are choosing to do it right here in Idaho.
Governor Brad Little recently highlighted new findings that show Idaho LAUNCH is increasing post-high-school education and training while helping keep Idaho graduates in our state to learn, work, and build their futures.
Idaho LAUNCH helps recent high school graduates pay for education and workforce training that aligns with real, in-demand jobs. The goal is simple: reduce financial barriers, connect students to careers Idaho actually needs, and strengthen our workforce.
Early research from the Idaho State Board of Education showed enrollment at Idaho’s public colleges and universities increased after LAUNCH began. New national data now confirms those gains are not just part of a regional trend — they are unique to Idaho.
Here’s what the research found:
In-state postsecondary enrollment among Idaho graduates increased by 11% after LAUNCH
Enrollment in out-of-state programs dropped by 12%
Overall postsecondary participation increased, meaning more students are continuing their education, not just changing locations
Neighboring states did not see similar trends
In 2024, Idaho surpassed its neighbors in keeping graduates in-state for education
That’s a big shift. Before LAUNCH, Idaho lagged behind surrounding states in keeping students home. Now, Idaho is leading.
The Idaho Workforce Development Council has played a key role by ensuring LAUNCH funding supports training tied directly to workforce needs. Executive Director Wendi Secrist put it plainly: when we lower financial barriers and connect training to real jobs, students respond — and Idaho benefits.
The same is true across career technical education, community colleges, and universities. According to Jennifer White, Idaho is building clearer, more affordable paths beyond high school — and families across the state are seeing the results.
About 75% of Idaho students who graduate from an Idaho public institution are working in Idaho one year later. That’s the long-term payoff.
Just as important, LAUNCH is not a blank check.
Students are expected to meet academic standards and complete their programs. Today, 407 students (about 6%) are in repayment status, including some who did not meet program expectations and others who withdrew and are under review. Not all students under review are required to repay, but accountability matters. To date, $111,068 has already been repaid by students who did not complete their commitments.
That balance — opportunity and responsibility — is what makes Idaho LAUNCH strong.
We are investing in our students, protecting taxpayers, and building a workforce that keeps Idaho growing the right way.
I value hearing from you. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The best solutions come when Idahoans stay engaged and work together.