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How to get Idaho’s State Spending Back on Track. By Fred Birnbaum, Idaho Freedom Foundation Budget & Tax, Coronavirus, Policy (11/20/25)
Yes, folks, Idaho’s spending is out of control. Way out! Two elephants in the room must be sent packing to help return Idaho to pre-Covid era spending: Medicaid Expansion and Launch (aka Next Steps).
Summary (Grok ai, edited; image from article)
Deficit Context Idaho's government faces a growing deficit for the upcoming fiscal year based on current revenue projections. Spending restraints in the budget process could have prevented this deficit.
Spending Constraints
Revenues from taxes limit spending, as Idaho must balance its budget.
Voter pushback limits tax increases by electing politicians who promise to reduce or stop increasing taxes.
This approach is reactive; a proactive approach is needed.
JFAC Review of Spending Growth The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) reviewed government spending growth from Fiscal Years (FY) 2005 to 2026. State appropriations grew by more than 20% above what was expected from population growth and inflation.
In FY26, restrained spending growth would have resulted in appropriations of just over $7 billion instead of over $8.5 billion.
The $1.6 billion difference equates to eliminating property taxes on homeowners ($1.1 billion) and all other residential property ($500 million).
Proposed Actions
Spending surged after FY20 due to federal COVID funds, and has not returned to pre-COVID trajectory.
Return Idaho's spending to pre-COVID levels, adjusted for inflation and population growth.
Begin reducing the budget this year, starting with programs including Medicaid expansion and Launch.
Related:
Nowhere To Hyde — Idaho's Challenges with Medicaid Expansion & Illegal Immigration (11/20/25, video 10:44 includes transcript): tinyurl.com/4b7xyrpx
Idaho Medicaid Expansion: tinyurl.com/46mbnjfv
Idaho Launch (link below):
