Idaho Agencies Brace for Potential Furloughs, Program Cuts Amid Budget Crunch

State police, prisons, and education face tough choices if additional 2% budget cuts are implemented

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31am

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The state of Idaho is facing a budget crunch that could force the furlough of all commissioned Idaho State Police troopers and more than 1,200 prison staff, as well as cuts to public education and higher education programs. State agencies have been asked to submit plans for up to 2% in additional budget cuts, on top of 3% cuts already implemented.

Why it matters

The potential budget cuts would have wide-ranging consequences for public safety, education, and social services in Idaho. They come as the state grapples with the impact of several years of tax cuts that have reduced available funding, as well as the costs of complying with federal tax changes.

The details

The additional 2% budget cuts could force the Idaho Department of Correction to furlough all prison staff by 19 hours during every two-week pay period for the rest of the fiscal year. This would put prisons on a 'modified-secure status,' meaning inmates would lose access to required rehabilitation programs. The Idaho State Police may also need to eliminate their SWAT team if the 2% cuts are implemented in fiscal year 2027. In education, the cuts could lead to larger class sizes, elimination of programs like arts and athletics, hiring freezes, and increased reliance on local taxpayers.

  • The Idaho Legislature has asked state agencies to submit plans for up to 2% in additional budget cuts by January 30, 2026.
  • The 2% cuts would be on top of 3% cuts that were implemented last summer and made permanent.

The players

Idaho Department of Correction

The state agency responsible for operating Idaho's prisons and overseeing probation and parole.

Idaho State Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing in Idaho, including security operations at the state capitol.

Debbie Critchfield

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, who has refused to recommend further cuts to the K-12 education budget.

Jennifer White

Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education, which oversees the state's public colleges and universities.

Josh Tanner

Republican co-chair of the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

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What they’re saying

“These cuts are going to be pretty detrimental to agencies' operations and, likely, services. It's really late in the year to be doing an additional 2% cut, and it's likely going to look like either layoffs or furloughs (for many state agencies).”

— Lori Wolff, Administrator, Idaho Division of Financial Management

“Whether we are talking about the biggest district in the Treasure Valley or the one-room schoolhouse in Lowman, schools are deeply woven into the fabric of Idaho communities. When funding is cut too deeply or carelessly, student opportunities shrink, programs disappear and costs shift to local taxpayers.”

— Debbie Critchfield, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction

“We have prepared good faith submissions, but do not recommend or support further reductions, particularly under a compressed timeline that limits responsible assessment and increases the likelihood of unintended, cumulative harm.”

— Jennifer White, Executive Director, Idaho State Board of Education

What’s next

The Idaho Legislature will review the budget cut plans submitted by state agencies and make decisions on whether to implement the additional 2% cuts in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The potential budget cuts in Idaho highlight the difficult choices facing state lawmakers as they try to balance the budget amid declining revenues and rising costs. The cuts could have significant impacts on public safety, education, and social services, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for Idaho communities.