Idaho Legislature Approves Sweeping Budget Cuts for State Agencies

Lawmakers cite need for 'structural balance' and tax cuts, but critics warn of devastating impacts on public services

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Idaho Legislature's budget committee has approved additional across-the-board budget cuts of 1% for the current fiscal year 2026 and 2% for fiscal year 2027, representing a total reduction of around 5% for most state agencies and departments. The cuts, which do not apply to K-12 education, Medicaid, prisons, or state police, are aimed at creating 'structural balance' in the state's budget and making room for potential future tax cuts.

Why it matters

The sweeping budget cuts are drawing criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who warn they will have devastating impacts on public services like parks, public defenders, and medical education programs. The cuts come as Idaho continues to grapple with rapid population growth and strains on infrastructure and resources.

The details

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted 14-6 to approve the 1% cut for the current fiscal year, and 13-7 to approve the additional 2% cut for fiscal year 2027. JFAC co-chairs cited the need to comply with federal tax cuts and maintain a budget surplus, but opponents argued the across-the-board approach was too blunt and would harm critical state services.

  • The additional 1% cut for fiscal year 2026 was approved on February 6, 2026.
  • The additional 2% cut for fiscal year 2027 was approved shortly after the 1% cut.

The players

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC)

The powerful budget committee of the Idaho Legislature that approved the additional budget cuts.

Sen. Scott Grow

Republican JFAC co-chair who said the cuts are necessary to comply with federal tax cuts and maintain budget balance.

Rep. Josh Tanner

Republican JFAC co-chair who said the cuts are needed to provide long-term structural balance to the state's budget.

Sen. Kevin Cook

Republican senator who opposed the across-the-board cuts, saying the approach is like "taking a chainsaw to the budget".

Sen. Melissa Wintrow

Democratic senator who criticized the cuts for rolling back progress and benefiting the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable Idahoans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That approach is not precision. It is taking a chainsaw to the budget.”

— Sen. Kevin Cook, Republican Senator

“This is a devastating day for Idahoans – to watch all the good work that we have done in our state get rolled back to make way for more tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest among us.”

— Sen. Melissa Wintrow, Democratic Senator

“It is time to acknowledge our growth in Idaho. We aren't trying to grow government. We should, however, maintain our quality of life. If you are frustrated with traffic now, it is only going to get worse with the decisions we are making.”

— Sen. Jim Woodward, Republican Senator

What’s next

JFAC will vote on the maintenance budgets for state agencies reflecting the new cuts on February 13 at the Idaho State Capitol.

The takeaway

The Idaho Legislature's sweeping budget cuts, aimed at creating 'structural balance' and making room for potential tax cuts, have drawn bipartisan criticism over their blunt approach and potential to harm critical public services. As Idaho grapples with rapid growth, the budget decisions will shape the state's ability to maintain its quality of life and meet the needs of its expanding population.