Idaho House Approves 4% Budget Cuts for Most State Agencies

The cuts are part of a larger budget rescission act aimed at addressing revenue uncertainty and making room for federal tax cuts.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Idaho House of Representatives voted 48-22 to approve 4% state budget cuts for most state agencies and departments in the current fiscal year 2026 budget. The cuts were included in Senate Bill 1331, also known as the fiscal year 2026 budget rescission act, which reduces overall state funding by $192.7 million, including $131.3 million from the general fund. Supporters say the cuts are necessary due to ongoing revenue uncertainty and the need to make room for federal tax cuts, while opponents argue the cuts go too deep into core services and vital programs.

Why it matters

The budget cuts approved by the Idaho House will impact a wide range of state agencies and services, potentially affecting Idahoans who rely on those programs. The decision also sets up a potential showdown between the legislature and the governor, who has expressed concerns that the cuts go too far.

The details

The 4% budget cuts approved by the Idaho House apply to most state agencies and departments in the current fiscal year 2026 budget. The cuts are part of Senate Bill 1331, which reduces overall state funding by $192.7 million, including $131.3 million from the general fund. Supporters of the bill say the cuts are necessary due to ongoing revenue uncertainty and the need to make room for federal tax cuts, while opponents argue the cuts go too deep into core services and vital programs.

  • The Idaho House voted 48-22 to approve the budget cuts on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The budget cuts now head to Governor Brad Little's desk for final consideration.
  • If Little vetoes the bill, the Idaho Legislature could override the veto with a two-thirds vote of both the Idaho House and Idaho Senate.

The players

Idaho House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Idaho Legislature that voted to approve the 4% budget cuts.

Governor Brad Little

The incumbent governor of Idaho who will now consider the budget cuts and has the option to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

Jason Monks

The Republican House Majority Leader who described the budget cuts bill as a "crappy bill that we have to vote on, but it's a necessary bill."

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What they’re saying

“It's a crappy bill that we have to vote on, but it's a necessary bill.”

— Jason Monks, House Majority Leader (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Once Senate Bill 1331 reaches Governor Brad Little's desk, he will have five days to sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. If Little vetoes the bill, the Idaho Legislature could override the veto with a two-thirds vote of both the Idaho House and Idaho Senate.

The takeaway

The budget cuts approved by the Idaho House highlight the ongoing fiscal challenges facing the state, as lawmakers seek to balance revenue uncertainty and the need for federal tax cuts with the potential impact on core state services and programs. The decision sets up a potential showdown between the legislature and the governor, who has expressed concerns that the cuts go too far.