Idaho Democrats blast new round of budget cuts amid GOP Tax Plan

Idaho Democratic leaders are condemning a directive from Republican budget chairs that orders state agencies to prepare for additional mid-year budget cuts of 1% to 2%. The move aims to offset the estimated $155 million cost of adopting tax changes from the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," championed by the Trump administration.

The proposed reductions would come on top of a 3% holdback already imposed by Governor Brad Little last August to address a $40.3 million shortfall. Combined, state agencies could face total spending cuts of up to 5%, which Democratic leaders argue will "take a chainsaw" to essential services.