Idaho Governor Brad Little has line-item vetoed House Bill 482 to retain the Governor’s emergency fund to respond to certain crises.
The Governor has tapped the emergency fund in recent years for a variety of purposes, including to support the investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students, to fight fentanyl, and to promote border security.
In a news release, the Governor said he vetoed the budget bill because eliminating the Governor’s emergency fund only hinders the state’s ability to respond quickly in a fast-moving situation. He added that he shares the Legislature’s vigor for ensuring government is efficient, but citizens expect government to be responsive in times of crisis.
In 2022, Governor Little committed up to $1 million in Governor’s emergency funds to support the Moscow Police Department as they worked to track down Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of killing four University of Idaho students. Governor Little also used funds in the account to support border missions during the Biden administration, and the fund supported the work of Operation Esto Perpetua, an initiative aimed at protecting Idahoans from the scourge of fentanyl.
