BOISE, Idaho — The new year means lots of political changes, not the least of which is at the Idaho Statehouse. There will be a new governor for the first time in 12 years, and a significant change in the makeup of the legislature. We sat down with political expert Jasper LIcalzi about what this means for Idaho's future.
For once, it's out with the old and in with the new at the Idaho Statehouse. "It's been a long time since we had a new governor," said Jasper Licalzi. That has many wondering what the Brad Little era will bring with it.
"I don't think there will be dramatic change, but he has to show how he'll lead in a manner different than Otter and that will come during the State of the State address," said Licalzi.
That take place on the seventh of January, three days after Little's inauguration. Licalzi says Little will face a big challenge funding schools adequately, while pursuing his signature grocery tax cut that would reduce revenue. As for the legislature itself, Licalzi sees some big changes.
"I think the Treasure Valley has more power at the Statehouse now because there are more committee chairs that are from the Treasure Valley including JFAC and Senate state affairs."
As a result, Licalzi says it's more likely that projects in the Treasure Valley, where the state is seeing most of it's growth, will take precedence. We won't know for sure until the new leaders officially take office.
Licalzi expects the first legislative session to be a long one because so many new politicians are learning the ropes.
