By Melissa Davlin, Idaho Reports
Rumors began circulating late last week of a potential special legislative session to consider tax rebates or cuts after Idaho reported ending last fiscal year with a $1.4 billion surplus. On Monday, Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press reported Gov. Brad Little “has not ruled out” a special session.
In an Aug. 2 interview with Idaho Reports, Little demurred when asked about a special session to address rising gas prices and other costs for Idahoans, pointing to tax cuts from the 2022 regular session. Little said tax cuts are a top priority for the 2023 Legislature, should he be re-elected, but pointed to rebates Idahoans had already received this year.
“Whatever you paid in taxes last year, you got 12 percent of it back. Matter of fact, that 12 percent came right as that fuel (cost rose),” Little said. “I was ahead of the game. We’d already made the determination, myself and the Legislature, to give that 12 percent back.”
“It would have been a windfall had it not been for inflation,” Little continued. “But instead of a windfall, it was exactly what people needed to compensate.”
Over the weekend, Idaho Reports reached out to House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder. Winder didn’t return a request for comment, and Bedke declined to comment.
The upcoming season of Idaho Reports begins Oct. 7.
Melissa Davlin | Host, Lead Producer
Melissa Davlin is the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports. She has covered the Idaho Legislature since 2012. She also produces for Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience. Melissa serves as the president of the Idaho Press Club. She has won multiple awards for her work, including a regional Emmy for her documentary on Chinese immigration in Idaho, Idaho Press Club broadcast reporter of the year for 2015 and 2019, the Idaho Press Club First Amendment Award, the University of Idaho Silver and Gold Alumni Award, and the 2019 Boise State University Enhancing Public Discourse award. She lives in Boise with her husband and children.