Idaho state revenue up from 2024 but 141M below projections

Pullman, WALocal News

Idaho's state revenue increased slightly from last year, but it remains $141. 5 million below projections set by the Legislature. Individual income tax collections through May rose by $187. 4 million, while corporate income taxes increased by $30. 9 million.

However, diversions of sales tax revenue have caused a significant decline in general fund distributions, totaling $84. 5 million less than last year. The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) adopted a revenue estimate of nearly $6 billion, which was $42. 2 million higher than the governor's forecast. Despite these figures, the Division of Financial Management noted a revenue shortfall of $99 million against actual collections.

Governor Little's budget chief highlighted the state's economic resilience and responsible budgeting, but some legislators worry that recent tax cuts could harm vital services. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow cautioned against prioritizing tax cuts over essential funding for education and healthcare. JFAC Co-Chairperson Wendy Horman expressed optimism about the overall revenue growth, citing the state's historic revenue levels in recent years.

Related Articles

Man injured in UI campus fight now awake

A 26-year-old man, Austen Dawson, is awake after being hospitalized due to head injuries from a fight on the University of Idaho campus. The altercation occurred on September 24, while Dawson was delivering food. The investigation is ongoing, with no charges filed yet.

UI event invites experts to discuss landscape architecture

Landscape architecture experts Steve Drown and Jon Mueller will discuss the future of the field at a free event on Tuesday at the University of Idaho. The talk will take place from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in the Clearwater Room, followed by an exhibit of student work.

Suspect charged in alleged WSU football player shooting

A University of Washington student, Jakori Buchanan, faces felony charges for allegedly shooting Washington State University football player Uilisone “Sone” Falealo during a party on September 21. Buchanan, 20, has been charged with second-degree assault and possession of a pistol, and he is currently held on a $100,000 bond. Falealo is recovering after being shot in the abdomen.