Audio Clips
2012 Legislative Session Press Conference
March, 22 2012
Here are a few selected audio clips from Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, recorded in his office in Boise on Friday, March 30, 2012. The Governor shared his thoughts about the conclusion of the 2012 Idaho Legislative Session.
The Governor gave lawmakers high marks for a session that provided tax relief, set aside money for replenishing Idaho’s depleted “rainy-day” funds and for fully funding “Students Come First” public school reforms including a teacher pay-for performance provision.
Governor Otter said he is pleased he and the legislature seemed to agree on a majority of the priorities he laid out in his State of the State address three months ago.
“I think it was a great session. In fact, I would give a good solid “A” to the legislature.”
Governor Otter was surrounded by members of the House and Senate as he recapped the accomplishments of the last three months, a time that has seen Idaho begin to emerge from the effects of the national economic downturn.
“Education was high on the priority, obviously economic development was tax relief which I think we could also include in economic development and then make sure that we put some money away for the rainy day fund. So 81 days, I think 81 very successful days.”
The Governor identified providing more funding for education, economic development, creating jobs, providing tax relief, and replenishing rainy day funds all as priorities for this legislative session.
“We ended up with a little over $60 million in surplus last year which was a great sign. We’ve seen the unemployment go down over a full point. We’ve watched as the personal income grew – number three in the nation. So all of those things are just a sign of the times.”