New reporting by the Idaho Capital Sun reveals Governor Brad Little is tightening control over state agencies, restricting testimony in legislative committees, and requiring agency leaders to get approval before responding to legislators or the media. A January 12 memo instructs agencies to immediately notify his staff when lawmakers request information and to coordinate before replying to media inquiries tied to budgets or legislation.
This directive comes as Little pushes budget cuts, and Idahoans want straight answers about what those cuts will mean. Instead, the governor is inserting his staff between agency experts and the public.
In response, the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus released the following statements:
Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Wintrow:
“This memo doesn’t build trust; it reads like a gag order. If a cut will mean fewer services, longer waits, or higher costs pushed onto families and local communities, Idahoans deserve to hear that plainly from the people who know. Requiring agencies to clear answers through the Governor’s Office is about hiding the harm, not serving the public.”
Statement from House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel:
“Legislators need straight information to do our jobs. Agency staff are the subject-matter experts, and they shouldn’t have to look over their shoulder before answering a lawmaker’s question. When communication is censored or slowed down, the Legislature makes decisions with less information, and Idahoans pay for it later. Idaho should put clear protections in place, so public employees can communicate in good faith with legislators and legislative staff without fear of retaliation for being honest.”
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