Butch Otter
The lingering recession, combined with a projected state revenue shortfall of more than $150 million has Idaho Governor Butch Otter and members of the state Office of Financial Management scrambling to figure out ways to compensate.
The governor, who will meet with state legislative leaders from both parties Friday and Wednesday, has indicated that budget cuts and holdbacks may be necessary for the second straight year.
During the meetings Otter plans to bring lawmakers up to speed on the situation and says he’s looking for ideas and solutions from all sides.
Idaho Governor Butch Otter comments
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Any reduction in state funding will certainly have an impact on the state’s institutions of higher learning.
At Lewis-Clark State College, President Dene Thomas says the school has been working on a contingency plan in efforts to be prepared should trimming be necessary.
LCSC President Dene Thomas comments on the cuts
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LCSC President Dene Thomas
Its unknown how potential cuts or holdbacks might affect state government and services at this point.
The state does have a “rainy-day” education fund as well as a general fund surplus, but the governor is hesitant to empty those reserves until the economy shows signs of recovery.
