BOISE - In Monday's state of the state address Gov. "Butch" Otter outlined several big budget cuts and a new health plan for Idahoans.
    
Because the Gem state is falling into the economic decline, Governor Otter is looking to cut 7% from the state's general fund. That's a big change from last year's state of the state where Gov. Otter wanted to spend about $20-million on things like water issues.

"I understand real people with real needs are affected. The decisions are difficult and always made only after careful consideration," says Gov. "Butch" Otter.

Those decisions are to cut spending on nearly everything, but the Governor says Idaho could be worse.

"We are better off than many states. However, we as leaders must be sensitive to the fact that far too many Idahoans are out of work or under-employed," says Gov. "Butch" Otter.

That's why after all the cutbacks already requested in the recent months, Otter wants to cut the General Fund by 7%. That includes cutting roughly $75-million from the state's education budget.

As far as Idaho roads go.

"No other issue has dominated public discourse or my own efforts more over the past year than how to address the enormous and growing backlog of maintenance and construction needs on our system of highways and bridges," says Gov. "Butch" Otter.

To bring in revenue for Idaho roads, the Governor wants to raise our fuel tax by 2 cents a gallon in each of the next 5 years. At more than $17-million in the first year, it would translate into about $88-million over those 5 years.

Also, there would be an increase in vehicle registration fees. That would bring in about $15-million in the first year and about $51-million over 5 years.

Along with a 6% excise tax increase on car rentals that would raise Idaho's revenue by about $174-million. Not quite the $240-million that has been talked about recently.

A major topic from last year is health-care. This year, Otter includes the Healthy Idaho program. It's affordable individual and family insurance packages for people 25 to 40, the largest group of uninsured in the Gem state.

"They offer wellness and preventative care with low co-pays, deductibles as low as $1000 and premiums of $200 or less per month," says Gov. "Butch" Otter.

Idaho Department of Insurance:

http://www.doi.state.id.us/

If you'd like to read all of Gov. Otter's state of the state.

Click on this link:

http://media.fisherinteractive.com/documents/090112_Otter_Address2009.PDF