BOISE, Idaho — Gov. Brad Little vetoed five bills this week, including measures tied to day care regulations and the state budget, drawing immediate backlash from some legislators while earning praise from advocacy groups. The moves mark the governor’s most significant legislative interventions this session.
The vetoed bills included HB 123, which would have relaxed staffing ratios for child care facilities, and SB 456, a $12 billion state budget package that Little criticized for “fiscal irresponsibility” in a statement. Three other vetoes targeted narrower policies, including a tax exemption for agricultural equipment.
Analysts note this is Little’s largest single-day veto tally since 2021. “The governor is signaling he won’t compromise on fiscal conservatism or child safety standards,” said a Boise State University political scientist who requested anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations.
House Majority Leader Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett) called the budget veto “a breach of trust” after months of bipartisan negotiations. Meanwhile, the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children applauded the day care decision, stating: “Research shows lower ratios endanger children.”
The vetoes force lawmakers to either attempt overrides — requiring two-thirds majorities — or revisit contentious debates during an election year. Little’s office hinted at potential executive actions to address child care shortages separately.