Historical Idaho budget and finance information

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The historical Idaho budget and finance information below applies to years prior to the most current fiscal year. With the exception of the tab labeled "Prior fiscal year budgets," the tabs below display information, from several different fiscal years, as it was presented on Ballotpedia in prior calendar years. For more current information regarding Idaho's budget and finances, click here.

As published 2016

Idaho budget and finances

General information

Budget calendar: Annual

Fiscal year: 2017

State credit rating: AA+ (as of 2014)

Current governor: Butch Otter

Financial figures

Total spending (state and federal funds): $7.6 billion (estimated for 2015)

Per capita spending: $4,600.19 (estimated for 2015)

Total state tax collections: $3.7 billion (2014)

Per capita tax collections: $2,245.96 (2014)

State debt: $15.1 billion (as of 2014)

Per capita state debt: $9,459 (as of 2014)

State budget and finance pages • Total state expenditures • State debt • Tax policy in Idaho

In Idaho, as in other states, lawmakers and public officials are elected in part to manage the state's finances. This includes generating revenues (money coming into the state from various sources) and approving expenditures (the money spent on governmental functions and servicing state debt). State budgets are complex and fluid, as they depend on anticipated revenues and planned expenditures, which may alter over the course of a fiscal year. If revenues do not keep pace with expenditures, states generally have to raise taxes, cut services, borrow money, or a combination of the three. State budget decisions are also influenced by policy decisions at the national level, such as the Affordable Care Act or energy and environmental regulations, and issues at the local level, such as crime and the quality of education.

HIGHLIGHTS

Between fiscal years 2014 and 2015, total government spending in Idaho increased by approximately $776 million—from $6.8 billion in fiscal year 2014 to an estimated $7.6 billion in 2015. This represents a 10.19-percent increase.

In Idaho in fiscal year 2014, 49.6 percent of total tax revenues came from sales taxes and gross receipts. Income taxes accounted for 41.6 percent of total state tax collections.

Education accounted for 32.1 percent of state expenditures in fiscal year 2015, while 28.0 percent went to Medicaid.

The Idaho state budget and financial data presented here come from different years because the states and the federal government report and publish the information at different times.

Definitions

The following terms are used to describe a state's finances:

• Revenues come mainly from tax collections, licensing fees, federal aid, and returns on investments.
• Expenditures generally include spending on government salaries, infrastructure, education, public pensions, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid, and transportation.
• State debt refers to the money borrowed to make up for a deficit when revenues do not cover spending.
• The state credit rating is the grade given by a credit rating agency based on the general financial health of the state's government and economy.
• State funds include general and other state-based funds. A general fund is "the predominant fund for financing a state's operations." Other state funds are "restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities."
• Federal funds are "funds received directly from the federal government."
• Total spending is calculated by adding together the totals for state and federal funds used for expenditures.

Note: In comparing dollar amounts across the states, it is important to note that the cost of living can from state to state and within a state. The amounts given on this page have not been adjusted to reflect these differences. For more information on "regional price disparities" and the Consumer Price Index, see the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Revenues

2014 revenues

See also: State government tax collections by source

The table below breaks down state government tax collections by source in 2014 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "2013 population" and "Per capita collections" are rendered in thousands of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000). Figures in the columns labeled "2013 population" and "Per capita collections" have not been abbreviated.

Compared to neighboring states, Idaho had the third highest state tax collections per capita, at $2,246.

State tax collections by source ($ in thousands), 2014
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Income taxes	Other taxes	Total	2013 population	Per capita collections
Idaho	N/A	$1,821,303	$316,331	$1,528,077	$6,004	$3,671,715	1,634,806	$2,246
Colorado	N/A	$4,474,294	$659,616	$6,375,963	$245,521	$11,755,394	5,355,588	$2,195
Montana	$268,508	$550,254	$314,271	$1,213,400	$309,120	$2,655,553	1,023,252	$2,595
Utah	N/A	$2,682,100	$276,824	$3,197,822	$155,743	$6,312,489	2,944,498	$2,144
Wyoming	$300,096	$925,757	$148,092	$0	$889,442	$2,263,387	584,304	$3,874
United States	$14,232,835	$411,414,175	$51,120,024	$357,104,785	$31,880,270	$865,752,089	318,907,401	$2,715
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2014 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016

Idaho tax collections by source in 2014.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The table below lists 2014 tax collections by source as percentages of total collections. About 49.6 percent of Idaho's total state tax collections came from sales and gross receipts.

State tax collections by source (as percentages), 2014
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Income taxes	Other taxes
Idaho	N/A	49.6%	8.6%	41.6%	0.2%
Colorado	N/A	38.1%	5.6%	54.2%	2.1%
Montana	10.1%	20.7%	11.8%	45.7%	11.6%
Utah	N/A	42.5%	4.4%	50.7%	2.5%
Wyoming	13.3%	40.9%	6.5%	0.0%	39.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2014 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016

Federal aid to the state budget

See also: Federal aid to state budgets

State governments receive aid from the federal government to fund a variety of joint programs, mainly in the form of grants for such things as Medicaid, education, and transportation. In 2013 federal aid to the states accounted for roughly 30 percent of all state general revenues. Federal aid varies from state to state. For example, Mississippi received approximately $7.5 billion in federal aid in 2013, accounting for about 43 percent of the state's general revenues, the highest percentage of all of the states. By contrast, North Dakota received about $1.5 billion in federal aid in 2013, or just 19 percent of the state's general revenues, the lowest percentage in the nation.

The table below notes what share of Idaho’s general revenues came from the federal government in 2013. That year, Idaho received approximately $2.5 billion in federal aid, 34.3 percent of the state's general revenues. Taking into consideration the state's 2013 population, this came out to about $1,565 in federal aid per capita. Figures from surrounding states are provided for additional context.

Federal aid to state budgets, 2013
State	Total federal aid ($ in thousands)	Federal aid as a % of general revenues	Ranking (by % of general revenues)	Est. 2013 population	Aid per capita
Idaho	$2,522,766	34.4%	15	1,612,136	$1,565
Colorado	$6,427,852	27.8%	35	5,268,367	$1,220
Montana	$2,158,227	37.4%	6	1,015,165	$2,126
Utah	$4,298,917	29.0%	31	2,900,872	$1,482
Wyoming	$2,085,931	35.2%	11	582,658	$3,580
Sources: United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2013," accessed April 4, 2016 United States Census Bureau, "State totals: Vintage 2013," accessed April 8, 2016 Note: Per-capita figures were generated by Ballotpedia by dividing total federal aid for the state by the estimated population of that state in 2013.

Spending

Estimated 2015 expenditures

See also: Total state expenditures

The table below breaks down estimated spending totals for fiscal year 2015 (comparable figures from surrounding states are included to provide additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population” and “Per capita spending" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population” and “Per capita spending" have not been abbreviated.

Idaho's total estimated government spending in fiscal year 2015 was $7.6 billion, which was the second lowest amount when compared to surrounding states.

Total estimated state spending, FY 2015 ($ in millions)
State	State funds	Federal funds	Total spending	Population	Per capita spending
Idaho	$4,776	$2,837	$7,613	1,654,930	$4,600.19
Colorado	$24,285	$8,716	$33,001	5,456,574	$6,047.93
Montana	$4,194	$2,189	$6,383	1,032,949	$6,179.40
Utah	$9,310	$3,642	$12,952	2,995,919	$4,323.21
Wyoming	$6,539	$2,298	$8,837	586,107	$15,077.45
Per-capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total spending and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census Bureau estimates. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers, "Examining fiscal 2013-2015 state spending," accessed April 4, 2016

Spending by function

Breakdown of spending by function in FY 2014.
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

See also: State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures

State spending in Idaho can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2014 information is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

In fiscal year 2014, Medicaid accounted for 28 percent of Idaho's total expenditures.

State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures, FY 2014
State	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
Idaho	24.0%	8.1%	0.2%	28.0%	3.8%	9.4%	26.6%
Colorado	25.4%	8.0%	0.0%	23.0%	2.9%	5.5%	35.2%
Montana	15.7%	10.4%	0.5%	17.0%	3.2%	11.4%	41.9%
Utah	25.7%	12.7%	0.5%	19.5%	2.1%	7.7%	31.7%
Wyoming	10.0%	3.9%	0.0%	8.0%	1.8%	10.5%	65.8%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Spending trends

Between 2010 and 2014, the share of the Idaho state budget spent on Medicaid increased from 23 percent in 2010 to 28 percent in 2014. See the table below for further details (figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category).

Spending by function from 2010 to 2014 (as percentages)
Year	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
2014	24.0%	8.1%	0.2%	28.0%	3.8%	9.4%	26.6%
2013	24.2%	8.1%	0.2%	28%	3.8%	9.6%	25.9%
2012	25.7%	8.1%	0.3%	27.2%	3.7%	10.9%	24.2%
2011	25.5%	7.6%	0.2%	28.5%	3.3%	11.0%	23.8%
2010	27.4%	7.7%	0.3%	23.0%	3.3%	10.4%	27.9%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Fiscal year budgets

See also: Historical Idaho budget and finance information

Fiscal year 2016

See budget bill: Idaho fiscal year 2016 budget

Governor Butch Otter announced his fiscal year 2016 budget on January 12, 2015. Under this proposal, total spending was set at $7.7 billion. The budget recommended a 7.4 percent increase on K-12 education spending to support recommendations for improvements as described by the state's Education Task Force. The budget also recommended additional funding for higher education. The governor's budget made additional provisions to better fund the state's rainy day fund.

In April 2015, Governor Otter signed the state's fiscal year 2016 budget into law. The state's total budget was set at about $7.69 billion, with 37.6 percent of that going toward education. Health and human services made up the second largest part of the budget, at 35.1 percent. The governor identified several goals for the budget, including improving teacher pay in public schools, better general school funding and increasing higher education funding. About $58 million was set aside for the state's rainy day fund, as well.

State debt

See also: State debt

According to a January 2014 report by the nonprofit organization State Budget Solutions, Idaho had a state debt of approximately $15.1 billion. Its state debt per capita was $9,459. In this report for fiscal year 2012, state debt was calculated based on four components: "market-valued unfunded public pension liabilities, outstanding government debt, unfunded other post employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, and outstanding unemployment trust fund loans." The report revealed that altogether state governments faced a combined $5.1 trillion in debt, which amounted to $16,178 per capita in the nation.

Total 2012 state debt
State	Total state debt	State debt per capita	Per capita debt ranking
Idaho	$15,094,322,000	$9,459	44
Colorado	$86,879,414,000	$16,748	19
Montana	$15,769,183,000	$15,689	22
Utah	$35,727,752,000	$12,513	37
Wyoming	$9,951,523,000	$17,265	18
Sources: State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014

Taxpayer burden

TIA Methodology: To figure a state’s taxpayer burden or surplus, TIA looked at a state’s total reported assets minus capital assets and assets restricted by law (buildings, roads, land, etc.) to calculate “available assets,” which were then compared to the amount of money the state owes in bills, including retirement obligations such as pension plans and healthcare benefits for retirees. If the difference between available assets and total bills was positive, TIA called this a surplus; if it was negative, this was a burden. This amount was then divided by the number of individual tax returns with a positive tax liability, thus expressing the total state surplus or burden on a per-taxpayer basis.

According to a report released in September 2015 by the nonprofit Truth in Accounting (TIA), Idaho ranked 7th best in the country in “taxpayer surplus.” Rather than using per capita state debt, TIA ranked states based on what it called a “taxpayer burden,” a term that reflects “the amount each taxpayer would have to send to their state’s treasury in order for the state to be debt-free.” On the other hand, states that had sufficient resources to pay their bills were said to have a “taxpayer surplus,” which represents the amount that each taxpayer would receive if the state were to disburse its excess funds.

Based on analysis of Idaho’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from June 30, 2014 and actuarial reports for the state’s retirement plans, TIA concluded that $323 million in promised retirement benefits were unfunded, but only $55 million of these liabilities were reported on Idaho’s balance sheet. With all of the unfunded retirement benefits included in the total debt, the state had a surplus of $1 billion, or a taxpayer surplus of $2,400.

Public pensions

See also: Idaho public pensions and Idaho public employee salaries

Between fiscal years 2008 and 2012, the funded ratio of Idaho's state-administered pension plans decreased from 92.8 percent to 84.4 percent. The state paid 86 percent of its annual required contribution, and for fiscal year 2012 the pension system's unfunded accrued liability totaled $2.1 billion. This amounted to $1,378 in unfunded liabilities per capita.

Credit ratings

See also: State credit ratings

Credit rating agencies, such as Standard and Poor's, assign grades to states that take into account a state's ability to pay debts and the general health of the state's economy. Generally speaking, a higher credit rating indicates lower interest costs on the general obligation bonds states sometimes sell to investors in order to finance large-scale undertakings (e.g., road construction and other public works projects). This in turn results in lower interest costs, thereby lowering the cost to taxpayers.

The table below lists the Standard and Poor's credit ratings for Idaho and surrounding states from 2004 to 2014. Standard and Poor's grades range from AAA, the highest available, to BBB, the lowest.

State credit ratings, 2004 to 2014
State	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004
Idaho	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA
Colorado	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA-	AA-	AA-
Montana	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA-	AA-	AA-	AA-
Utah	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA
Wyoming	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA	AA	AA	AA
Source: Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014

Economic indicators

See also: Economic indicators by state

Idaho's GDP increased by 2.7 percent in 2014. Click the image to view a larger version.

Broadly defined, a healthy economy is typically one that has a "stable and strong rate of economic growth" (gross state product, in this case) and low unemployment, among many other factors. The economic health of a state can significantly affect its healthcare costs, insurance coverage, access to care, and citizens' physical and mental health. For instance, during economic downturns, employers may reduce insurance coverage for employees, while those who are laid off may lose coverage altogether. Individuals also tend to spend less on non-urgent care or postpone visits to the doctor when times are hard. These changes in turn may affect the decisions made by policymakers as they react to shifts in the industry. Additionally, a person's socioeconomic status has profound effects on their access to care and the quality of care received.

In September 2014, Idaho had an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent, lowest among its neighboring states. In 2013, most residents in Idaho earned incomes between 200 and 399 percent above the federal poverty level, with a median annual income of $49,952.

Note: Gross state product (GSP) on its own is not necessarily an indicator of economic health; GSP may also be influenced by state population size. Many factors must be looked at together to assess state economic health.

Various economic indicators by state
State	Distribution of population by FPL* (2013)				Median annual income (2011-2013)	Unemployment rate		Total GSP (2013)†
	Under 100%	100-199%	200-399%	400%+		Sept. 2013	Sept. 2014
Idaho	13%	25%	34%	29%	$49,952	6%	4.5%	$62,247
Montana	15%	19%	35%	31%	$43,924	5.6%	4.6%	$44,040
Oregon	15%	19%	31%	35%	$54,066	7.6%	7.1%	$219,590
Washington	12%	19%	28%	41%	$60,520	6.9%	5.7%	$408,049
United States	15%	19%	30%	36%	$52,047	7.2%	5.9%	$16,701,415
* Federal Poverty Level. "The U.S. Census Bureau's poverty threshold for a family with two adults and one child was $18,751 in 2013. This is the official measurement of poverty used by the Federal Government." † Median annual household income, 2011-2013. ‡ In millions of current dollars. "Gross State Product is a measurement of a state's output; it is the sum of value added from all industries in the state." Source: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "State Health Facts"

Budget process

State documents and agenciesBelow are links to official Idaho budget and financial documents. The first is the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). A CAFR is a detailed presentation of a government entity's financial condition. This includes fiscal activities and balances for a fiscal year. The second link is to the state's relevant budget agency or office. Idaho CAFR Idaho budget agency

Idaho operates on an annual budget cycle with each fiscal year beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Idaho State Legislature five days after the session convenes in January.
4. In February or March, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Idaho is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.

The budget the governor proposes must be balanced. The legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, and the governor must sign a balanced budget into law.

Agencies, offices and committees

The following standing committees in the Idaho State Legislature deal with budget and finance matters:

1. Appropriations Committee, Idaho House of Representatives
2. Finance Committee, Idaho State Senate
3. Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, Idaho State Legislature
4. Revenue and Taxation Committee, Idaho House of Representatives
5. Ways and Means Committee, Idaho House of Representatives

The Idaho Treasurer serves as the state's chief financial officer in charge of the collection and disbursement of state funds and management of investments. The treasurer is elected every four years in midterm election years and is a partisan office. There are no term limits for the position.

The Idaho Controller is the state's accountant, responsible for ensuring the state's bills are paid, maintaining records on the state's transactions, and issuing an annual financial report. The controller is elected every four years in midterm election years and is a partisan office. The controller may not serve for more than two consecutive terms.

Transparency

See also: "Following the Money" report, 2015

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in March 2015. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured how transparent and accountable state websites were with regard to state government spending. According to the report, Idaho received a grade of F and a numerical score of 45, indicating that Idaho was "Failing" in terms of transparency regarding state spending.

As published 2015

State finances in the U.S.
State tax policy in the U.S.
Pension Policy
State finances on the ballot Taxes on the ballot Glossary of state budget terms Public pensions

The information on this tab contains: Spending (fiscal years 2013 and 2014) Revenues (fiscal year 2013) State debt (fiscal year 2012) Federal aid to the state budget (fiscal year 2012) Budget process

Between fiscal years 2013 and 2014, total spending in Idaho increased by approximately $100 million, from $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2013 to an estimated $7.3 billion in 2014. This represents a 1.4 percent increase. The cumulative rate of inflation during the same period was 1.58 percent, calculated using the Consumer Price Indices for January 2013 and January 2014. As of 2014, financial services firm Standard and Poor's had assigned Idaho a credit rating of AA+.

HIGHLIGHTS

In fiscal year 2014, total estimated spending in Idaho amounted to $7.3 billion.

In 2013 Idaho dedicated 28 percent of its budget to Medicaid.

Spending

Definitions

The following terms are used to describe a state's finances:

• Revenues come mainly from tax collections, licensing fees, federal aid, and returns on investments.
• Expenditures generally include spending on government salaries, infrastructure, education, public pensions, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid, and transportation.
• State debt refers to the money borrowed to make up for a deficit when revenues do not cover spending.
• The state credit rating is the grade given by a credit rating agency based on the general financial health of the state's government and economy.
• State funds include general and other state-based funds. A general fund is "the predominant fund for financing a state's operations." Other state funds are "restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities."
• Federal funds are "funds received directly from the federal government."
• Total spending is calculated by adding together the totals for state and federal funds used for expenditures.

2014 expenditures

See also: Total state expenditures

The table below breaks down estimated spending totals for fiscal year 2014 (comparable figures from surrounding states are included to provide additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population” and “Per capita spending" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population” and “Per capita spending" have not been abbreviated.

Total estimated spending in Idaho amounted to $7.3 billion, while estimated per capita spending came out to $4,493.

Total estimated state spending, FY 2014 ($ in millions)
State	State funds	Federal funds	Total spending	Population	Per capita spending
Idaho	$4,530	$2,814	$7,344	1,634,464	$4,493.22
Colorado	$22,531	$7,756	$30,287	5,355,866	$5,654.92
Montana	$4,039	$2,149	$6,188	1,023,579	$6,045.45
Utah	$9,263	$3,644	$12,907	2,942,902	$4,385.81
Wyoming	$5,563	$2,082	$7,645	584,153	$13,087.32
Per-capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total spending and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census Bureau estimates. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

Spending by function

See also: State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures

Breakdown of spending by function in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

State spending in Idaho can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2013 information is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

In 2014 the largest share of Idaho's budget was dedicated to Medicaid at 28 percent, a higher percentage than any of its neighboring states. A close second was K-12 education at 24.2 percent.

State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures, FY 2013
State	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Trans- portation	Other
Idaho	24.2%	8.1%	0.2%	28%	3.8%	9.6%	25.9%
Colorado	26%	8.3%	0%	22%	2.6%	8.5%	32.6%
Montana	15.5%	10.1%	0.5%	17.9%	3.2%	11%	41.8%
Utah	23.6%	11.5%	0.6%	17.2%	2.1%	10.4%	34.6%
Wyoming	10.9%	4.8%	0%	6.6%	1.4%	6.4%	70%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Spending trends

Between 2009 and 2013, the share of Idaho's budget spent on K-12 education decreased from 27.4 percent to 24.2 percent. Meanwhile, the portion dedicated to Medicaid increased from 22.8 percent to 28 percent. See the table below for further details (figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category).

Spending by function from 2009 to 2013 (as percentages)
Year	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
2013	24.2%	8.1%	0.2%	28%	3.8%	9.6%	25.9%
2012	25.7%	8.1%	0.3%	27.2%	3.7%	10.9%	24.2%
2011	25.5%	7.6%	0.2%	28.5%	3.3%	11.0%	23.8%
2010	27.4%	7.7%	0.3%	23.0%	3.3%	10.4%	27.9%
2009	27.4%	8.2%	0.3%	22.8%	3.6%	8.9%	28.8%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Revenues

2013 revenues

See also: State government tax collections by source

The table below breaks down state government tax collections by source in 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population" and "Per capita revenue" are rendered in thousands of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population" and "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.

Total tax collections in Idaho amounted to $3.6 billion, while per capita collections came out to $2,219.

State tax collections by source ($ in thousands)
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Individual income taxes	Corporation net income taxes	Other taxes	Total	2013 population	Per capita collections
Idaho	N/A	$1,773,270	$306,627	$1,292,562	$200,340	$6,294	$3,579,093	1,612,843	$2,219.12
Colorado	N/A	$4,279,544	$637,707	$5,528,485	$652,180	$147,746	$11,245,662	5,272,086	$2,133.06
Montana	$262,313	$558,961	$320,858	$1,045,500	$170,999	$285,979	$2,644,610	1,014,864	$2,605.88
Utah	N/A	$2,739,916	$294,174	$2,852,088	$330,684	$112,050	$6,328,912	2,902,787	$2,180.29
Wyoming	$331,899	$826,387	$155,241	N/A	N/A	$872,527	$2,186,054	583,223	$3,748.23
Source: Tax Policy Center, "State Tax Collection Sources 2000-2013," June 20, 2014

Idaho tax collections by source in 2013
Source: Tax Policy Center

The table below lists 2013 tax collections by source as percentages of total collections. In Idaho, sales taxes and gross receipts accounted for the bulk of collections at 49.6 percent.

State tax collections by source (as percentages)
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Individual income taxes	Corporation net income taxes	Other taxes
Idaho	N/A	49.55%	8.57%	36.11%	5.6%	0.18%
Colorado	N/A	38.06%	5.67%	49.16%	5.8%	1.31%
Montana	9.92%	21.14%	12.13%	39.53%	6.47%	10.81%
Utah	N/A	43.29%	4.65%	45.06%	5.22%	1.77%
Wyoming	15.18%	37.8%	7.1%	N/A	N/A	39.91%
Source: Tax Policy Center, "State Tax Collection Sources 2000-2013," June 20, 2014

State debt

See also: State debt

According to a January 2014 report by the nonprofit organization State Budget Solutions, Idaho had a state debt of approximately $15.1 billion. Its state debt per capita was $9,459. In this report for fiscal year 2012, state debt was calculated based on four components: "market-valued unfunded public pension liabilities, outstanding government debt, unfunded other post employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, and outstanding unemployment trust fund loans." The report revealed that altogether state governments faced a combined $5.1 trillion in debt, which amounted to $16,178 per capita in the nation.

Total 2012 state debt
State	Total state debt	State debt per capita	Per capita debt ranking
Idaho	$15,094,322,000	$9,459	44
Colorado	$86,879,414,000	$16,748	19
Montana	$15,769,183,000	$15,689	22
Utah	$35,727,752,000	$12,513	37
Wyoming	$9,951,523,000	$17,265	18
Sources: State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014

Public pensions

See also: Idaho public pensions and Idaho public employee salaries

Between fiscal years 2008 and 2012, the funded ratio of Idaho's state-administered pension plans decreased from 92.8 percent to 84.4 percent. The state paid 86 percent of its annual required contribution, and for fiscal year 2012 the pension system's unfunded accrued liability totaled $2.1 billion. This amounted to $1,378 in unfunded liabilities per capita.

Credit ratings

See also: State credit ratings

Credit rating agencies, such as Standard and Poor's, assign grades to states that take into account a state's ability to pay debts and the general health of the state's economy. Generally speaking, a higher credit rating indicates lower interest costs on the general obligation bonds states sometimes sell to investors in order to finance large-scale undertakings (e.g., road construction and other public works projects). This in turn results in lower interest costs, thereby lowering the cost to taxpayers.

The table below lists the Standard and Poor's credit ratings for Idaho and surrounding states from 2004 to 2014. Standard and Poor's grades range from AAA, the highest available, to BBB, the lowest.

State credit ratings, 2004 to 2014
State	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004
Idaho	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA
Colorado	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA-	AA-	AA-
Montana	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA	AA-	AA-	AA-	AA-
Utah	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA
Wyoming	AAA	AAA	AAA	AAA	AA+	AA+	AA+	AA	AA	AA	AA
Source: Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014

Federal aid to the state budget

See also: Federal aid to state budgets

State governments receive aid from the federal government to fund a variety of joint programs, such as Medicaid. Federal aid varies from state to state. For example, Mississippi received approximately $7.7 billion in federal aid in 2012, which accounted for more than 45 percent of the state's general revenues. By contrast, Alaska received roughly $2.9 billion in federal aid in 2012, just under 20 percent of the state's general revenues.

The table below notes what share of Idaho’s general revenues came from the federal government in 2012. That year, Idaho received approximately $2.5 billion in federal aid, 34.9 percent of the state's total general revenues. Figures from surrounding states are provided for additional context.

Federal aid to state budgets, 2012
State	Total federal aid ($ in thousands)	Federal aid as a % of general revenue	Ranking
Idaho	$2,479,094	34.9%	16
Colorado	$6,310,538	28.84%	35
Montana	$2,202,444	38.97%	6
Utah	$4,481,494	31.61%	31
Wyoming	$2,213,249	37.51%	8
Source: United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2012," accessed February 24, 2014

Stimulus

According to Recovery.gov, the official government website for the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Idaho received $1.6 billion in federal stimulus funding between February 2009 to June 2013.

Idaho also received $104 million from the federal government under H.R. 1586, a $26 billion plan to give states money for Medicaid and education that the president signed into law on August 10, 2010.

Budget process

Idaho operates on an annual budget cycle with each fiscal year beginning in July. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Idaho State Legislature five days after the session convenes in January.
4. In February or March, the legislature adopts the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Idaho is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.

The budget the governor proposes must be balanced. The legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, and the governor must sign a balanced budget into law.

Agencies, offices, and committees

The following standing committees in the Idaho State Legislature deal with budget and finance matters:

1. Appropriations Committee, Idaho House of Representatives
2. Finance Committee, Idaho State Senate
3. Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, Idaho State Legislature
4. Revenue and Taxation Committee, Idaho House of Representatives
5. Ways and Means Committee, Idaho House of Representatives

The Idaho Treasurer serves as the state's chief financial officer in charge of the collection and disbursement of state funds and management of investments. The treasurer is elected every four years in midterm election years and is a partisan office. There are no term limits for the position.

The Idaho Controller is the state's accountant, responsible for ensuring the state's bills are paid, maintaining records on the state's transactions, and issuing an annual financial report. The controller is elected every four years in midterm election years and is a partisan office. The controller may not serve for more than two consecutive terms.

Studies and reports

U.S. PIRG "Following the Money" report

See also: "Following the Money" report, 2014

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in April 2014. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured the transparency and accountability of state websites with regard to state government spending. According to the report, Idaho received a grade of F and a numerical score of 44, indicating that Idaho was failing in terms of transparency regarding state spending.

As published 2014

Between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2013, Idaho's total expenditures increased by approximately $900 million, from $6.3 billion in 2009 to $7.2 billion in 2013. This represented a 12.5 percent increase, outpacing the cumulative rate of inflation during the same period (9.06 percent, calculated using the Consumer Price Indices for January 2009 and January 2013).

Spending

Definitions

Although each state executes its budget process differently, the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) breaks down state expenditures into four general categories. This allows for comparisons among the 50 states. NASBO's categories are as follows:

• General fund: "The predominant fund for financing a state’s operations. Revenues are received from broad-based state taxes. However, there are differences in how specific functions are financed from state to state."
• Other funds: "Expenditures from revenue sources that are restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities. For example, a gasoline tax dedicated to a highway trust fund would appear in the 'Other funds' column. For Medicaid, other state funds include provider taxes, fees, donations, assessments, and local funds."
• Federal funds: "Funds received directly from the federal government."
• Bonds: "Expenditures from the sale of bonds, generally for capital projects."

2013

Breakdown of expenditures in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

The table below breaks down expenditures for fiscal year 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "Per capita expenditures" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita expenditures" have not been abbreviated.

Total state expenditures, FY 2013 ($ in millions)
State	General fund	Federal funds	Other funds	Bonds	Total	Per capita expenditures**
Idaho	$2,699	$2,792	$1,718	$33	$7,242	$4,492.18
Colorado	$7,942	$7,334	$13,203	$0	$28,479	$5,405.66
Montana	$1,947	$2,115	$1,978	$0	$6,040	$5,949.77
Utah	$4,990	$3,405	$3,739	$469	$12,603	$4,344.56
Wyoming	$3,709	$2,353	$2,549	$0	$8,611	$14,778.82
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total expenditures and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

Spending by function

2012

Breakdown of expenditures by function in FY 2012
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

State expenditures in Idaho can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2012 data is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

Expenditures by function, FY 2012 (as percentages)
State	Elementary and secondary ed.	Higher ed.	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
Idaho	25.7%	8.1%	0.3%	27.2%	3.7%	10.9%	24.2%
Colorado	25.3%	9.0%	0.0%	20.7%	2.7%	5.4%	36.9%
Montana	15.5%	9.8%	0.5%	16.8%	3.1%	12.7%	41.5%
Utah	24.7%	11.9%	0.9%	17.5%	2.0%	9.2%	33.9%
Wyoming	3.9%	5.5%	0.0%	9.5%	4.6%	9.5%	66.9%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Spending trends

From 2008 to 2012, expenditures on elementary and secondary education, higher education and corrections fell. During the same time period, expenditures on Medicaid and transportation rose by 5.3 percentage points, a 24.2 percent increase in the share of the budget, and 0.5 percentage points, a 4.8 percent increase in the share of the budget, respectively. The table below details changes in expenditures from 2008 to 2012.

Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

Expenditures from 2008 to 2012 (as percentages)
Year	Elementary and secondary ed.	Higher ed.	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
2012	25.7%	8.1%	0.3%	27.2%	3.7%	10.9%	24.2%
2011	25.5%	7.6%	0.2%	28.5%	3.3%	11.0%	23.8%
2010	27.4%	7.7%	0.3%	23.0%	3.3%	10.4%	27.9%
2009	27.4%	8.2%	0.3%	22.8%	3.6%	8.9%	28.8%
2008	28.6%	8.3%	0.3%	21.9%	4.1%	10.4%	26.4%
Change in %	-2.9%	-0.2%	N/A	5.3%	-0.4%	0.5%	-2.2%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Revenues

2013 revenues

Breakdown of general fund revenue sources in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

The table below breaks down general fund revenues by source in fiscal year 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "Per capita revenue" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.

Revenue sources in the general fund, FY 2013 ($ in millions)
State	Sales tax	Personal income tax	Corporate income tax	Gaming tax	Other taxes and fees	Total	Per capita revenue
Idaho	$1,152	$1,313	$194	$0	$140	$2,799	$1,736.21
Colorado	$2,186	$5,642	$640	$13	$111	$8,592	$1,630.87
Montana	$62	$1,048	$177	$57	$734	$2,078	$2,046.96
Utah	$1,633	$2,652	$313	$0	$495	$5,093	$1,755.68
Wyoming	$499	$0	$0	$0	$549	$1,048	$1,798.65
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total revenues and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates for 2013. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

Revenue trends

The table below details the change in revenue sources in the general fund from 2009 to 2013. Figures for all columns except "Per capita revenue" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.

Revenue sources in the general fund, Idaho ($ in millions)
Year	Sales tax	Personal income tax	Corporate income tax	Gaming tax	Other taxes and fees	Total	Per capita revenue
2013	$1,152	$1,313	$194	$0	$140	$2,799	$1,736.21
2012	$1,027	$1,206	$187	$0	$167	$2,587	$1,621.34
2011	$972	$1,153	$169	$0	$150	$2,444	$1,543.00
2010	$956	$1,062	$97	$0	$150	$2,265	$1,442.02
2009	$1,022	$1,168	$141	$0	$134	$2,465	$1,594.64
Change in %	12.72%	12.41%	37.59%	N/A	4.48%	13.55%	8.88%
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total revenues and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

Historical spending

The information on state budget historical spending below was compiled by the National Association of State Budget Officers. Figures reflect the reported "Total Expenditures" in Table 1. Figures for all columns are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000).

Historical state spending in Idaho ($ in millions)
Fiscal year	General Fund		Other funds		Federal funds		Bonds		Budget totals
	Total	% of Budget	Total	% of Budget	Total	% of Budget	Total	% of Budget
2011-2012	$2,505	40%	$1,348	22%	$2,382	38%	$32	1%	$6,267
2010-2011	$2,451	37%	$1,450	22%	$2,670	40%	$32	0%	$6,603
2009-2010	$2,338	37%	$1,455	23%	$2,573	40%	$27	0%	$6,393
Averages:	$2,431	38%	$1,418	22%	$2,542	40%	$30	0%	$6,421

Budget transparency

See also: Evaluation of Idaho state website and Constitutional provisions regarding reading of bills

The Idaho Constitution provides in Article 3, Section 15 that a bill be read on three days in each legislative chamber previous to the final vote. This provision is dispensable in case of urgency with a two-thirds majority of the members of the house where bill is pending. Final passage of all bills must be read at length.

Government tools

As of March 2015, Idaho had no statewide, official spending database online, despite Idaho Representative Phil Hart's work to promote transparency through Idaho House Bill 177 in 2009.

Transparency Legislation

See also: Idaho transparency legislation

2011

By a vote of 6-3, the Idaho House Commerce and Human Resources Committee killed a public records bill that proposed that 114 non-government organizations comply to the Public Records Law that participate in the state pension system.

Multi-measure budget transparency profile

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois created a multi-measure transparency profile for Idaho, which measured state transparency as of September 2011 using indicators from a range of organizations. These indicators measured both website transparency and other recognized facets of governmental transparency. In addition, IGPA presented four unique indicators of non-transparency based on the observation that transfers or reassignments between general and special funds can obscure the true fiscal condition of a state.

IGPA devised a budget transparency index based on information available from the National Association of State Budget Officers. Idaho tied for 46th in the nation with three other states, earning three out of eight possible points.

Idaho - IGPA score for budget process, contents and disclosure
Budget transparency indicator	Yes or no?
Performance measures
"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" budget	N
Multi-year forecasting	N
Annual cycle
Binding revenue forecast	N
Legislative revenue forecast	N
Nonpartisan staff	N
Constitution or statutory tax/spend limitations	(both)
TOTAL	3

In addition to the individual state profile, IGPA offered a 50-state comparison and profiles for other states.

U.S. PIRG "Following the Money" report

See also: "Following the Money" report, 2014

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in April 2014. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured the transparency and accountability of state websites with regard to state government spending. According to the report, Idaho received a grade of F and a numerical score of 44, indicating that Idaho was failing in terms of transparency regarding state spending.

Prior fiscal year budgets

Fiscal year 2016

See budget bill: Idaho fiscal year 2016 budget

Governor Butch Otter announced his fiscal year 2016 budget on January 12, 2015. Under this proposal, total spending was set at $7.7 billion. The budget recommended a 7.4 percent increase on K-12 education spending to support recommendations for improvements as described by the state's Education Task Force. The budget also recommended additional funding for higher education. The governor's budget made additional provisions to better fund the state's rainy day fund.

In April 2015, Governor Otter signed the state's fiscal year 2016 budget into law. The state's total budget was set at about $7.69 billion, with 37.6 percent of that going toward education. Health and human services made up the second largest part of the budget, at 35.1 percent. The governor identified several goals for the budget, including improving teacher pay in public schools, better general school funding and increasing higher education funding. About $58 million was set aside for the state's rainy day fund, as well.

Fiscal year 2015

See budget bill: Fiscal Year 2015 Budget

Governor Butch Otter announced his fiscal year 2015 budget proposal on January 6, 2014. Under the governor's proposal, total spending for fiscal year 2015 would have equaled approximately $7.36 billion, including $2.89 billion in general fund spending. The budget included an additional $60 million for education and an additional $26 million for public safety over fiscal year 2014 expenditures.

In March 2014, Otter signed into law the fiscal year 2015 budget. The enacted general fund budget totaled $2.94 billion, slightly more than Otter's original proposal.

Fiscal year 2014

See budget bill: 2013 Legislative Fiscal Report

Idaho state budget -- 2014
Idaho State Legislature
Text:	SB 1174 (The FY 2014 budget is made up of many legislative bills, thus SB 1174 is only a portion of the entire budget.)
Legislative history
Introduced:	March 14, 2013
House:	March 28, 2013
Vote (lower house):	61-5
Senate:	March 25, 2013
Vote (upper house):	34-1
Governor:	Butch Otter
Signed:	April 9, 2013

Governor Butch Otter gave a State of the State Address outlining his proposed budget for fiscal year 2014 on January 7, 2013. Details of the speech and the proposed budget can be found here.

The state's fiscal year 2014 general fund budget of $2.78 billion passed the Idaho State Legislature in April 2013. That total was an $81 million increase over fiscal year 2013. Funding for elementary and secondary education, along with funding for higher education and other education costs, amounted to over 60 percent of the FY 2014 budget. Though the budget did increase by 2.9 percent over the previous year, many funds were cut for a number of different agencies, including the Department of Labor, the Office of Drug Policy and the Secretary of State's Office.

Fiscal year 2013

See also: Idaho state budget (2012-2013)

Fiscal year 2012

See also: Idaho state budget (2011-2012)

Fiscal year 2011

See also: Idaho state budget (2010-2011)

Fiscal year 2010

See also: Idaho state budget (2009-2010)

See also

• Idaho state budget and finances