Idaho Attorney General Seeks Restoration Of Budget Cuts

Idaho Attorney General Appeals for Budget Restoration

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has formally requested the state legislature to reinstate nearly $1 million in budget cuts that threaten significant operational disruptions within his office. The budget reductions, if not addressed, could lead to extensive furloughs or layoffs, severely impacting the office’s functionality.

Impact of Budget Cuts on the Attorney General’s Office

During a recent meeting with the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), Labrador outlined the financial challenges posed by the newly approved budget cuts. These reductions are set to decrease funding for the Attorney General’s office by $1.6 million in the upcoming fiscal year 2027 and continue in subsequent years. Additionally, the current fiscal year 2026 has already seen a $1.2 million cut, along with a $91,500 reduction in the Internet Crimes Against Children program, as per Senate Bill 1331.

Personnel and Operational Challenges

Labrador emphasized that 89% of his office’s expenditures are related to personnel costs. Consequently, the budget cuts necessitate either salary reductions through unpaid furloughs or staff layoffs. To manage the current year’s budget cuts, all employees are expected to take 11 unpaid furlough days by the end of June. For fiscal year 2027, starting July 1, employees face 14 furlough days, equating to nearly three weeks of unpaid leave, which Labrador noted amounts to a 5% pay cut.

Potential Consequences and Alternatives

The Attorney General expressed concerns that these measures would be detrimental to employee morale and could lead to a significant loss of staff. As an alternative to furloughs, Labrador mentioned the possibility of eliminating 12 staff positions entirely. He further highlighted that the office generates more revenue for the state than it spends, partly through consumer protection cases and legal proceedings. Despite this, the attorneys in his office are already earning less than their counterparts in private practice.

Future Considerations

In discussions with JFAC, Labrador urged the committee to reconsider the budget cuts and return $980,000 to prevent these adverse outcomes. He also noted that state employees have been informed not to anticipate pay raises in the upcoming year, adding to the financial strain.