The Latest: Idaho governor reflects on accomplishments

The Latest on State of the State in Idaho (all times local):

1 p.m.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s final “State of the State” address begins with announcing Idaho is in a better place than when he took over office 12 years ago.

Otter said Monday that the governmental growth has remained limited during his three terms in the executive office, but the state has made important investments with its tax revenue.

The Republican governor is not seeking a fourth term.

Otter uses the annual speech to outline his budget and policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2019. This year, Otter is asking lawmakers to raise the budget 6.6 percent – bringing the budget total to roughly $3.6 billion.

The budget includes a proposed $192 million of tax cuts for Idahoans.

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10:15 a.m.

Idaho Republican senators have elected new legislative leaders before the 2018 session officially kicks off.

Former Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis resigned earlier this year after being appointed to serve as U.S. Attorney for Idaho. This caused an opening among the four GOP legislative leadership positions in the Idaho Senate.

Secret balloting on Monday resulted in Sen. Chuck Winder as majority leader – who previously served as assistant majority leader. Sen. Steve Vick then won assistant majority leader against Sen. Todd Lakey, who previously served as caucus chairman.

Finally, Sen. Kelly Anthon won caucus chairman in a four-way race. None of the ballot totals were revealed because voting is held behind closed doors.

Republican leadership races are significant, because just who is in charge helps decide which issues become priorities and which legislative proposals can get consideration.

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7 a.m.

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is expected to give his twelfth and final “State of the State” address on Monday afternoon.

The speech kicks off the start of the 2018 legislative session, with state lawmakers, members of the judiciary and other leaders gathering in the Statehouse to hear Otter’s remarks.

Otter has served three terms as governor in Idaho and has said he won’t seek re-election this year.

The governor typically uses the speech to outline his budget and policy priorities for the session. State lawmakers will then spend the next few months in Boise working to balance the state budget and pass legislation.

The speech begins at 1 p.m. MST.