Business View Civil and Municipal | September 2022

33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE over the past three years, and just approved another $1.5 billion in tax cuts over the next five years. State leaders achieved the largest tax cut in state history this year, with immediate tax rebates and ongoing income tax relief moving forward. The heart of Idaho’s economy – small business owners – benefitted from the tax cuts, lowering the top tax rate to 6.0 percent, making the state even more competitive for existing businesses and attracting businesses new to the state. Idaho is expected to continue the trend with another record budget surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The answer is simple. Idaho’s conservative approach to governing from a regulatory and budget standpoint, along with its vibrant, pro- business culture and high quality of life, create an environment where businesses can thrive. While other states added to their debts, Idaho used its budget effectively, distributing funds where they were needed most and limiting unnecessary spending. The record budget surplus has provided Idaho the opportunity to redirect taxpayer dollars back to businesses and citizens. Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature have directed approximately $1 billion back to taxpayers Meta recently announced Kuna as the location of its latest data center, representing an investment of $800 million.