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BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to adopt the federal tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

In a 59 to 9 vote, the Idaho House agreed to implement the federal tax cuts in Idaho as part of its annual tax conformity bill House Bill 559.

The tax cuts include no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, a $6,000 deduction for seniors and a permanently doubled child tax credit.

Republicans argued the measures will spur job creation and put more money back in the hands of working Idahoans to further stimulate the economy.

“John F. Kennedy, when he talked about taxes, he said that one of the single largest barriers to full employment was higher taxes,” said Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jason Monks R-Meridian. “… Do we want to reduce these taxes for people who are working for people who are earning overtime? People who are working overtime are people getting paid by the hour. These aren’t our high corporate executive jobs. People who are making a living by receiving tips – these are our working class individuals. So are we going to increase their taxes, give them less incentive to work, or are we going to give them more incentive to work?”

Democrats argued that every penny cut from the state budget by adopting these cuts will take away from vital services.

“When we pull hundreds of millions of dollars out of the amount of money we have, particularly when we’re already in a hole, this is going to come dollar for dollar – penny for penny – out of police, teacher pay, special ed, road and bridge repair, water and infrastructure projects, Meals on Wheels. colleges and universities,” said Minority Leader Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise. “Tuition is going to go up. Fewer kids are going to be able to go to college. It’s coming already out of nursing care for people with disabilities, coming out of critical mental health care for people having mental health crises.”

The estimated total cost of the tax cuts in Idaho is $155 million this fiscal year and $175 million in fiscal Year 2027.

Two exceptions to the federal legislation were not included in Idaho’s legislation – bonus depreciation and research and experimental expenditures from 2022-2024.

The bill is co-sponsored by east Idaho legislators Rep. David Cannon, R-Blackfoot, and Senator Doug Ricks, R-Rexburg.

The legislation now advances to the Idaho Senate for further consideration.

Rigby, ID (KIFI) – Congratulations are in order for the Rigby High School choir, which has been selected to perform alongside the legendary rock band Foreigner at the Mountain America Center. This exciting opportunity follows the annual competition for local high schools, hosted by 94.9 and 104.5 “The Pick,” where students had the chance to submit their covers of iconic 80s songs.

The school choir received exciting news yesterday afternoon when local radio DJ Shaggy from 94.9 “The Pick” made the announcement. The students will take the stage at the Mountain America Center to deliver an incredible performance of the classic rock ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

The Rigby High School choir will also receive a generous $500 donation in support of their program.

Foreigner, a legendary rock band and a proud member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will be performing at the Mountain America Center on Wednesday, March 25. Join them for an unforgettable evening of classic rock hits. With 10 multi-platinum albums, 16 Top 30 singles, and more than 80 million albums sold globally, Foreigner remains one of the most celebrated rock bands in history.

To purchase tickets, you can visit Ticketmaster, visit in person at the Bingham Healthcare Box Office, or visit the Mountain America Center website here.

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Regional Airport will soon be getting a major upgrade, thanks to $12 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Mike Simpson. This money, part of the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, will help start the airport’s terminal expansion project.

Congressman Mike Simpson said the airport expansion is important as Idaho Falls continues to grow. He believes the project will help serve the community better, support local jobs, and make the city more attractive to travelers and businesses.

“As Idaho Falls continues to grow, it is essential that the airport grows with it,” said Rep. Simpson. “Expanding the Idaho Falls Regional Airport will better serve the Idaho Falls community, support local jobs, and enhance the city’s status as a top destination for travelers and economic opportunities. I have been a steadfast supporter of our local airports, and I am pleased that this funding will facilitate these necessary improvements.”

Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw said the $12 million is a key investment for the airport’s future. She said it will help the airport handle more travelers, work more efficiently, and improve the experience for everyone who flies in and out of Idaho Falls.

“This $12 million in Community Project Funding is a vital investment in the future of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “As our city grows, this funding ensures the airport can meet increasing demand, improve efficiency, and provide a better experience for travelers. We are grateful for Representative Simpson’s support in helping IDA remain the regional airport of choice for Eastern Idaho and a gateway for economic growth in our community.”

This funding would be used for Phase 1 of IDA’s terminal expansion. Phase I of this project, baggage expansion, will provide the necessary space for outbound baggage operations and additional space for future operations. It will improve safety by providing adequate space to load baggage carts and by improving operational efficiency with a new conveyor system. This expansion also provides additional ticket queueing and counter space to accommodate additional air service and will provide a second-level space for future passenger hold areas. This phase will also provide alterations to existing space to allow for the future expansion of the security screening checkpoint, which is the next constrained space in the terminal building.

While some people criticize these kinds of federal projects, supporters say Community Project Funding is a way to make sure Idaho tax dollars are used for local needs, not sent to other states. The airport expansion has strong support from the Idaho Falls community.

Congressman Simpson is the only member of Congress from Idaho on the appropriations committee, giving him a unique ability to bring money back for projects like this.

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport Terminal Expansion Project is now officially funded and will begin soon. The project was signed into law by President Trump as part of the 2026 federal budget.