Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month
 April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month - a reminder that we must do more to prevent this terrible crime that impacts people of all ages and from all walks of life.
This month, I ask Idahoans to find out how they can help stop sexual assault, support victims, and save lives.
"April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To reaffirm Idaho's commitment to the awareness initiative, Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation Tuesday recognizing the month-long acknowledgement on a state level.
In an effort to decrease the crime in the Gem State, several organizations are collaborating to raise awareness and provide resources to victims, including Idaho State Police.
Idaho State Police Colonel Kedrick Wills said the agency hopes the governor's proclamation reiterates the support offered by the state and allows them the courage to speak up.
"We hope that it helps the victims understand that it's okay to come forward. We know that a lot of people are coming forward as victims of this crime, but not near as many as we believe statistically, the crime is being committed," Wills said. "We believe that this is going to give them a voice and for help them understand they have a huge support system in law enforcement and outside of law enforcement to help them deal with this terrible circumstance that they've gone through."
Ada County said in a news release that sexual assault crimes impact thousands of Idahoans each year. So, throughout the month of April, a coalition of organizations are combining forces to educate the public about sexual assault and the resources available."
Idaho LAUNCH crosses finish line, receives legislative support
Thank you, Idaho Legislature, for your support of LAUNCH! These grants will help THOUSANDS of Idaho students get the in-demand training to fuel our workforce.
"The Idaho Senate approved funding for the Idaho Launch grant program on Tuesday.
The program is promoted by Gov. Brad Little and aimed at workforce development. It will provide graduating high school seniors with up to $8,000 for tuition and fees to pursue in-demand careers.
HB 722 provides nearly $80 million to fund the first year of Idaho Launch grants. The funding will provide grants to more than 8,000 students.
More than 13,000 students have already applied for the program, according to Little’s office.
Sponsor Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, said the grants are a way to help students get marketable skills for the workforce."
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WATCH: Governor Little talks about education legislative bills
Idaho has made unprecedented investments in our K-12 education system since I took office in 2019.
My IDAHO WORKS plan continues our historic record by strengthening our public schools.
"One of Governor Brad Little’s legislative priorities was to expand the access of charter schools throughout Idaho.
From that House Bill 422, the accelerating public charter schools act was created during this session.
The new act gives more flexibility for the high performing charters and more support to ones that are struggling and need more guidance.
Governor Brad Little said, “Charters are basically the experimental part of public education. They create more competition and more opportunities; what we’re trying to do now is scale it out in urban areas, there’s room for an arts charter and a science/STEM charter. We need to make them available there.”
The bill also aims to hold public charter schools accountable for meeting measurable student educational standards and provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available.
The past few years the governor, with help from the legislature, has provided property tax relief in several forms.
“This year what we’re making billions of dollars available to all the school districts, so they don’t have to bond for as much, so your property taxes aren’t going to be higher and we got that bill across the finish line,” said Governor Little."
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Celebrating Month of the Military Child
 On Thursday, I joined military families and officials in recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child. The event is an opportunity to recognize military children for their resilient spirits, personal sacrifices, strong character, and courage.
Military children are part of our nation's strength as they support and encourage their service members with a fierce patriotic spirit. These children are a source of pride for the great State of Idaho and for us all, and it is only fitting that we recognize their contributions.
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