In going over the governor's budget proposal, Wayne Hammon, the governor's budget chief, told JFAC that the governor thinks it's "regrettable" that he's proposing no pay raise for state employees. Legally required salaries for state elected officials remain in the budget. "The governor believes the state employees remain underpaid," Hammon said. The governor's also proposing putting on hold the University of Idaho's Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies, saving $9.4 million in the general fund. "We just can't afford it at this time," Hammon said. "In future years we'll seek to restore this funding."

Hammon told lawmakers, "The governor agrees with legislative leadership that it's better to plan for the worst and hope for the best, than it is to plan for the best and adjust it downward. ... Overall, the entire budget recommendation reflects zero growth in general fund revenue."