Idaho Gov. Brad Little says he's having laser focus on COVID-19 vaccine

IDAHO FALLS -- Idaho Gov. Brad Little plans to focus his time on getting COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of Idahoans.

In a visit to Idaho Falls Wednesday afternoon, Little told reporters he wants to address the "weak links" in the system to get the vaccines administered.

"Getting this vaccine out is so important to me," Little said. "I'm going to dedicate a lot of time to it."

Little explained the weak links are different depending on the place in Idaho. In some places, the vaccines are administered without a problem, while some rural communities have logistical challenges.

"I want to make sure that my public safety, my healthcare workers in rural Idaho don't have burdens in front of them," Little said.

Little's focus on pushing the vaccine comes as Gem State legislators introduced bills this week to limit the Governor's emergency power. If such legislation passes, the Idaho Statesman reports Little's emergency declaration over the coronavirus pandemic would end.

"I've heard a lot about that, but I've been so busy," Little said. "I've been getting a few questions about it, but we're getting the vaccine out, building Idaho's future."

Little explained that his highest priorities remain economic prosperity and education. However, the pandemic has derailed his goals a little.

"That's why it's so important for us to get through COVID," Little said. "To restore that economic momentum that Idaho has."