The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee took another step forward in the budget-setting process by approving three budgets related to education spending. With no opposition, JFAC approved the measures with a “do pass” recommendation.
- Health Education Programs. This request included $113,400 to fund five more students in the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) program. The five additional seats would bring Idaho up to 30 students in the program, which legislators hope will help address Idaho’s shortage of physicians.
- Special Programs. This budget includes money for forestry management programs, Idaho’s Small Business Development Center and four other programs.
- Office of the State Board of Education. This budget includes $50,000 to support implementation of the recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Education, as well as a 2% increase for state employees under the SBOE umbrella.
JFAC is scheduled to address the public education budget on Monday, March 3.
You are encouraged to send comments about education funding to JFAC members.
