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JFAC approves $2.58 million federal and state funding for library digital access, approves language restricting state funds for DEI activities
Summary
Committee approved operating grants and a digital access grant for Idaho libraries, but rejected a substitute funding motion and approved language directing commission priorities and prohibiting use of state funds to support diversity, equity or social justice ideology in library activities; votes were divided and several roll calls recorded.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved funding and multiple policy language items for the Idaho Commission for Libraries on Thursday, including a $2.58 million package of state and federal funds to support digital access programs and related grants, and several pieces of committee language that set conditions on how state appropriations are used.
Budget analyst Brooke Dupree outlined three requests from the commission: $42,400 for broadband reimbursement to eligible libraries under the Education Opportunity Resource program; $30,000 in federal subgrants (from an available $40,000 federal grant), and a $2.5 million federal request for the Digital Access for All Idahoans grant. Senator Carlson and representatives moved and discussed funding alternatives in competing motions. A substitute motion that would have increased the federal request to $2.5 million and changed general-fund amounts failed in committee (total vote 9 ayes, 11 nays). The original motion later passed with a combined total of 17 ayes, 3 nays, carrying a due-pass recommendation.
Following funding debate, the committee considered multiple pieces of intent and control language for the commission. The committee adopted re-appropriation language for ARPA Capital Projects funds to enable libraries to build telehealth facilities; it also approved language that directs the commission not to use state appropriations to support any diversity, equity, inclusion, or social-justice ideology in library-sponsored activities and to report to the committee by Dec. 1. That language drew focused debate. Senator Wintrow asked whether prioritization of covered populations in the Digital Access grant (households below 150% poverty, aging individuals, incarcerated individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, language learners, racial or ethnic minority groups and rural residents) would be disallowed; the motion maker said prior budgets with similar language have not resulted in those populations being excluded. The motion passed on roll call with a combined tally of 15 ayes, 4 nays, and 1 absent/excused.
Additional language was approved directing the Commission for Libraries to designate an employee to confirm compliance with Idaho Code section 18-118–15-17 and to coordinate with the Department of Education; that motion passed with 17 ayes and 2 nays across chambers. The committee also adopted language restricting the commission from using state-appropriated funds to supplant reduced federal funds. A re-appropriation authority motion for ARPA funds to build telehealth rooms in libraries passed unanimously.
Supporters of increased funding described rural telehealth, computer classes for seniors, telehealth access in remote areas and computer access for veterans as program goals. Opponents argued the committee should enforce statutory compliance and objected to certain policy elements. The motions collectively will carry due-pass recommendations to the legislature.
