Industrial Commission wins package of dedicated‑fund increases; members press over fund balances and victim payment delays

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a package of dedicated‑fund appropriations for the Industrial Commission on the committee’s docket, despite objections from some members worried about cash balances and service delays.

Noah Peterson, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee the package totals $570,300 from dedicated funds and includes a $288,000 one‑time request for long‑term technical support for the commission’s IRIS project; an ongoing $66,500 reclassification for a financial technician; a $111,600 ongoing referee position to adjudicate workers’ compensation and related appeals; a $66,500 ongoing rehab field consultant for the Twin Falls/Burley area; a $62,300 technical record specialist request; a $30,000 contingency for IRIS; and smaller reclassifications for adjudication associates. The committee removed vehicle replacement items requested by the agency from the approved package.

Peterson told the committee the commission…