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Committee deadlocks on $2.5 million ‘Digital Access for All Idahoans’ grant after DEI debate
Summary
A substitute motion to strip a $2.5 million digital‑access grant from the Idaho Commission for Libraries failed, and the original motion later failed in the House; committee members continued to debate whether federal Digital Equity Act funds and associated DEI language are appropriate for local library grants.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 7 considered $2.5 million in federal funding for a “Digital Access for All Idahoans” grant administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and repeatedly deadlocked after partisan debate over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language.
Brooke Dupree, a Legislative Services Office analyst, presented the library budget and noted the commission administers statewide grants and programs for libraries. Representative Gallabis moved the package that included enhancement 51, a $2,500,000 federal grant titled “digital access for all Idahoans,” plus smaller broadband and federal subgrant items. Senator Carlson offered an…
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