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Committee approves digital-access grants for Idaho libraries and adopts restrictions on certain state-funded programming
Summary
JFAC approved federal digital-access grants and state funding for library broadband reimbursements, and separately adopted language restricting the use of state-appropriated funds for activities described as supporting diversity, equity or inclusion ideology; committee members debated scope and enforcement.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 20 approved federal and state funding to expand digital access through Idaho libraries and separately approved language restricting use of state appropriations for activities the motion described as supporting "diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice ideology" in library-sponsored activities.
The committee ultimately adopted a funding motion for the Idaho Commission for Libraries that included $42,300 from the general fund for broadband reimbursement and $2,540,000 in federal funds (digital-access grants) after the substitute motion failed and the original motion received majority support. The funding motion carried a combined committee vote of 17 ayes, 3 nays, 0 absent excused and will carry a due-pass recommendation.
Why it matters: The grants are intended to support computer access, telehealth rooms, digital literacy programs for seniors, veterans and rural residents and other local library services. At the same time, the committee adopted language…
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