JFAC advances parks, higher-education and workforce funding; approves related reporting language

The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on March 11 advanced multiple budget actions affecting state parks, higher-education initiatives and workforce training, approving several spending increases and committee language that directs reporting and conditions for grant awards.

The committee voted to add funding and staff to the Department of Parks and Recreation, approved a $20,000 supplemental for a credit-mobility grant for the State Board of Education, advanced a larger FY2026 package for the State Board that includes workforce capacity funding, approved a major one-time investment for adult education and technical colleges through Career Technical Education, and granted a small IT replacement appropriation for the STEM Action Center. Committee members also approved statutory-style “language” directing reports on credit and transcript mobility, outcome-based funding sections and conditions for use and reappropriation of funds.

Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, introduced the Parks and Recreation request, telling the committee, “On the screen before you, we have the Department of Parks and Recreation. The department of parks and recreation is a state agency and it oversees the management of Idaho’s 30 state parks and trails throughout 6 different regions in the state.” The committee adopted Senator Hart’s motion to add a net $8,135,700 in fund authority ( $5,410,700 from dedicated funds and $2,725,000 from federal funds) and 5 full-time equivalent positions for FY2026 to address park personnel, seasonal positions, operating…