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JFAC approves $14 million one-time Idaho Child Care Program allocation and moves extended employment services between divisions
Summary
Committee approved a $14 million one-time governor initiative for the Idaho Child Care Program, adjusted funding based on federal requirements, and moved Extended Employment Services from Developmental Disabilities to Medicaid (net department impact zero).
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one-time $14,000,000 appropriation for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) as part of a broader reorganization that created the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Early Learning and Development.
Alex Williamson, Legislative Services analyst, told the committee that about $45,000,000 in federal funds are available over three years and the governor recommended $15,000,000 per year; the committee approved $14,000,000 one-time for FY2026 with parameters that require roughly 70% of the funds be spent on direct services such as contracted slots and direct child-care payments and limits on administrative spending. Senator Cook and others pressed for clearer procurement requirements on proposed software purchases and for more complete project requirements before additional spending is approved.
The committee also approved a technical net-zero move: Extended Employment Services (previously in Developmental Disability Services) will move to the Division of Medicaid; the action was implemented in two parts in committee so the net department effect is zero. The committee reduced three FTEs in Early Learning and Development and added other items to reflect the reorganization.
The motion reported a department-level change of a reduction of $3,208,100 General Fund and an increase of $18,145,200 federal funds for a net total of $14,937,100 and a net reduction of three FTEs in the division; committee members said they expect the department to present procurement requirements and cost estimates before spending on major software or systems.
Ending: The one-time $14 million ICCP appropriation and the reorganization language were adopted and will move to the floors with due-pass recommendations; committee members signaled closer oversight of how federal and state funds will be spent.
