JFAC hears ISU and Boise State budget overviews; presidents cite student-success gains, restructuring of DEI centers and federal grant uncertainty

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 received FY2026 budget overviews from Idaho State University and Boise State University leadership, who highlighted student-success initiatives, workforce-aligned program growth, and near-term risks from a federal funding directive that briefly paused certain federal grants.

Boise State President Marlene Tromp and Idaho State President Rob Wagner each summarized institutional budgets, enrollment, and recent administrative changes. Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the slides for both universities and noted common technical and reporting issues the committee has seen across institutions.

Key numbers and budget posture - Boise State reported more than 27,000 students and personnel costs representing 81.8% of overall expenditures; the university said it expects its FY2026 operational capacity enhancement request to be applied entirely to cost-of-living/market adjustments (CEC). Tromp told the committee Boise State has 1,300 students enrolled in the LAUNCH program, with 600 relying on LAUNCH as their only financial support. - Idaho State reported more than 12,000 students. Campbell and Wagner described a multi-year history of…