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JFAC debates $2.5M digital access grant and DEI language; both substitute and original motions fail
Summary
JFAC debated a proposed $2.5 million Digital Access for All Idahoans grant on March 7, citing uses under the federal Digital Equity Act; after substitute and original motions split the joint committee, neither funding motion was approved and the committee deferred the item.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 7 debated $2.5 million proposed for a Digital Access for All Idahoans grant run through the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the scope of permitted uses under the federal Digital Equity Act.
Analyst Brooke Dupree presented the Commission for Libraries' budget and the enhancement items before the committee, including a $2.5 million Digital Access for All Idahoans grant, a $42,400 broadband reimbursement enhancement and a $40,000 federal subgrant line.
Senator Carlson offered an alternate motion that removed the $2.5 million digital access grant from the package, arguing the larger grant funded DEI‑oriented projects that the legislature has opposed. Carlson said committee research had found elements the senator described as "DEI." Senator Cook and other members pushed…
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