JFAC splits on college and university budget; household compromise sent to Senate after contested cuts

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on May 21 considered competing versions of the fiscal 2026 college and university budget, debating targeted reductions at Boise State University and the University of Idaho and new funding for Lewis-Clark State College and the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute.

Committee analysts outlined line items including a $3,369,900 operational capacity enhancement, corrections to health-benefits and CEC calculations, an endowment funds adjustment of $1,388,700 from dedicated funds, an enrollment/workload adjustment, $387,000 general ongoing for Lewis-Clark State College salary adjustments, and $1,000,000 general ongoing for the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute.

Why it matters: members described the package as a negotiated compromise intended to clear the House floor. Lawmakers debating the motion tied some reductions and increases to policy concerns and to the committee’s leverage over institutions that receive state appropriations.

Debate and motions Representative Bryce moved the first package that included: adding the assembled line items plus a pair of $2,000,000 ongoing reductions — one from Boise State University and one from the University of Idaho — intended as a message about certain institutional practices. Senator Carlson seconded the motion.

Senat…