JFAC splits on university cuts; approves DEI audits and ICOM transparency language

Members of the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee (JFAC) on Oct. 24 debated rival higher‑education budget proposals, approved measures to increase legislative oversight of university negotiations and audits of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) compliance, and left a motion that would cut $2 million each from Boise State University and the University of Idaho to be considered by the full Senate.

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the college and university budget and outlined the line items under consideration, including an operational capacity enhancement, health‑benefits corrections and an enrollment workload adjustment. "You have before you today the college and university budget," he said as he reviewed the requested items.

The committee first considered a motion by Representative Bryce that would add a mix of ongoing and dedicated funding across systemwide items while reducing $2,000,000 ongoing from Boise State and $2,000,000 ongoing from the University of Idaho. Representative Bryce's motion included $387,000 general fund for Lewis‑Clark State College salary adjustments and…