Idaho Commission on Aging asks to spend remaining ARPA funds, seeks small ongoing increase to cover inflation

The Idaho Commission on Aging told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Monday that it plans to spend remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds before the federal Sept. 30, 2025, deadline and is asking for a modest ongoing general‑fund increase to cover inflation in fiscal 2026.

Colin McGurkin, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee the commission requested $1,800,000 in one‑time federal ARPA funds to be used by Sept. 30, 2025. He said the agency also asked the governor and the committee for an ongoing general‑fund increase of $162,600 for FY2026, including about $155,000 to raise trust and benefit payments to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and $7,600 for operating costs at the commission.

Why it matters: The Commission on Aging distributes state and federal dollars to six local AAAs that provide meal service, transportation, caregiver assistance, adult protective services and other community‑based supports that keep older Idahoans safe and in their homes. Committee members pressed the agency on how ARPA and one‑time federal grants were used and whether programs would need general‑fund support once one‑time dollars expire.

McGurkin told the committee the commission’s FY2024 expenditures totaled about $16.7…