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JFAC moves $14 million to Idaho Child Care Program, finalizes Early Learning reorganization changes
Summary
The committee approved a $14 million one‑time governor's initiative for the Idaho Child Care Program, approved start‑certification funding and finalized the reorganization that moves the Idaho Child Care Program into a renamed Early Learning and Development division; it also moved extended employment services out of that division into Medicaid.
On March 14 the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a $14,000,000 one‑time appropriation for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) as part of the newly organized Division of Early Learning and Development and finalized related reorganization budget moves.
Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst, explained the administration proposed $15,000,000 from underutilized federal funds available over three years; the committee approved $14,000,000 as a one‑time appropriation for FY2026 and included parameters for how the funds should be spent (about 70% on direct services such as contracted child‑care slots and direct payments, with requirements for quality and infant services). The committee also approved $249,200 one‑time for the START certification program and approved an ongoing $4,227,000 federal increase for ICCP program operations. The motion removes extended employment services from the Early Learning division and moves the program into the Division of Medicaid (the change is part of a department‑wide net zero transfer to complete reorganization).
Senator Bierke moved the package and Representative Galaviz seconded. Committee members said they reduced the governor’s original recommendation in part because some requested software/hardware items lacked fully defined requirements; the committee asked departments to prepare concrete requirements and procurement steps for future requests. The motion passed with a combined vote of 18 ayes and 2 nays.
The committee also adopted intent and conditions language governing the $14,000,000 ICCP funds. Committee staff noted the large percentage change in the division’s budget primarily reflects the internal transfer of programs and federal funds rather than an equivalent increase in state spending.
