JFAC approves $14 million governor initiative for Idaho Child Care Program and reorganization actions

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a $14,000,000 one-time governor initiative for the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) and completed a budget reorganization that moved ICCP and other programs into the newly named Division of Early Learning and Development.

Budget analyst Alex Williamson explained the reorganization and the governor’s recommendation. The division absorbed the Idaho Child Care Program (previously under Welfare), and Community Development and Extended Employment Services moves were accounted for in cross-divisional adjustments. The committee added $249,200 one-time for START certification and $4,227,000 for ICCP base adjustments. The governor recommended $15,000,000 for the initiative; the committee approved $14,000,000 as a one-time appropriation with program parameters attached. About 70% of the federal grant funds are required to be used for direct services under federal requirements, the analyst said.

Senator Cook and other members pressed for clearer procurement and requirements tied to software and administrative spending; the committee reduced one line item from $15 million to $14 million in part to ensure clearer scope and requirements. Separately, the committee approved a net zero maintenance transfer moving Extended Employment Services from Early Learning into the Division of Medicaid as part of the reorganization.

The committee adopted intent language restricting and directing the $14,000,000's use toward direct child care payments, contracted slots and quality improvements, and included conditions, limitations and restrictions language. The motion passed with a combined Senate 9 ayes, 1 nay and House 9 ayes, 1 nay (total 18 ayes, 2 nays).