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Lawmakers review early learning, childcare and SWITC funding; governor backs $15 million one‑time for child care
Summary
Committee heard the department’s requests for developmentally disabled / early learning services, including a governor recommendation to spend $15 million one‑time on the Idaho Child Care Program over three years and a $4.2 million ongoing request; the committee also discussed SWITC facility upgrades and STAR certification progress.
The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee reviewed the Department of Health and Welfare’s requests affecting developmental‑disability services, early learning and the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) as part of the department’s reorganization into a new Early Learning and Development division.
Alex Williamson, the Legislative Services analyst, said some developmental‑disability services have moved to Medicaid under the reorganization and that the budget materials reflect a transitional structure. Williamson said the governor’s recommendation includes a one‑time $15 million installment for the Idaho Child Care Program and an ongoing $4.2 million recommendation; the one‑time funds represent available Child Care and Development Block Grant (federal) underspends being recommended for distribution over three years.
Why it matters: Director Alex Adams told the committee that ICCP is not an entitlement and that the department earlier paused enrollments to live within the legislature’s prior appropriation; after corrective actions the department lifted the pause and began enrolling in January. “My choices were keep the spigot open and ask for a supplemental or make tough decisions and live within the budget,” Adams said, explaining the pause and subsequent managed reopening.
SWITC, STAR certification and facility expenditures
Williamson described recent supplements related to the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center (SWITC), including funds used for demolition and new construction and for crisis‑patient treatment. Lisonbee Tate, who oversees programs that include SWITC, told the committee a requested walk‑in cooler and other food‑storage equipment are intended to enable bulk purchasing and reduce food costs across state facilities; she said bulk buying could cut food costs nearly in half for some units.
The STAR certification effort (a multi‑year, multi‑step clinical certification referenced by the department) is listed as a one‑time request in year 3 of 4 for $249,200; department staff told the committee they will provide a progress report on the program this summer. Officials said certification and training take longer than originally characterized and that recent on‑site clinical work has started producing placements out of SWITC for long‑term residents.
Federal funding and program changes
Williamson said the governor’s ICCP recommendation draws on an estimated $45 million of one‑time federal Child Care and Development Block Grant resources available over three years; the governor proposed $15 million installments in each of the next three years. Williamson also noted a small FMAP‑related shift (about $81,800) from federal to general‑fund accounting for the division.
Questions and concerns
Committee members asked how the department restored fiscal balance without permanent program cuts and about the regulatory and administrative changes that led to prior out‑spending. Adams said the department reorganized programs under new leadership, paused enrollment selectively, retained eligibility for high‑priority groups during the pause (foster youth, homeless youth, youth with disabilities) and later resumed enrollment after balancing the prior year’s program costs with the existing appropriation.
Next steps
Staff will provide the requested STAR certification progress report and the committee indicated it wants updates on ICCP enrollment and budget performance. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.
