State Treasurer outlines pass‑through workforce housing plan, seeks cybersecurity funding

Christopher Lahoset of the Legislative Services Office summarized the State Treasurer’s role as custodian of public funds and administrator of unclaimed property, and noted the office’s authorized personnel and five‑year appropriation history. Lahoset highlighted the abandoned property trust fund and cited "Article 14, section 58 0 1 of Idaho code," noting funds in excess of $500,000 are transferred to the general fund.

Lahoset described a governor recommendation to transfer $15,000,000 from the general fund to the Idaho workforce housing fund with appropriation authorization to provide gap financing intended to support development of an estimated 300–400 units through a revolving loan program. He noted the 2022 Legislature previously authorized a $50,000,000 one‑time appropriation that was later dispersed to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) to provide gap financing; IHFA staff told the committee those earlier funds were issued as loans and are intended to return to a revolving loan fund for future awards.

Treasurer Julie Ellsworth identified the treasurer’s office role in facilitating pass‑through funds and confirmed the office will facilitate transfers if the Legislature approves them. IHFA representatives said the initial $50 million produced 15 multifamily projects totaling about 1,100 units, with some projects now beginning lease‑up. IHFA said previous awards were structured as loans with repayment schedules and are expected to circulate back into future lending.

Lahoset also reported FY26 enhancement requests from the treasurer’s office, including $25,000 for ongoing cloud/email security software to block phishing and other threats. No formal committee action was taken at the conclusion of the presentation.