Committee approves resolution signaling willingness to accept federal grants for adoption education and birth-mother support

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send RS 32271 to print, a concurrent resolution declaring the legislature's support for receiving federal funds aimed at adoption education, adoption awareness and expanded birth-mother support and care.

Senator Julie Van Orden, District 30, presented the resolution and said the measure is intended to prepare Idaho to receive possible federal grant funding for services that support birth mothers and adoption education. "It would be... it would be, it resolved by members of this legislature, declares its support for the receiving of federal funds for adoption education, adoption awareness, and the improvement and expansion of birth mother support and care," Van Orden said during her presentation.

Terry Markcroft, founder and executive director of Unplanned Good, described her group's goals as increasing adoption education and improving birth-mother care. Senator Zanderfeld (senator name as recorded) cautioned about accepting federal funds without reviewing terms. "Every time that we take federal money, there always seems to be strings attached or unintended consequences," Zanderfeld said. Markcroft replied that the national groups she works with aim to align federal advocacy with the state priorities so funds would be used for adoption education and birth-mother support.

Senator Harris moved to introduce and send RS 32271 to print; the motion carried by voice vote. Senator Wintrow recorded a no vote and said she would withhold support pending review of grant language and specifics. The resolution does not appropriate funds; it expresses the legislature's willingness to receive federal grant dollars should federal programs change in ways the sponsor described.