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Committee hears library request to make Digital Access grant ongoing, seeks itemized spending details
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard the Idaho Commission for Libraries request to convert a federal-backed Digital Access for All Idahoans grant to ongoing state spending, asked for breakdowns of spending on summer reading and subgrants, and discussed broadband reimbursements under state law.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard a presentation from the Idaho Commission for Libraries on the agency's FY2026 budget request, including a request to make a $2.5 million-per-year Digital Access for All Idahoans grant part of the agency base.
The request would continue work the commission has started with federal funds from IIJA/NTIA and other ARPA-era awards to expand digital access statewide, including hiring personnel, funding digital navigators, buying devices, and subgranting money to community colleges, school districts and nonprofit organizations. "We're the 3rd state in the nation to receive our allocation of funds," Stephanie Bailey White, state librarian and director of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, told the committee, and the agency has launched a subgrant round and is ranking first-round applicants.
The commission said federal awards and one-time ARPA capital projects explain recent budget spikes. Analyst Brooke…
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