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Veteran services asks JFAC to shift funding to hire temporary nursing pool as staffing shortage drives contract costs
Summary
The Division of Veteran Services requested a net transfer to hire 22 temporary benefited state employees to reduce reliance on higher‑cost contract nurses and outlined delays to construction funding caused by Build America, Buy America waiver issues.
The Idaho Division of Veteran Services briefed the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Oct. 24 and asked to shift operating appropriation to personnel to pilot a temporary nursing pool, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive contract nurses.
Frances Lippett, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the division’s budget overview. Mark Shample, chief administrator for the Division of Veteran Services, answered detailed questions from committee members about staffing, facilities and federal grant timing.
The division is authorized 439.5 full‑time equivalent positions and operates four state veterans homes (Boise, Lewiston, Post Falls and Pocatello) plus two state veterans cemeteries. Lippitt said the division averaged an appropriation for personnel costs of about $31.1 million and filled 82.2% of authorized positions on…
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