Idaho libraries seek ongoing authority to spend federal digital-access awards; lawmakers press for details on summer reading materials

The Idaho Commission for Libraries asked the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Wednesday to add ongoing spending authority for federal grants supporting broadband and digital‑literacy programs, while lawmakers pressed agency officials for more detail about how summer reading materials are selected for children.

Brooke Dupree, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, opened the presentation and told the committee the commission is implementing a federal Digital Access for All Idahoans grant funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Dupree said the agency seeks $2,500,000 in ongoing authority tied to that federal program and a $42,400 ongoing broadband reimbursement tied to the Education Opportunity Resource Act (Idaho Code, Title 33, Chapter 56) to reimburse eligible libraries. “This is for the Education Opportunity Resource Act ... and provides reimbursement to Idaho libraries that are eligible,” Dupree said.

Why it matters: the commission says the NTIA grant is intended to increase device access, digital navigation and digital‑skills training across Idaho. State lawmakers asked for an itemized plan showing how subgrants and…