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JFAC approves digital access grants for libraries, adopts restrictions on state funds for DEI activities
Summary
JFAC approved broadband reimbursement and federal digital access grants for local libraries and adopted reporting and compliance language, while also approving intent language restricting the use of state funds for what the motion calls "diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice ideology."
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee considered multiple library‑related items: operating and federal grant funds for digital access programs, a request to prioritize covered populations, reappropriation of ARPA capital funds for telehealth facilities, and new intent language limiting the use of state funds for activities described in committee language.
Brooke Dupree, a Legislative Services Office analyst, summarized the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ FY2026 requests: $42,400 for broadband reimbursement to eligible libraries, $40,000 in federal subgrants to local libraries, and $2,500,000 in federal funds for the Digital Access for All Idahoans grant. Dupree also flagged an ARPA reappropriation request to support telehealth facilities in libraries.
A substitute motion that would have approved the larger $2.5 million federal grant package and included prioritization language…
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