JFAC approves emergency and ongoing funding for prisons, backs youth assessment one-time aid and U. of Idaho extension positions

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 28 in Boise accepted the Millennium Fund Committee report and approved a series of budget actions that included multiple one-time and ongoing appropriations for the Idaho Department of Correction and funding for the University of Idaho27s Agricultural Research and Extension Service.

The committee accepted the Millennium Fund Committee27s recommendations and one-time funds to keep youth assessment centers operating through 2026. "The funds that come to the Millennium Fund are from the tobacco settlement in 02/2007," said Senator Van Burtonshaw, co-chair of the legislative Millennium Fund Committee, explaining the fund27s purpose. Representative Jordan Redmond, a newly appointed Millennium Fund member, told JFAC the committee prioritized prevention, cessation and treatment programs targeted to Idahoans under 18 and recommended "one-time funds for the youth assessment centers" after testimony that some centers faced imminent closure.

Why it matters: The Millennium Fund appropriation is explicitly one-time. Committee members pressed for assurances about sustainability. Representative Jordan Redmond said the committee told providers "this is the last time, this is a one-time basis" and that centers should develop local revenue…