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JFAC approves $666,500 package for Commission on Aging, including ARPA drawdown
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved $666,500 in FY2026 additions for the Idaho Commission on Aging: a $500,000 federal one-time appropriation to draw down expiring ARPA funds, $162,600 in ongoing general funds for inflationary increases and trustee payments, and $3,900 one-time general funds for IT replacements.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Friday approved a package adding $666,500 to the Commission on Aging budget for fiscal year 2026, including a $500,000 one-time federal appropriation to draw down remaining ARPA grant funds before the September 30, 2025 expiration.
The enhancement package, approved on a committee vote, also includes $162,600 in ongoing general fund support to address inflationary increases — of which $155,000 was described as a 3% increase in trustee/benefit payments to local area agencies on aging — and a $3,900 one-time general fund appropriation to replace two laptops and two docking stations per the Office of Information Technology Services replacement cycle.
Committee staff said the $500,000 federal one-time appropriation would be used to pay final invoices tied to ARPA-funded projects, with $450,000 earmarked for direct payments to local area agencies on aging for older Idaho and supportive services, meal programs, modernization at contracted senior centers, caregiver assistance, adult protective services, and a pilot to expand the public health workforce. The analyst told the committee that the agency characterized this spending as one-time and said it would not create ongoing obligations when ARPA funds expire.
Committee members did not offer extended discussion before moving the motion. The committee recorded final tallies of 9 ayes and 1 nay in the senate delegation, and a unanimous 10 ayes in the house delegation, producing an overall vote of 19 ayes and 1 nay. With a majority in favor, the enhancements will go forward with a do-pass recommendation.
Kellen McGurkin, budget analyst with Legislative Services, presented the Commission on Aging request and described the scope of services and the ARPA timing. The motion was seconded from the floor; the committee chair then called the vote.
The action directs the appropriation amounts to the Commission on Aging's FY2026 budget as described; no further committee conditions were added on the record.
The Commission on Aging implements the federal Older Americans Act and Idaho’s Senior Services Act, coordinating community-based services, in-home supports and investigations for residents in institutional care.
