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Committee deadlocks on $2.5 million digital‑access grant after debate over DEI and target populations
Summary
A motion to add $2.54 million in federal funding for a "Digital Access for All Idahoans" grant drew extended, vocal debate in the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 7 and failed to advance after members did not secure a majority in both chambers.
A motion to add $2.54 million in federal funding for a “Digital Access for All Idahoans” grant drew extended, vocal debate in the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on March 7 and failed to advance after members did not secure a majority in both chambers.
The Idaho Commission for Libraries budget included a requested enhancement of $2,500,000 federal dollars for a digital‑access grant plus smaller items. Senator Carlson moved an amendment to sharply reduce that federal amount on the grounds the grant included diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) elements the senator opposed. "This is funding, that the $2,500,000 is funding more DEI and the legislature has taken a stand against DEI programs," Carlson said.
Supporters of the full federal grant…
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