JFAC approves adult education and technical college funding and seeks outcomes report for CTE investments

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to recommend additional spending authority and general fund allocations for the Division of Career Technical Education (CTE) and adopted language requiring reporting on outcomes.

The committee heard from the analyst that CTE "works on career technical education in both secondary, post secondary, schools throughout the state of Idaho" and provides direct student supports and educator support services. Senator Woodward moved a package that increased federal grant spending authority by $2,273,700 and added general fund support intended for adult education and postsecondary technical colleges. In the motion text the mover listed line items that the committee characterized collectively as an additional $10,050,000 from the general fund and $2,273,700 from federal funds; the committee announced the motion would go forward with a do‑pass recommendation.

Committee language shown on the screen described permitted uses for the appropriated funds, requested a report from the State Board of Education on outcomes of adult education and literacy investments over the preceding five fiscal years, provided exemptions from object transfer limitations for several CTE programs, and imposed conditions and limitations on reappropriations. Senator Woodward requested unanimous consent to accept the language; committee members recorded no objections and the language will go forward with the bill.

JFAC recorded a roll call and the motion was approved; committee staff said, "the majority having voted in the affirmative of this bill will go forward with the do‑pass recommendation." The language requires the requested reporting and places conditions on transfers and reappropriation authority as described on the screen.