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Joint Finance committee approves $666,500 extra for Commission on Aging, including ARPA drawdown
Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a $666,500 package for the Idaho Commission on Aging for FY2026, combining a $500,000 one-time federal ARPA drawdown and $166,500 in general-fund increases to cover inflation and IT replacement.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved $666,500 in additional funding for the Idaho Commission on Aging for fiscal year 2026, combining a one-time federal drawdown and ongoing general-fund increases.
Kellen McGurkin, a budget analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the agency seeks three enhancements: a $500,000 one-time federal appropriation to draw down remaining ARPA grant funds before the September 30, 2025 deadline; an ongoing $162,600 general-fund increase to address inflationary pressures; and a $3,900 one-time general-fund allocation to replace two laptops and docking stations per ITS recommendations. "Of that amount, $450,000 is for direct payments to local, area agencies on aging," McGurkin said, listing programs such as meal programs, modernization at contracted senior centers, caregiver assistance and adult protective services.
McGurkin said the Commission implements the federal Older Americans Act and Idaho's Senior Services Act and that the agency stated the ARPA-funded activities are one-time expenditures that should not create ongoing obligations. The committee motion approved a total increase of $166,500 from the general fund and $500,000 from federal funds for a combined $666,500.
Senator Ward Engelcain (motioner) moved the package; Representative Petske seconded. The tally recorded a majority in favor across both chambers; the committee chair announced the motion carried with a final count reported as 19 ayes and 1 nay. The sole recorded nay during roll call was Seiderfeld.
The funding breakdown approved by the committee mirrors the analyst's presentation: $500,000 federal one-time dollars intended to finish ARPA-funded projects, $155,000 of the ongoing general-fund portion designated for a 3% increase in trustee/benefit payments to local area agencies on aging, $7,600 for a 2% increase in certain Commission operating expenditures, and $3,900 for IT replacement.
By committee action, the appropriation will proceed with a do-pass recommendation to the full legislature.
Less-critical procedural items and roll call occurred before and after the vote; the committee moved on to other agency budgets afterwards.
