JFAC approves one-time ARPA drawdown and modest inflation adjustment for Commission on Aging

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to add $666,500 in FY2026 funding for the Idaho Commission on Aging, approving a mix of federal and general-fund increases aimed at finalizing pandemic-era grants and offsetting inflationary costs.

Kellen McGurkin, a budget analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the agency’s request and the governor’s recommendation included three enhancements. “This is to pay final invoices and draw down final remaining ARPA grant funds before access to that funding expires September thirtieth of 2025,” McGurkin said, describing a $500,000 one-time federal appropriation that would pay final invoices to local area agencies on aging for programs including supportive services, meal programs, modernization at contracted senior centers, caregiver assistance, adult protective services and a pilot to expand the public health workforce.

The committee also approved an ongoing $162,600 general-fund increase to address inflationary costs. McGurkin said $155,000 of that amount is for a 3% increase in trustee/benefit payments to local area agencies on aging and $7,600 would cover a 2% operating increase for the commission’s central office. In addition the committee approved a $3,900 one-time general-fund appropriation to replace two laptops and two docking stations per the Office of Information Technology recommendation.

A motion to adopt the enhancements — which specified adding $500,000 from federal funds, $162,600 from the general fund, and $3,900 from the general fund (total $666,500) — was moved and seconded on the floor. One committee member noted the budget remains a net reduction in some long-term spending lines, saying “this is a negative 5.6%, not an increase, but a negative,” while still supporting the motion.

The committee recorded a roll-call result of 19 ayes and 1 nay; the chair announced that, with a majority in the affirmative, the item will move forward with a do-pass recommendation.

The approved uses reflect one-time ARPA spending that the agency said carries no ongoing obligations and an ongoing, modest inflation adjustment intended to help local area agencies cover rising costs for labor, insurance and fuel. The committee did not change programmatic policy in this action; members approved funding adjustments only.