JFAC advances budget additions for parks, higher education, career-technical education and STEM programs

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted to advance several budget adjustments affecting state parks, higher education programs and workforce training during its March 11 meeting.

Janet Jessup, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, gave the committee an overview of the Department of Parks and Recreation budget and the recommended adjustments. “On the screen before you, we have the Department of Parks and Recreation,” Jessup said as she described the agency’s statewide responsibilities and the items before the committee.

Why it matters: The motions approved by JFAC would shift several million dollars of dedicated and federal funds into park operations and capital projects, increase pay and seasonal staffing, and consolidate program lines. The State Board of Education and career‑technical programs received additions intended to expand capacity at higher education institutions and community colleges, and the STEM Action Center received funding for equipment replacements.

Parks and recreation Senator Hart moved, and Representative Manwaring seconded, a FY2026 program maintenance motion for the Department of Parks and Recreation that would add 5.0 full‑time equivalents and $8,135,700 in combined funding (an increase of $5,410,700 from dedicated funds and $2,725,000 from federal funds). The motion included line‑item adjustments stated on the record: $321,100 for park personnel, $210,000 for seasonal group positions, $195,000 for statewide operating costs, $309,100 for targeted pay increases, $140,000 for an OHV use campaign, $4,000,000 for Bear Lake State Park improvements, $400,000 for Lake Cascade improvements, a $23,035,600 intra‑program transfer to consolidate management services into park…