JFAC approves library broadband and digital-access grants while adding restriction on DEI spending

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 20 approved state and federal funding for the Idaho Commission for Libraries to support broadband reimbursements and a digital-access grant program, and adopted new language that restricts state appropriations from being used to support “diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice ideology” in library-sponsored activities.

The funding vote approved the commission’s original maintenance request for a small state broadband reimbursement and a federal grant to expand digital access; the committee recorded a final combined appropriation of approximately $2.58 million in federal and state funds for the commission’s programs. Committee members also adopted multiple pieces of intent language requiring reports and placing restrictions on certain uses of state funds.

The motion that initially moved funding for the commission was made by Senator Carlson and called for a state appropriation for broadband reimbursement and a federal…