[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6348425,"mediaKeyId","2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7","parentId",2242171,"title","Commission on the Arts outlines grants, small budget and statewide economic impact","audioSeconds",640,"startMs",4588000,"endMs",5228000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7&start=4588&end=5228","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7/thumbnail_4588000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6348425/Idaho/Commission-on-the-Arts-outlines-grants-small-budget-and-statewide-economic-impact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348425-758a0d0205589e48599717806556b40e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171307&Signature=CqLlncmdb4xCspy0ptSnWhRzFYChywNwBr8mkMBXMbSmjyvu3OPkdCzQ5D4orEKQgZAVn~mPVVUjDA-SDeO9q7HHOrwRjVzv0R4FM8A9teT6rJKVXjZxg159-NA2zQdRXJQDuVyVY3FTUoV4Iw-LFOO4q4FYvhh1yZWnerZi-GmzwNHGnoxcyYUu29T3~B~4tDIvK7mHMZbl-MS3kkSrF-Mk1x17Xk5FspSZwpKZ87LZRrP7~tSuG9uT5eusCv9yqBnRHYV0h1Wae9RApUX16M0ih08~FWCzX30vzMAN38xDCqK02Sf4gL7-xc6SISWOZckhbXmTD7BfmJzULznQxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate of Idaho","date","2025-02-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Idaho Commission on the Arts briefed the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee Thursday on its budget, grant activity and statewide economic contributions.

Analyst Kellen McGurkin told the committee the commission — established by the legislature in 1966 — is funded by a mix of state general fund and federal National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, plus occasional donations. The commission’s FY2024 spending included grants, personnel and operating costs that were roughly split between federal and state funding sources. McGurkin said the commission distributed roughly $880,000 in grants that supported 215 grants across 38 counties, primarily to schools and nonprofit cultural organizations.

Director Laura Curry told members the agency’s mission is to boost arts access statewide through grants, business training for artists and recognition programs. Curry said last fiscal year the arts sector generated about $2.7 billion in annual economic impact in Idaho and supports roughly 22,000 jobs; she described artists as small business owners who provide classes, events and cultural tourism that help local economies.

For FY2026 the commission requested an $18,400 ongoing general‑fund increase to support four additional arts‑education grants and expand state matching for NEA awards. The commission noted its misc revenue fund — which depends on donations and irregular conference revenues — is expected to decline and the agency will focus that fund on smaller administrative costs rather than grant‑match uses.

Curry and staff said their programs reach students and communities across the state and described the grants as having both educational and economic benefits, citing examples such as local festivals and school arts programming. Committee members complimented the agency’s small staff for broad geographic reach and asked about supplemental materials and county data, which the commission said are available on request.

The commission’s materials and funding trends are included in the committee packet and the agency said it would provide additional local data upon request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Finance Meeting February 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Idaho Commission on the Arts told JFAC it distributed about $880,000 in grants last year covering 38 of 44 counties, seeks a small ongoing general‑fund increase to expand arts‑education grants, and reported federal and private matching funds.","taxTitle","Finance, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho","taxId",69393,"location","Idaho","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348429,"DOPL briefs JFAC on audit, cash balances and inspector pay request; seeks tools to manage fee reserves",788,1855000,2643000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7&start=1855&end=2643","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7/thumbnail_1855000.jpg","/articles/6348429/Idaho/DOPL-briefs-JFAC-on-audit-cash-balances-and-inspector-pay-request-seeks-tools-to-manage-fee-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348429-614df6e52807d569a4ec9280e5f2438e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171307&Signature=UCqEh02gPQDon~byzeU-dlnbx6GJ645J~N1tFnq-f7rNdrbwJJd0qfdsChi4fYUYIr4KB~PLrfCcECzaqzOoEmxHMBZS8GiekiO4p0ABgLOUQLaqGt7OgBWbvK-oRia1N7asfHd-~mKOj0z~mp2I1Ax2TRs55fxSi4o5U7HcxzaTj2dxoFkIfnUSCsTZZ8LUJSk3NAvIqnocUpBM5HkzgtJHFV1u7I-xbaNu~qQTqVGj5sgZNbcGCq2PRK2VpNlNnxf5vMtJIO18bR-TGCIqaxPw3mxTlGS-JTnBAUicdvOGNHFcFOWlYwI6e4duYhVzJRkJI3Qa0zIJDHWPR9dzbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DOPL officials and legislative auditors told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Thursday that the division is managing a large set of board cash balances, working to correct prior audit findings and seeking targeted funding to address turnover among field inspectors.

Kellen McGurkin, a budget and policy analyst for the Legislative Services Office, told the committee DOPL now houses about 45 boards and commissions (down from 49 at creation) and oversees roughly 200,000 licensees. He said the agency’s FY2025 appropriation included an FTP cap of about 267.2 and reported personnel costs and concentrated spending on personnel. The agency’s fund analysis showed receipts and transfers of about $83 million in a recent year; McGurkin said that lumped together a $50 million transfer from prior board cash balances and about $30 million in new licensing revenues.

Auditor April Renfro summarized open findings from the November 2024 audit, saying the primary remaining open issue concerns excess cash balances for some boards. The audit uses a reasonableness range based on rolling five‑year averages — cash levels below 30% or above 125% of reasonable reserves warrant attention — and the division has been reporting plans and analyses to reduce balances. Renfro and committee members said reducing excess balances typically requires time so that fee changes take effect across renewal cycles.

Russ Baron, DOPL administrator, described workforce and market challenges for field inspectors who perform building, plumbing, HVAC, elevator and other safety inspections. Baron said turnover in those inspector roles has been high — from 12% to as much as 67% in programs and years — and vacancies often take months to fill, particularly in rural areas. To address that, DOPL requested FY2026 ongoing dedicated funds of $222,000 to increase inspector pay (an average 95¢ per hour across 92 FTP) and requested one‑time vehicle replacements totaling $900,500 with a detailed vehicle breakdown (16 Ford F‑150s at $648,000; 5 Ford Escapes at $165,000; 1 F‑250 at $44,500; 1 Ford Explorer at $43,000). The division also requested $146,401 one‑time for recommended hardware and said it expects to continue to seek a temporary transfer exemption from the 10% limitation between bureaus to align funding during the consolidation period.

Baron and analysts emphasized that DOPL is funded entirely with dedicated and federal funds — no general fund dollars — and that the division has been implementing a new licensing system to centralize licensing activity. Baron said the system’s phased rollouts began with a July release and a November release; staff report improved customer service and some same‑day licensing determinations when applicants provide complete documentation.

Committee auditors and members asked for more granular analysis of which boards have the highest and lowest cash balances and whether an upward trend in overall balances is due to fee timing or real structural overcollection. Several legislators asked DOPL to supply the board‑level plans and the December report referenced in the audit; the administrator said he will provide that material to the committee.

DOPL asked members to consider an additional 2.5% adjustment for inspectors on top of the CEC approved earlier in the meeting; the director said the additional request would raise starting inspector pay from about $27.50 to $28.60 and add a 2.5% compression adjustment. Legislators indicated interest in continued work and asked for the division’s plan and data showing where balances are growing.","The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) told the committee it oversees roughly 45 boards and about 200,000 licensees, faces audit findings on excess board cash balances, requests inspector pay adjustments and vehicle replacements, and emphasized its licensing system rollout and reliance on dedicated funds.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348433,"JFAC approves $177.4 million CEC package, sets $1.55/hour minimum and targeted boosts for troopers, IT and health workers",1168,585000,1753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7&start=585&end=1753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7/thumbnail_585000.jpg","/articles/6348433/Idaho/JFAC-approves-1774-million-CEC-package-sets-155hour-minimum-and-targeted-boosts-for-troopers-IT-and-health-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348433-d72e29d08c121d77766dcf0511aacbca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171307&Signature=DOaa4pU7R6SPgq9LeQkVVhQDpx6w1AyGyVM-xcaCjfS1ordfXOZj0-QCEW-uUGbkEqi3u0UCulzPwia6ViXQnfOHA2ped55DqY3IZs2khA7rtcnMdYW2bKLl7EPabHe6wto5w8StxeajJwKRp7FqEIe1vKZRizgFoSzOeXosRJ~niYnqFeYdDkUM4Y0h0uEJ4KZYTTiIPp0-GlqPSGkJ05gPZE-LKmFSJMJryxogT2k~misLcfr7TuSvExQeuSHX5C9VVS4NfsU3g~~-C2hmrcmEgEVmTRXqn-YQHUa6iPsVeVJ3q2LttBkkvoQ-R5OCI9qgIevPp7IndVdsoNwd~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to add $177,429,100 in pay‑related funding to the maintenance bills, approving a package that directs pay increases between $1.05 and $1.55 per hour for state workers and includes targeted adjustments for specific employee groups.

Representative Tammy Miller moved the package, which the committee described as conforming language to satisfy several sections of Idaho code that require legislative action on salary schedule changes. The motion included a $1.55‑per‑hour minimum market adjustment for state agency and institution full‑time equivalent positions, a 5% or equivalent allocation for community colleges, a 4.5% adjustment for classified and nonclassified IT and engineering staff, up to an 8% total increase for Idaho State Police troopers, and a targeted increase for nursing and health care employees of $1.55 per hour or 3%, whichever is greater. The motion also provided $84,669,500 for public schools and the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind as part of the package.

Committee staff presented the fiscal split: $128,354,900 from the general fund, $34,266,900 from dedicated funds, and $14,807,300 from federal funds, totaling $177,429,100. Members were told the motion will be incorporated into the maintenance bills already passed by the committee and appear together on the floor if the package advances.

Debate centered on pay compression, recruitment and retention. Senator Ward Engle King and Senator Wintrow said the package does not sufficiently address higher salaries above about $64,000 and warned of continued compression that could hinder retention. Senator Cook and Senator Woodward said they supported the motion but noted concerns: Cook argued the package ties managers’ hands by guaranteeing a minimum across the board, and Woodward warned the approach may reward tenure over merit and create “use it or lose it” expectations for agency managers. Representative Miller, who offered the motion, said the measure strikes a balance between cost‑of‑living recognition and rewarding high performers.

Committee members also discussed how the package would be implemented at institutions; staff said presidents and managers would determine specific application within the funded ranges for their agencies. The language directs agencies to report any use of existing resources for pay increases above the $1.55 per hour amount, prohibits transferring the new funding out of personnel categories, and requires monthly reporting by the Division of Human Resources and the Office of the State Controller to identify pay changes.

Roll calls produced recorded tallies reported by the clerk; the committee chair declared the motion passed and said it would carry a due‑pass recommendation to the floor.

The action follows weeks of CEC committee work and a 33‑page CEC report analysts said contains data showing the largest remaining problems are at higher parts of the pay scale. Lawmakers who opposed the motion urged further work on structural pay issues next year; supporters described the package as a compromise that advances immediate relief while leaving broader reform for future consideration.

Votes at a glance: the committee recorded chamber roll calls during the meeting and announced the motion as carried (clerk reported Senate and House tallies at the meeting); the motion will be included in the maintenance bill package for floor consideration.","After extended debate about pay compression and retention, the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a $177,429,100 package to fund employee compensation changes that sets a $1.55‑per‑hour minimum increase and targeted schedule adjustments for IT, public safety and health workers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6348435,"JFAC approves technical corrections to maintenance bills, caps constitutional officers' FTE at 431.9",210,54000,264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7&start=54&end=264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2242171-2a45b3cce5c2534390cd0e165661abc7/thumbnail_54000.jpg","/articles/6348435/Idaho/JFAC-approves-technical-corrections-to-maintenance-bills-caps-constitutional-officers-FTE-at-4319","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348435-a94e20555ea885c7dae3d40159f29b39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171307&Signature=eeSn36g5lE7-1IajdI05NiFM24hetyBYEQDq7ndDBJ7xUICSuNeG74H8Pf2WxoYUPrNoHqgp-Tu2E~H9Vc8GJ1C2NV6ib1uaPeAs6gXxjJhGzXnDFAldIaHwTzjVugZjsZQXUIHqgOMMueyi7prxuONfjRT9f7iG-oiE0mh4630MhUDhPO7jT-jGC3Qzzn1ZvhEgJgp7PazTvdAAG3Jb3PBpAUKi~gMdEvHBa-lEfXyNyag65k2zAZ2SctiFek7bZMXfp2Na2eQro9BES1n9-umuvuh13b-9k719VD9YGOEhA7wBec17QA1uX2SReYKrQ40KQJcrdbqCIP0eWALkAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved four technical corrections to maintenance bills the panel had already passed and set a corrected full‑time‑equivalent cap for constitutional officers.

Committee staff and analysts told members the fixes were editorial and aimed to align enacted language with agency organization and prior decisions. The committee accepted two K‑12 budget language corrections and one correction in the health and human services section by unanimous consent. Members also approved a corrected FTE cap for constitutional officers after a roll call vote.

The corrections included updates to program‑transfer language in the public‑schools section to add the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), which became a separate division, and a change in a Health and Human Services appropriation reference so funds are shown in the correct section of the maintenance bill. Staff described both as “simple fixes” discovered during editing of decisions taken earlier in January.

A separate correction fixed a numeric typo in the constitutional officers’ FTE cap. Committee staff said the cap should read 431.9 FTEs; the motion to set the cap at 431.9 was moved and seconded and carried on a roll call. The committee recorded the vote and announced the motion passed; the clerk reported the Senate and House roll calls and declared the motion carried without objection for floor recommendation in the maintenance package.

The committee handled the non‑controversial language changes largely by unanimous consent to avoid multiple individual votes. Analysts said the corrected language will be incorporated into the program‑maintenance budgets and the maintenance bills when they go to the floor.

Committee staff thanked the analysts for catching the errors and for preparing corrected language to be added to the bills for the next stage of the budget process.

The committee moved on to statewide decision items after concluding the technical corrections.

Notes: the public‑schools correction added IDLA to the list of divisions exempt from program‑transfer limits; the health‑fund language correction clarified the appropriation source for a Millennium Income Fund line in a youth drug program; the constitutional officers’ correction corrected a decimal in an FTE cap to 431.9.","The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee accepted four technical edits to previously approved maintenance bills by unanimous consent and approved a corrected full‑time equivalent (FTE) cap for constitutional officers after a roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission on the Arts outlines grants, small budget and statewide economic impact

DOPL briefs JFAC on audit, cash balances and inspector pay request; seeks tools to manage fee reserves

JFAC approves $177.4 million CEC package, sets $1.55/hour minimum and targeted boosts for troopers, IT and health workers

JFAC approves technical corrections to maintenance bills, caps constitutional officers' FTE at 431.9