S1332 Transfer of In-Demand Careers Funds Into General Fund

OPPOSE -  This appropriations bill transfers money from important program funds to the General Fund to address budget shortfalls despite a large rainy-day fund. General Fund revenues will grow by $106,745,000 in FY 2026 and $10,000,000 in FY 2027 through the cutting funds of these programs:

• $45,000,000 from the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund in FY 2026

• $3,000,000 from the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Fund in FY 2026

• $33,745,000 from the Permanent Building Fund in FY 2026

• $15,000,000 from the Water Pollution Control Fund in FY 2026

• $10,000,000 from the In-Demand Careers Fund in FY 2026

• $10,000,000 from the In-Demand Careers Fund in FY 2027

We oppose this legislation, particularly the transfer of funds out of the In-Demand Careers Fund. This fund provides education and training grants of up to $8,000 for high-demand careers through the LAUNCH program, strengthening the connection between education and employment by aligning student training with Idaho employers’ workforce needs. The program has demonstrated strong demand and is already unable to serve all qualified applicants, making these funding reductions especially concerning.

This legislation was signed into law on March 17, 2026 and becomes effective July 1, 2026.

See full bill here.