Senator Bilyeu Newsletter

Posted on Feb 15, 2012 in Legislative Updates

Greetings from the Capitol! Since the start of the legislative session the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) has been listening to state-supported agencies report on the services they provide and the funds they believe they need for the future. We use this information to determine how we’ll allocate limited state funds to different agencies. We will continue to see presentations until the end of next week. Beginning Monday, February 20^th, these presentations will end and we will begin the process of setting budgets.

The Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections recently gave a presentation regarding their overall operations. Last year a new system was implemented to move the oversight of Juvenile Corrections funds to the individual counties to better ensure appropriate treatment. The idea is to manage care of juveniles at the local level while maintaining statewide accountability. The Department found that this type of case management better utilizes community resources and provides more cost-effective treatment choices. The IDJC also started implementing new recommendations designed to get the most out of their financial resources, including streamlining electronic data and information systems statewide. Effective treatment and rehabilitation for our juveniles keeps more of them from entering adult jails and prisons, saving Idaho money in the long run. More importantly, Juvenile Corrections is there to provide a way for these kids to get a second chance at a productive and rewarding life.

Major General Gary Sayler, Adjutant General of the Idaho National Guard, outlined the priorities for the Idaho Military Division. Over 85% of their budget comes from federal funds. Idaho National Guard training and missions are funded by a federal appropriation by the Department of Defense. As our National Guard troops have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the “Hire One Vet” program has been a great way for community members to show support for our veterans. Over 230 troops of the returned 116^th Brigade have secured employment. Others are continuing their education or looking for work.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented to JFAC on Tuesday and outlined the services they provide Idaho citizens. The DEQ, like the Idaho Military Division, is primarily funded by the federal government with less than a quarter of their money coming from the state General Fund. Some services provided by the DEQ include grants and low interest loans for infrastructure improvements. Communities in Power and Bannock Counties have received over $45 million for drinking water and waste water planning and construction projects.

On Friday, JFAC held its second public meeting. The Auditorium was packed and testimony was given from all over the state, from Moscow to Pocatello and Downey. Many different topics were covered but most people seemed concerned about cuts made to Medicaid and other Health and Welfare programs. Many who rely on these services to help deal with mental and developmental disabilities testified that recent budget cuts have been devastating. This coincides with Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick’s statement that the courts have seen a 151% increase in mental health commitment proceedings. Other significant testimony involved support for the creation of a Suicide Prevention Hotline in Idaho. Currently, Idaho is the only state without a hotline of this kind. Their testimony is important to me and I will keep their concerns in mind when we begin budgeting for these services.

Finally, a big thanks to all of you who attended our town hall meeting Saturday at the Pocatello City Hall. We had a great turnout! I enjoyed our discussion and hearing your feedback on the issues most important to you. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve those of you in my district and I welcome any questions or comments you may have. You can contact me via email at dbilyeu@senate.idaho.gov.

Sincerely,

 

 

Diane Bilyeu

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