The Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) is on the road this week, meeting in Moscow and Lewiston as it gears up for the 2027 legislative session and the upcoming FY 2028 budget.
Purpose of the tour
Although the Legislature is not in session, the joint budget committee traditionally conducts a spring‑and‑fall tour of locations across the state during the off‑season. The 10‑member House delegation and 10‑member Senate delegation use the visits to hear briefings, see audit updates, and inspect state facilities that will be funded in the next budget cycle.
Key topics under review
Committee members will dive into the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s budget request, discuss wildfire season and fire‑suppression costs, receive a briefing on new correctional facilities, and tour the Port of Lewiston, Lewis‑Clark State College and the University of Idaho. The agenda reflects the committee’s responsibility for setting every state‑agency budget.
Recent budget actions
Last year, JFAC and Governor Brad Little approved cuts of roughly 4 % for most state agencies in the FY 2026 budget and 5 % in the FY 2027 budget, with the exception of K‑12 public schools, which were spared. The committee will begin drafting the FY 2028 budget in January.
Committee leadership speaks
“The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee is pretty much working year‑round because government is a year‑round process and funding government and making sure it is funded appropriately demands a lot of time from the committee,” said Sen. Scott Grow, R‑Eagle, co‑chair of JFAC.
Grow added that the on‑site tours give legislators a chance to see first‑hand how appropriated funds are used and to verify that money is spent in accordance with state law.
Schedule and locations
Tuesday’s meeting begins at 3 p.m. PT in the Idaho‑Palouse Room at the Best Western University Inn, 1516 Pullman Road, Moscow. Wednesday’s session starts at 8 a.m. PT in the student union building on the University of Idaho campus. Thursday’s meetings move to Lewiston, beginning at 8:30 a.m. PT at Independent School District No. 1, followed by a visit to the Idaho State Veterans Home, 821 21st Ave.
Changes to the committee
Five of the 20 members who served during the 2026 session will not return in 2027 due to retirement or election losses. Those departing are Sens. Jim Woodward (R‑Sagle), Glenneda Zuiderveld (R‑Twin Falls), Cody Galloway (R‑Boise), Rep. Steven Miller (R‑Fairfield) and Rep. Dustin Manwaring (R‑Pocatello). Republican legislative leaders will appoint replacements during the Idaho Legislature’s organizational session beginning Dec. 3, with the regular session slated to start Jan. 11.
Public access
The meetings will not be livestreamed, according to Keith Bybee, budget and policy analysis manager for the Idaho Legislative Services Office. Attendees must be present in person to follow the proceedings.
Idaho’s joint budget committee continues its year‑round work to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, a cornerstone of the state’s fiscal policy.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
