JFAC sets fund shifts; looks ahead to public school budget-setting…

Roughly following Gov. Butch Otter’s recommendation, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee has voted to shift $36.96 million from various fund balances into the state general fund to help balance next year’s budget: $21.96 million from the Millennium Fund, $8 million from the Liquor Control Fund, and $7 million from the Permanent Building Fund. The vote was 18-2, with Democratic Reps. Shirley Ringo of Moscow and Diane Bilyeu of Pocatello objecting. Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, noted that the numbers match the governor’s recommendation on all but the permanent building fund. “We met with the Permanent Building Fund folks and determined … the $10 million as originally recommended … would hurt alteration and repair projects that were needed for state facilities and on college campuses throughout the state,” he said. “So it was our decision to reduce that down to $7 million.”

He said, “Unfortunately, that means new projects would not be able to be funded, at least for now, given our current financial situation.” Ringo and Bilyeu expressed concern about the building fund shift, but Cameron said, “This money is necessary in order for us to balance the budget.” JFAC then adjourned at the call of the chair. The joint committee isn’t expected to meet again until it’s ready to set the public school budget; it’s waiting to see what happens with SB 1184, the newest school reform bill.

If that bill comes out of committee this afternoon, Cameron said, “I think we’re stuck waiting for the disposition on the Senate floor.” If the bill fails in committee today, JFAC could set the public school budget as soon as Thursday morning. “If it doesn’t come out of committee, then I think we’ll set a public schools budget and aim for going home … as soon as we can,” Cameron said. SB 1184 would shift millions from the salary-based apportionment fund in the public schools budget, which largely funds teacher salaries, to fund technology next year; but Cameron noted that with the $13 million JFAC is now ahead on its budget targets for next year, that’s enough to fund state schools Supt. Tom Luna’s technology request for next year without shifting the salary money. He said, “I will argue … we have that $13 million.”