More appropriations approved by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee this morning:

* On a unanimous vote, the joint committee approved $180,000 in funding for the Idaho Commission for Libraries, in accordance with SB 1334, legislation about broadband funding for schools and libraries. The money is for reimbursement of the non-E-rate portion of public libraries’ internet services provider charges.

* On a 17-3 vote, $5 million was appropriated for a “start-up fund” for a new community college in Eastern Idaho, if voters there agree to pay property taxes to support one; if so, Eastern Idaho Technical College would be transformed into a full community college. The three “no” votes came from Sens. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, and Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, and Rep. Jason Monks, R-Meridian.

* $2.7 million was approved for grants to e-rate eligible entities to invest in high-speed broadband connectivity, in accordance with SB 1333. The money would cover the local match, enabling the local schools, museums and so forth to qualify for federal e-rate funds that could cover 80 percent or 90 percent of the cost, and essentially get the broadband service for free. The state Superintendent of Public Instruction would oversee the grants. The motion, from Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, passed on a unanimous, 20-0 vote.