Tag Archives: Dean Cameron
More state health agencies seeing reductions
Idaho lawmakers set the budgets for five divisions of the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) Tuesday, with all of them seeing a reduction in spending. The largest reduction on paper is for DHW’s Substance Abuse Treatment & Prevention programs, … Continue reading
Senate approves first budget proposal for next year
The Idaho Senate approved the first budget proposal for the next fiscal year, which begins in July. Senators overwhelmingly approved the $5 million budget for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). None of IPUC’s money comes from the state general … Continue reading
Initial February tax revenue down $15 million
Preliminary numbers for Idaho’s tax revenues show the state’s collections were $15 million below expectations for February. Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said the numbers are a bit worrying. “That’s concerning that that much overall is down for February,” he said. … Continue reading
Slimmer roads budget includes less construction bond money
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)’s next budget will include reductions due to dwindling fuel tax revenues and a drop in bonding money available for construction programs. ITD uses no general funds, relying on dedicated and federal funds that come primarily … Continue reading
Dean Cameron explains setting the schools budget in 15 minutes (video)
Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, explained in detail the process of setting the next Idaho public schools budget as part of his presentation to the Senate Education Committee Wednesday afternoon. Cameron is one of the leaders of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, … Continue reading
‘Financial emergency’ provision added to schools budget at the 11th hour
The biggest surprise in the Idaho public schools budget set Wednesday was a last-minute addition to let all school districts declare a financial emergency during the next school year. The proposal from Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley, is intended to give … Continue reading
Schools budget, with $128 million reduction, is set
Idaho lawmakers set a public schools budget Wednesday with minor changes to the proposed plan with a $128 million, 7.5 percent spending reduction released last week. Salaries for teachers and other school staff would be reduced, as would money for … Continue reading
Uncertainty over latest tax revenue numbers
A leading Idaho lawmaker on budget issues said Tuesday he hasn’t seen any new tax revenue numbers after the top House representative on education said he’s heard it is $10 million below expectations. Meanwhile, the economist who puts together the … Continue reading
Delays in higher education budget setting
Idaho lawmakers crafting the next state budget are taking a little more time putting together part of the spending plan for higher education. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted Tuesday to delay setting the budget for the $10 million special … Continue reading
Schools budget delayed to Wednesday
Idaho lawmakers are taking two additional days to look over the next public schools budget, which is likely to see a 7.5 percent reduction. It would be the first decrease in state school funding in Idaho history. The Joint Finance-Appropriations … Continue reading