Idaho funds technology in tight budget year

Governor Dirk Kempthorne said the record longest session in Idaho legislative history managed to keep the state moving forward despite continued economic woes.

Govtech.net

"This was a difficult, yet defining session," Kempthorne said. "Idaho is moving forward while other states are moving backwards in the face of the national economic slowdown. I said in my State of the State and Budget messages in January that it would take time for lawmakers to come to terms with the realities of our economic slowdown and the path forward I suggested to maintain essential government services while keeping our budget balanced."

The governor said despite reductions in most agency and department budgets, he was able to preserve and increase funding for public schools. K-12 education received approximately $16 million more in fiscal year 2004 than in the FY 03 appropriation.

In addition, $3.4 million in ongoing funds and $5 million in one-time funding for technology was fully funded. Legislation was also passed to establish the Idaho Student Information Management System (ISIMS), opening the door for a $35 million grant from the Albertson Foundation.

http://www.govtech.net/news/news.phtml?docid=2003.05.16-51141