Today, Republicans on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to keep $53 million in reserve funds instead of allowing those dollars to return to the General Fund, where they could help prevent cuts to essential services. The decision follows a years-long effort to raise the cap on reserve funds under Idaho Code 57-814, allowing the state to stockpile even more money. In response, Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Wintrow released the following statement:
“Idahoans do not send their tax dollars to Boise so Republican lawmakers can lock them away and then claim there is not enough money for public safety, disability services, and opportunity for Idaho kids. That money belongs to the people of Idaho, and it should be used to meet real needs. At a time when families are struggling and communities are being asked to do more with less, hoarding public dollars to bankroll tax cuts for the rich is the wrong choice. Democrats voted no because Idahoans deserve a budget that puts people first.”
###
Recent Comments