Idaho Bills

Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services for fiscal year 2019.

Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services for fiscal year 2020.

ThisistheFY2020originalappropriationbillfortheDivisionofVeteransServices. Itappropriatesatotalof $78,592,100 and caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 344.00. For benefit costs, the bill maintains the current appropriated amount for health insurance at $11,650 per eligible FTP; provides a 5.5% increase for the employer's share of PERSI contributions; and provides other benefit adjustments. For statewide cost allocation, $98,800 is provided. The bill also provides funding for the equivalent of a 3% change in employee compensation for permanent employees, with a minimum increase of $550 for each employee and the remaining amount to be distributed based on merit. Funding for a 3% upward shift in the compensation schedule is also included. The bill funds seven line items: $871,100 to address staff market equity; $551,900 for three additional staff positions; $103,300 for new capital outlay items; $200,000 for changes in Medicaid billings; $100,000 for veterans recognition grants; $42,223,400 for a fourth veterans home in Post Falls; and $307,200 for the Governor's technology initiatives. The bill also allows for cash transfers for the new veterans home and reappropriation authority for the cemetery in Blackfoot.