Bill > S1175

This bill appropriates a total of $177,951,900 to the Department of Health and Welfare for the Welfare Division for fiscal year 2024. * **Self-Reliance Operations:** $75,968,300 is appropriated for self-reliance operations. This includes $18,190,600 from the Cooperative Welfare (General) Fund, $814,300 from the Cooperative Welfare (Dedicated) Fund, and $30,258,500 from the Cooperative Welfare (Federal) Fund. * **Benefit Payments:** $101,983,600 is appropriated for benefit payments. This includes $22,329,100 from the Cooperative Welfare (General) Fund, $500,000 from the Cooperative Welfare (Dedicated) Fund, and $79,154,500 from the Cooperative Welfare (Federal) Fund. * **Personnel Authorization:** The Welfare Division is authorized to have no more than 613.50 full-time equivalent positions during fiscal year 2024, with exceptions requiring gubernatorial approval and notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. * **Restrictions on Transfers:** Funds appropriated for trustee and benefit payments, as well as personnel costs, cannot be transferred to other expense classes within the Department of Health and Welfare during fiscal year 2024. * **Program Integrity:** The Department of Health and Welfare is only required to provide authorized or mandated services to the extent of available funding and resources for each budgeted program. * **Accountability Reports:** All funds are subject to accountability reports and management reviews as per Idaho Code. A specific review of the Community Partners Grant for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 will be conducted to ensure compliance with grant guidelines, particularly regarding in-person educational and enrichment activities for school-aged participants (ages 5-13) and behavioral health supports.