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Rival Gaza protest groups clash at UCLA; IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot-dragging; classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people's mental health; NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

ARRA Tracking: Idaho Leaves Money on the Table

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Monday, March 29, 2010   

BOISE, Idaho - As the Idaho Legislature wraps up its tough session this week, during which budget challenges dominated much of the debate, a new report shows the state is leaving millions of federal dollars on the table. The money has been available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Report author and economist Judy Brown says it's been a trend since the money first became available.

"Idaho has been what you'd have to call slow out of the gate. We've been slow to draw down the money that we were eligible for, and we are now the slowest of all 50 states."

Idaho has received 86 percent of ARRA funds originally available, while almost every other state has received more than first outlined. And, Brown points to $3.5 million for low-income family and children's programs the state recently allowed to expire. On the other hand, Idaho has received more than had been anticipated for unemployment insurance claims assistance.

Brown admits Idaho's decision not to tap all of the available ARRA Medicaid funds was largely because that money can only be accessed if some state money is spent first, but she says other sources of money don't require up-front state cash. For example, Idaho is currently eligible for more than $300,000 dollars, which can be used for several programs.

"One of the things it can be used for is subsidized employment. And gosh, you would think in this recession that it would be good to draw that money down and give a family a paycheck, even if it's a temporary paycheck."

Brown will be issuing regular updates on Idaho ARRA spending.




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