Bill Description: Senate Bill 1109 creates a new program called the “Idaho Promise Mentor Program” to allow government employees to train mentors to instruct parents and students on ways to apply for postsecondary education opportunities. 

Rating: -2

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government? 

Senate Bill 1109 creates a new government program to guide students and parents about postsecondary education options, with the goal of more high school graduate enrolling in postsecondary programs. The program expands government into the inappropriate role of mentoring families and expands the size of government by requiring the State Board of Education to hire seven additional employees or independent contractors. The new employees are responsible to “recruit, train, assist and supervise volunteer mentors.” Families and high school graduates are capable of independently making decisions and do not need help from a government trained and recruited mentor to do so. 

(-1)

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 

The fiscal note requires more than $380K per year for the program plus the cost of hiring seven new employees or independent contractors. The legislation authorizes the State Board of Education to accept grants and gifts to fund the program, but it also authorizes the board to accept appropriations and other funds, which will increase government spending in current and future appropriations. 

(-1)