The Idaho Spending Index serves to provide a fiscally conservative perspective on state budgeting while providing an unbiased measurement of how Idaho lawmakers apply these values to their voting behavior on appropriations bills. Each bill is analyzed within the context of the metrics below. They receive one (+1) point for each metric that is satisfied by freedom-focused policymaking and lose one (-1) point for each instance in which the inverse is true. The sum of these points composes the score for the bill.

Analyst: Niklas Kleinworth

Rating: -2

Bill Description: Senate Bill 1406 appropriates $507,600 and 3.00 full-time positions to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs for fiscal year 2025.

Does this budget enact powers and activities that extend beyond the proper role of government? Conversely, does this budget fulfill the proper role of government?

The commission exists to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within state agencies. As its programs work to promote “economic, educational, and social equity” for Hispanic residents throughout the state, this agency resembles a government-funded lobbying firm. The agency subjects Hispanic Idahoans to special study and works to further policy initiatives that exclusively benefit them.

Funding agencies like the Hispanic Commission is outside the proper role of government and an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars. The government should not discriminate against or favor one group of residents simply by virtue of an immutable characteristic, like skin color or ethnicity.

(-1)

Is the maintenance budget inappropriate for the needs of the state, the size of the agency, or the inflationary environment of the economy? Conversely, is the maintenance budget appropriate given the needs of the state and economic pressures?

This legislation confirms the program maintenance budget for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs of $503,300. This growth from the FY 2022 base is 54% higher than what would be prescribed by inflationary pressures and growth.

(-1)