JFAC has adopted the "intent language" section for the Department of Administration budget that extends the waiting period for health coverage for new state employees from 30 days to 90 days. Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said, "Given the circumstances of this budget year, we felt like for this next fiscal year that it ought to be at the 90 days," which he said is standard in the private sector. Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, said she was concerned about the proposal but liked the other provision in the section requiring that the state not cut benefits for state workers next year just to build up more reserves. "That has happened" in the past, she said. While she doesn't like the new 90-day rule, LeFavour said, "I'm certainly glad to see that it's for one year only - and I hope that we won't have to continue this practice."

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