For the state Department of Commerce, JFAC has set a budget that cuts general funds by 5.1 percent, but reflects a slight increase in overall funds of 0.1 percent from this year's level. It includes spending authority for the department's business and jobs development fund, up to $250,000 next year; that fund is used to help recruit businesses to Idaho. The spending plan leaves $450,000 in ongoing funding in the rural grants program, which has been cut by $2.6 million since fiscal year 2009. Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said he's concerned that all of the department's budget cuts have come from its grants, rather than its operating budget. Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, responded, "It's labor-intensive. People need to be there to answer the phone," when businesses call for information about possibly coming to Idaho. Gov. Butch Otter had recommended a smaller 3.6 percent cut in state general funds, and a 1.3 increase in total funding for the department. The budget was approved by JFAC on a 16-2 vote, with "no" votes from Cameron and Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian.