The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee has set a budget for Idaho Public Television for next year that matches Gov. Butch Otter’s recommendation. While it shows a 10.1 percent increase in general funds, it’s just a 3.6 percent increase in total funds, and the only significant increase is $1 million for replacement items, largely for technology-related equipment. “I consider this somewhat of a maintenance budget,” said Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, who proposed the budget; his motion was seconded by Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls. “There’s only one vehicle in it,” Martin said. “This is material that they need to do their mission.”

Martin’s proposal, which was crafted by a group of JFAC members, was approved on a unanimous, 19-0 vote. Under the budget bill, Idaho Public Television would receive $3.3 million in state general funds next year, about a third of its total budget, which comes to $9.6 million in total.

Still to be set this morning: Budgets for community colleges and Idaho's public colleges and universities.