With no debate or discussion, JFAC this morning adopted the governor’s recommendation for the Idaho State Police budget for next year, including adding seven more state troopers, an additional executive protection officer to ensure that the governor and first lady are “properly accompanied to all state events that they attend, pursuant to secret service training standards,” three forensic scientists, a fleet installation technician, and a Bureau of Criminal Investigations supervisor. In all, the budget adds 12 positions at ISP next year; the agency had originally requested 32.

The motions for the various divisions within ISP passed on a series of unanimous votes. When JFAC Co-Chair Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, asked Rep. Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton, if he wanted to discuss his motion for the biggest slice of the budget – the $75.4 million budget in total funds for the state police division – he said “no.” When she asked Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, if he wanted to discuss his motion for one of the smallest slices of the budget, for the Racing Commission, he said, “It is what it is.”

The Racing Commission reported to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee at an earlier budget hearing that it’s down to a single state employee and has few resources left, now that the state’s largest racetrack, Les Bois Park near Boise, has closed.

In all, the budget set today for ISP next year reflects a 12.4 percent increase in state funding. Not included were requests that Otter also passed over in his budget for 17 more officers.

When the joint committee turned to the ISP budget this morning - as snow blankets the Treasure Valley and multiple accidents have been reported on the roads - Keough commented, "I imagine our state troopers are very busy this morning - we appreciate your help."