CFAC Allocates CRF Funds to Counties

The Coronavirus Financial Accountability Committee (CFAC) met last week and finalized a framework to provide reimbursement for coronavirus related expenses incurred by state agencies and local and tribal governments. Funds will be dispersed from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). Under the framework adopted, state agencies are eligible for $57.7 million in reimbursements based on estimated …

Governor Little Announces Rebound Idaho Small Business Grants

On May 1st, Governor Little unveiled a plan to provide grant funding to small businesses impacted by coronavirus. Under the program, Governor Little will make up to $300 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available to Idaho small businesses. The program provides up to $10,000 in grant funding for Idaho small businesses and nonprofits with …

Governor Little Issues Stay Healthy Order

On May 1st, Governor Little announced that Idaho would enter Stage 1 of Rebound Idaho. Stage 1 allows most Idaho businesses, churches, and daycares to open as long as they maintain social distancing and sanitation standards. Certain businesses, like gyms, bars, nightclubs, barber shops, and beauty salons will remain closed, as well as dine-in restaurant …

COVID-19 in Blaine County

By Jacob Greenberg, Blaine County Commissioner It’s a wild story. Blaine County, home to the famous Sun Valley Ski Resort, is a tourist-driven economy. With that comes large scale events and close proximity partying. Just what this virus likes. The first positive COVID-19 test results were reported on March 13th, 2020. Community spread was determined …

CFAC Begins Process of Setting CARES Act Allocation

The Governor’s COVID-19 Financial Accountability Committee (CFAC) met Friday to continue the process of developing a framework to allocate the state’s $1.25 billion in CARES Act funding. To date, the state has received approximately $600 million of its allocation. The committee has agreed to allocate 55% of the funds to state agencies. Another 30% will …

Self-Care in Times of Stress

We are living in a strange, historic time where are expected to cope with many different changes and challenges at the same time. County officials are on the front lines trying to provide the support and resources needed to fight this pandemic while also dealing with the stress of continuing to fund mandated services, provide …

IMD Waiver Approved

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced last week that it had approved the state of Idaho’s IMD waiver. Under federal Medicaid rules, institutions for mental disease (IMDs) are excluded from accepting Medicaid as payment for behavioral health services. The state of Idaho applied last fall for a waiver to allow IMDs in Idaho …

Idaho Congressmen Answer County Commissioner Questions

On Friday, IAC hosted a call for County Commissioners in the first district with Representative Russ Fulcher and a call with Representative Mike Simpson for County Commissioners in the 2nd district. Both had words of encouragement for Idaho county officials. Here are some of the highlights from the calls. Representative Russ Fulcher Rep. Fulcher shared …

Idaho Receives Disaster Preparedness Distinction

Accreditation highlights State’s emergency management proficiency Idaho is the first state in the Northwest to receive the prestigious Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) distinction. EMAP is a voluntary standards, assessment and accreditation process for disaster preparedness and response programs throughout the country. It fosters excellence, uniformity and accountability in emergency management and homeland security programs. …

GEM – Modernizing the DMV system

Next step in assuring a quality product is “User Acceptance Testing” After “Stakeholder” and “End of PI” demos, the next opportunity to shape a DMV product is by participating in “User Acceptance Testing” (UAT). The UAT process is hands-on testing of a software product by DMV subject matter experts and technical users. The feedback provided …