New Budget Dashboard Gives Idahoans Insight Into State Agency Spending
BOISE, Idaho — A new interactive budget tool designed to increase transparency in Idaho’s state spending was unveiled this week at the State Capitol. Members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing panel, were given a first look at the platform during a public demonstration on Tuesday.
The tool, known as the Base Budget Builder, allows both lawmakers and the public to explore the foundational budgets for all Idaho state agencies and departments — not just new spending proposals.
A Shift Toward Accountability and Long-Term Planning
Representative Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls), who co-chairs JFAC alongside Senator Scott Grow (R-Eagle), called the rollout a milestone.
“This is something Sen. Grow and I have worked toward for two years in our mission to enhance budget accountability in Idaho,” Horman said.
The dashboard highlights the “base budgets” — the recurring, ongoing expenses that make up about 90% of the state’s total budget — providing historical data on how funds are allocated and maintained year-over-year.
Traditionally, legislative attention during sessions has focused on new budget requests. With this new platform, stakeholders can now dive into the underlying structure of agency spending.
Tool Now Available to the Public
The Base Budget Builder is available for free on the Idaho Legislature’s website. Users can access it by clicking the “Base Budget Dashboards” section and navigate agency spending without needing to wait for committee hearings.
Casey Hartwig, a lead analyst with the Idaho Legislative Services Office, explained that the base budget figures presented in the tool mirror longstanding state budget documentation, which typically has not been adjusted for inflation.
Democrats Caution on Context
Some Democratic legislators expressed concerns that the tool might paint an incomplete picture by emphasizing spending growth without factoring in Idaho’s population increase or inflation.
Senator Janie Ward-Engelking (D-Boise) cautioned:
“I’m concerned that our colleagues may only see growth in agency budgets without understanding the economic or demographic context behind that growth.”
In response, Horman clarified that a separate presentation on inflation-adjusted spending is scheduled for November as part of a series of interim briefings.
Preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session
Although the Idaho Legislature is currently out of session, the demonstration was part of JFAC’s efforts to prepare for the 2026 session, which begins January 12. Additional interim budget meetings are scheduled for November 4–6, during which lawmakers will:
- Receive briefings on Idaho’s general fund
- Review budget requests for fiscal years 2026 and 2027
- Examine per capita spending and expenditures adjusted for inflation
No votes or formal budget actions were taken during Tuesday’s meeting.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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