BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little signed an executive order Tuesday forming his new Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee. The committee will oversee the approximately $1.25 billion in federal funds Idaho will receive for the COVID-19 pandemic. State Controller Brandon Woolf is partnering with Governor Little report the use of funds on Transparent.Idaho.gov, giving Idahoans the opportunity to see how the federal funds are used.
“This federal funding – the taxpayers’ money – must be prudently managed on behalf of all taxpayers,” Governor Little said. “I can assure Idahoans that the federal funds will not be used to create new government programs in Idaho, and we will uphold our Constitutional mandate to provide a long-term, structurally balanced budget for the people of Idaho.”
The Committee will make recommendations to ensure federal funds are prioritized appropriately and efficiently distributed across state, local and tribal governments. It will also play an oversight role to make sure the funds are used judiciously and appropriately.
“Transparency in government spending is one of my highest priorities, and I am proud that Idaho will lead the nation in shining light on how these public funds will be used to help us fight coronavirus in the state,” State Controller Woolf said.
Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee members include:
- Alex Adams, Administrator, Division of Financial Management (Chair)
- Senator Steve Bair, Co-chair, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee
- Representative Rick Youngblood, Co-chair, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee
- Josh Whitworth, Chief of Staff, Office of the State Controller
- Jani Revier, Director, Idaho Department of Labor
- Tom Kealey, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce
- Shawn Keough, State Board of Education member
- Lisa Hettinger, Deputy Director, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Garden City Mayor John Evans, city government representative
- Seth Grigg, Executive Director, Idaho Association of Counties, county government representative
- Chantel Greene, Nez Perce Tribe, tribal government representative
- Dennis Johnson, large business representative
- Matt Newton, small/midsize business representative
- Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Office of the Governor
The federal funds are expected to be available around April 24.
