BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Amid a funding shortfall brought on by rising prices, Idaho’s police coaching academy canceled three lessons this yr, inflicting logjams within the necessary instruction system for officers throughout the state.
Historical past could repeat if lawmakers, who hope to wrap up the legislative session within the coming weeks, don’t approve funding to hold the academy via the upcoming fiscal yr.
“These are all officers and deputies which are already employed and dealing, they usually haven’t had a chance to attend fundamental coaching,” Brad Johnson, administrator of the Division of Peace Officer Requirements and Coaching (POST), instructed the Idaho Statesman by cellphone. “So it’s actually not a terrific state of affairs for anyone.”
POST is the statewide accreditation program for legislation enforcement officers. The state-run POST Coaching Academy, based mostly in Meridian, affords two- to three-month certification programs all year long, together with to metropolis and county legislation enforcement officers.
Johnson requested the Legislature’s finances committee for a further $1.1 million to cowl this yr’s academy shortfall and guarantee lessons aren’t canceled subsequent fiscal yr, which begins July 1.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) on March 3 permitted half the request, clearing a $550,000 money switch for the present fiscal yr. However the different half was not included in subsequent yr’s finances, because the company requested.
Lawmakers mentioned they wish to give a brand new funding supply, created final legislative session, a chance to show itself earlier than approving the total quantity.
BACKLOG OF OFFICERS WHO NEED CERTIFICATION
As inflation hiked the price of meals, gasoline and different items wanted to function lessons, Idaho’s Peace Officer Requirements and Coaching (POST) Academy canceled three instruction packages scheduled from January via subsequent month.
That helped protect restricted funds for the remaining fiscal yr, which ends June 30, Johnson mentioned. Nevertheless it additionally meant pushing again coaching that legislation enforcement officers should full inside a yr after being employed.
“It simply backlogs every little thing within the system,” Moscow Police Chief James Fry instructed the Statesman by cellphone. “We could not get any person within the academy till December or January.”
Funding for the coaching academy was doubtful earlier than inflation spiked costs by as a lot as 9% final yr. In 2022, lawmakers created a brand new POST fund to deal with persistent underfunding. The devoted fund directs 1.5% of liquor gross sales income to the academy with a $1 million cap.
The liquor fund ought to have resolved earlier shortfalls, however inflation threw a wrench in spending projections, Johnson instructed JFAC earlier this month.
POST receives its funding month-to-month, versus a lump sum at the beginning of a fiscal yr, Johnson instructed the Statesman. So when meals costs spiked 90% after the present fiscal yr’s finances was finalized, it had a domino impact.
“We’re very like a household, the place you get a lot cash a month and it’s a must to meet your whole bills that month,” Johnson mentioned.
LAWMAKERS AWAIT MORE DATA ON FUNDING SOURCE
JFAC on March 3 permitted a $550,000 money switch to POST. That may tackle the “quick concern” round this yr’s shortfall, Rep. Britt Raybould, R-Rexburg, instructed the committee.
However approving full $1.1 million request earlier than the committee may see outcomes from a full yr of the devoted liquor fund can be “leaping the gun,” Raybould mentioned.
“We may very nicely uncover that the timing of the devoted funds over the course of a yr may very well be adequate for the funding,” she mentioned.
The $550,000 will make up for this yr’s shortfall, Johnson mentioned, however the academy probably will want twice as a lot to keep away from class cancellations subsequent yr.
“Our projections present that we’re nonetheless going to wind up brief, so I’m nonetheless hopeful that JFAC goes to rethink that,” Johnson mentioned. “There’s little question in my thoughts that JFAC desires to guarantee that we are able to operate and supply the coaching that our stakeholder companies depend upon.”
Throughout the March 3 assembly, Rep. Steve Miller, R-Fairfield, mentioned it looks like lawmakers are attempting to run the academy “awfully tight.”
Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, who co-chairs the finances committee, instructed Miller a further money switch proposal could also be coming quickly that will tackle subsequent fiscal yr’s bills.
Home and Senate leaders instructed reporters Wednesday that they hope to adjourn by March 24.
State finances analysts are projecting a $1.4 billion tax income surplus on the finish of the present fiscal yr.
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In the last four years, more than 500 young people from every region of Idaho have enrolled in – and many completed – Federally Registered Apprenticeships for occupations as varied as teacher’s aide, welder, personal trainer and medical assistant.
Idaho Business for Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program has been a key player in helping employers, school districts, training providers and young people from 16 to 24 years of age expand opportunities to grow Idaho’s workforce through apprenticeship.
In Idaho, we are hoping to increase the percentage of high school graduates who “go on” to some form of higher education (including the military). Although apprenticeship is not explicitly included in this goal, it can be a life-changing alternative to young people looking for innovative ways to enter meaningful careers that pay well and provide challenge and opportunity. And it often includes more traditional training that is very much a part of the state’s “go on” effort.
During National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23) Idaho Business for Education wants to recognize and celebrate entering its fifth year of supporting youth apprenticeship. It started in 2020 when IBE and the Idaho Workforce Development Council were awarded a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish, grow, support and sustain youth apprenticeship. It continues with a new grant from the IWDC to expand this work through 2026.
Why are IBE and IWDC so passionate about youth apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship has a proven track record of helping workers and employers by providing on-the-job training, classroom-type instruction, mentorship, and a clear career path.
Apprenticeship helps businesses (and nonprofit employers) attract and retain top talent at a time when the labor market is more competitive than ever.
Apprenticeship creates partnerships between schools and employers, connecting students as young as 16 to real jobs that lead to meaningful careers.
Our grant provides eligible youth apprentices up to $750 per year to cover related costs, such as equipment, clothing, supplies or even the expenses to drive to and from work. For many young people, this is a game-changing service that means the difference between being able to enter the workforce or not.
The program can connect with other programs, such as Idaho LAUNCH, the new program that pays for up to 80 percent of eligible graduating high school seniors for post-secondary tuition and fees. This can be part of an approved youth apprenticeship.
Idaho has received national recognition for this program and has lots of highlights to celebrate. In Soda Springs, the high school has both sponsored its own apprenticeships for teacher’s aides and other opportunities and collaborated with local employers to establish apprenticeships around the region, with over 70 apprentices placed to date.
Elsewhere, the Nez Perce Tribe has partnered with IBE to create unique and sustainable opportunities for over 50 of its young people in a variety of fields. Large employers such as St. Luke’s Health System and Micron are significant participants in apprenticeship in the Treasure Valley. Idaho Central Credit Union partners with high schools across the state using branches right in the schools, placing 65 apprentices to date.
There are many more – dozens more. Each example tells its own story, with unique opportunities to expand the state’s workforce, introduce young people to new opportunities, and open doors for coursework and technical certifications.
Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. Follow Idaho Capital Sun on Facebook and X.
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IDAHO COUNTY, Idaho – A multi-car accident on Highway 95 has shut down two lanes near Tuchbreiter.
According to the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the crash, which involved multiple cars, occurred Friday night. Both lanes remain closed.
It is unclear when the lanes will reopen, but Idaho 511 is advising drivers to seek alternative routes.
FOX28 Spokane©
Yessi Puerto Vallarta has been a family-run restaurant for over 25 years | Kaitlyn Hart, EastIdahoNews.com
IDAHO FALLS — For over 25 years, a local Mexican restaurant has been serving authentic family recipes to east Idaho.
Maria Hernandez, the manager of Yessi Puerto Vallarta, says her family has been in the food business for decades, serving homemade Mexican dishes that have been passed down for generations.
“We got started from a friend in the family that used to have restaurants in the Washington area, and we decided to try our luck and start a business with the family,” says Hernandez. “It’s always been a family restaurant, and we’ve been in the area for, oh wow, over 25 years now.”
EastIdahoNews.com was lucky enough to try some of their most popular dishes, starting with the Pollo a la Crema.
This dish consists of sliced chicken, a cream sauce with mushrooms and onions, a side of rice and beans and tortillas.
“This has been a very popular item on the menu,” says Hernandez. “It is a really good dish.”
Next, we tried Hernandez’s favorite dish on the menu, the Chile Rellenos.
The Chile Rellenos are stuffed green peppers with cheese, battered with an egg and smothered with white cheese and red sauce. On the side is a chimichanga with sour cream, guacamole, rice and beans.
“This would have to be, I’d say, a very very popular meal as well,” says Hernandez. “Everybody comes in here and says ‘I’m here for the Chile Rellenos; I know they’re good.’”
Lastly, we tried a personal favorite: street tacos. The types available are steak, spicy or marinated pork with or without pineapple, carne asada, grilled chicken, or chorizo.
“We cook the meat every time people order a taco,” says Hernandez. “They come with the cilantro and onion, and some slices of lime. The pineapple pork and the carne asada are very, very popular. Our chorizo is also homemade, so it’s really popular.”
Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, so we highly recommend trying Yessi Puerto Vallarta the next time you’re going out to eat!
You can find them at 2668 East Sunnyside Road. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Check them out on Facebook here.
This story is brought to you by Young Mazda, the premier destination for the latest Mazda models in Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of new Mazda vehicles that are sure to ignite your passion for driving.
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