Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook is invited to address the committee, asked to state his name for the record, and introduces himself as Idaho State Senator Kevin Cook from Legislative District 32. He explains that he is not there to lobby but to provide information and cost details. The exchange concludes with a thank-you for his حضور/attendance.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as having noted that ACT saves money in the long run.
Sasha O'Connell — Sasha O'Connell introduces herself as the Medicaid administrator and deputy director with the Department of Health and Welfare, and is then identified as the appropriate person to answer the Medicaid-related question.
Jordan Redman — Asks about the difference between Medicaid expansion and traditional Medicaid, and asks for the actual funding request to restore ACT.
Jordan Redman — Representative Redman continued questioning and discussing the governor’s recommendations for Medicaid-related services. He first asked what alternatives were considered beyond ACT, then followed up by noting that some Medicaid services are protected in Idaho Code while ACT, peer supports, and certain other services were cut.
Jordan Redman — Co-chair Redmond said they agreed with the prior comments, supported funding ACT, and noted there is a bill in House Health and Welfare to fund ACT.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking questions the fiscal consequences of suspending or not funding the program, including the cost for the remainder of the year and into fiscal year 2027, the broader impact on the state, and possible property tax implications. She also references a sheriff’s department letter supporting the program and describing the effects of its suspension.
Brooke Green — Brooke Green makes a brief joking aside about nearly promoting Senator Cook, then continues with personal remarks supporting the program by emphasizing the dangers of crisis response and the high risk and burden it places on law enforcement, noting that they often no longer respond because the threat to their lives is so high.
Brooke Green — Asked a follow-up question.
Brooke Green — Asked whether the ACT program was housed with Magellan.
Brooke Green — Asked whether there were cost savings from shifting ACT to Magellan.
Brooke Green — Asked whether the cuts were because the services are not in statute or federal law.
Brooke Green — Thanked Senator Cook for his work and effort.
Brooke Green — Supported finding a way to fund the ACT program.
Brooke Green — Argued that failing to provide the service will shift costs elsewhere and worsen outcomes.
Ilana Rubel — Ms. O'Connell is introduced as the person to explain why certain items were left out of Medicaid funding, then thanked and asked to discuss other options considered. She responds by explaining that Idaho code limits optional Medicaid benefits and gives examples such as dental and chiropractor services.
Jim Guthrie — Referenced as having mentioned other services that were cut.
Jim Guthrie — Referenced as the source of anticipated cost-savings discussion.
Jim Guthrie — Gave closing remarks about the revenue shortfall and looking for funding sources.
Jim Guthrie — Said he is looking for funding sources, including driver's training and MMIS interest.
Jim Guthrie — Proposed pulling funds from MMIS interest and reducing the parent-choice tax credit.
Jim Guthrie — Said he has a request to reduce salaries for executive and legislative branch elected officials by 5%.
Jim Guthrie — Said he is moving forward with proposed cuts and thanked the committee.
Jim Guthrie — Praised by Representative Green as one of the hardest-working JFAC members.
Ms. O'Connell — Ms. O'Connell responded to follow-up questions about ACT, confirming its connection to Magellan and explaining that ACT was first provided statewide around 1995 by behavioral health staff clinicians before the Magellan contract. She then addressed a question about cost savings, saying savings likely exist because federal dollars are leveraged under the Magellan contract, but noted she had not conducted a formal cost-savings analysis herself and would be willing to provide one for the committee. The exchange concluded with brief affirmations and thanks.
Edward Hill — Referenced as having made comments supporting the ACT program.