Josh Tanner

Members of the House and Senate health and welfare committees have a lot on their plates this session as they’re being tasked with finding $22 million in cuts to help balance Idaho’s budget.

Idaho tax collections are on the upswing after a bountiful return last month, but at least one key lawmaker wants to forge ahead with more budget cuts.

Two Republican state lawmakers have asked the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to not spend federal funds to expand child care availability until the state boosts fraud oversight measures.

Rep. Josh Tanner (R-Eagle), Idaho’s assistant house majority leader, will take the reins as the co-chair of the state legislative budget committee for the upcoming session.