Idaho Budget Committee Rejects Funding for National Guard Scholarships

Lawmakers vote down proposal to restore $190,800 in tuition assistance for Idaho National Guard members.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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For the second week in a row, the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) rejected a proposal to restore funding for tuition assistance benefits for members of the Idaho National Guard. The $190,800 program provides up to $8,000 per fiscal year for Idaho National Guard members to use on tuition and fees at Idaho-based institutions of higher education.

Why it matters

The decision not to restore the tuition assistance funding could create a funding gap of about $500 for less than 200 National Guard members, forcing them to potentially attend less expensive schools or seek outside scholarships. This comes as Idaho ranks 49th compared to other states when it comes to tuition assistance for National Guard members, and surrounding states offer 100% free tuition at public higher education institutions.

The details

JFAC originally cut funding for the Idaho Military Division and most other state agencies and departments on Feb. 13. The committee had opportunities to restore the tuition assistance funding on Feb. 20 and Feb. 24, but voted it down both times. Sen. Codi Galloway, R-Meridian, said she voted against restoring the funds because she was assured no current scholarship recipients would lose their awards, and she had to weigh the $190,800 request against other budget priorities.

  • On Feb. 13, JFAC originally cut funding for the Idaho Military Division and most other state agencies and departments.
  • On Feb. 20, JFAC had an opportunity to restore the tuition assistance funding, but 11 Republican members voted against it.
  • On Feb. 24, JFAC had another opportunity to restore the funding, but the motion failed on an 8-10 vote.

The players

Codi Galloway

A Republican state senator from Meridian who voted against restoring the tuition assistance funding, citing the need to balance the budget and prioritize other needs.

Timothy J. Donnellan

The adjutant general and commander of the Idaho National Guard, who wrote an email to Galloway attempting to provide additional information to help her support restoring the tuition benefits funding.

Glenneda Zuiderveld

A Republican state senator from Twin Falls who criticized Donnellan for "choosing" to cut tuition benefits rather than cutting funding for something else.

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What they’re saying

“When I look at this small amount of money, while it would be nice to pass this on to the service members that have done so much for our country, it's not necessary when I have to weigh it against some of the other priorities we have to make.”

— Codi Galloway, State Senator (dailyfly.com)

“It's a sobering fact, but less than 1% of Americans have served in the US Military, and that number is getting even lower. If we don't get in front of recruiting incentives we are going to be in dire straits.”

— Timothy J. Donnellan, Adjutant General and Commander, Idaho National Guard (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

JFAC is scheduled to reconvene on Monday to continue debating and setting aspects of the state budget.

The takeaway

The decision by Idaho lawmakers to reject funding for National Guard tuition assistance highlights the difficult budget tradeoffs they face, but also raises concerns about the state's ability to recruit and retain members of the National Guard in the long run.