When Rep. JoAn Wood of Rigby sees agency travel expenses at nearly $19 million, she immediately wonders if Idaho state government can get by with less. But that's how much money the state spent on airfare, hotel rooms and automobiles from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, according to an analysis of state spending data by the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
"What if it were $14 million? That would be $5 million saved right there," said Wood, the most senior member of the Idaho House of Representatives at 14 terms and counting.
state spending
IFF analysis: State spends $19 million on travel
August 12, 2009 | posted by Chuck Malloy inHoffman: State spends $20 million on furniture, automobiles, computers
August 02, 2009 | posted by Wayne Hoffman inIdaho government workers spent almost $20 million on furniture, cars, trucks and computer equipment during the 2008-09 budget year that ended in June, according to an analysis of records from the state controller's office.
From July 1, 2008, to June 30, the state spent $8.5 million on computer equipment, $1.1 million on furniture and $10.1 million on cars and light trucks. Of that total, about 30 percent, or $5.9 million, came directly from the state general fund, which is supplied principally through sales and income taxes.
