Idaho State University and Bannock County worked together to misuse more than $850,000 for the now-defunct East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center (EIFPC). Summary, articles, and video (posted 12/20/24)
Summary:
Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), alongside Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld and Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities, discovered that Idaho State University (ISU) and Bannock County worked together to misuse more than $850,000 intended for the now-defunct East Idaho Forensic Pathology Center (EIFPC).
…If laws were broken or procedures deliberately ignored, those people who were responsible must face consequences… Accountability is essential to restoring faith in government.
I urge the Attorney General to investigate this matter thoroughly to uncover how this happened and who is responsible. I also call on the Legislature to audit all one-time appropriations to ensure compliance with state laws and prevent future misuse. Idahoans deserve full transparency, and immediate action is needed to ensure this does not happen again. ~Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld
Key Points:
ISU admitted it illegally transferred to Bannock County funds that were earmarked for the EIFPC, which was never built.
ISU plans to terminate its agreement with Bannock County and call for the funds to be returned.
Bannock County falsely billed for services that were never provided.
IFF and Zuiderveld are calling for an official investigation to discover how this corruption happened and demand accountability for those involved.
Idaho Legislature needs to demand all of the funds be returned.
Idaho Legislature must scrutinize future appropriations and conduct audits to ensure no other “one-time” funds are misspent.
Idaho’s Attorney General and Legislature must ensure this happens.
Articles & Video:
Nowhere to Hyde — Why Government Accountability Counts (12/17/24, video 11:30 includes transcript): youtube.com/live/b4cVgu…
We Held Them Accountable (12/16/24) - IFF Newsletter: us11.campaign-archive.c…
Idaho senator alleges misuse of funds from ISU, Bannock County over forensic center. By Mia Maldonado, Idaho Capital Sun (12/16/24): eastidahonews.com/2024/…
What we allow will continue. My response to the East Idaho News article and press release. By Sen. Glenneda ZUIDERVELD (12/16/24):
