Appropriates $27,791,900 to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 152.5.

Appropriates $27,791,900 to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for fiscal year 2017; and limits the number of full-time equivalent positions to 152.5. The bill includes funding for the employer's share of increased benefit costs; replacement items; changes made in the statewide cost allocation plan; an ongoing 3% merit-based increase in employee compensation for permanent employees to be distributed at the discretion of agency heads; and the 27th payroll. Line item 1 provides $1,270,600 for implementing the requirements of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). Under this act, Idaho is required to spend 15% of its Vocational Rehabilitation grant on certain qualified disabled student pre-employment transition to work services. This level of funding will be used for assessment, training, tools, education, supplies, transportation, medical and other items to assist youth with disabilities prepare for and secure employment. Line item 2 provides $340,000 to restore the Extended Employment Services Program back to 90% of 2009 funding levels, and will allow the agency to reduce the number of individuals on the wait list by approximately 80. This program provides people with the most significant disabilities with employment opportunities in both non-integrated settings, or with a competitive job in the community.