WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2.65 million for the Treasure Valley Law Enforcement Childcare Center Project in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill. 

Despite claims that CPF projects are "wasteful earmarks," Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

“Idaho is blessed with some of the best police officers in the nation,” said Rep. Simpson. “Unfortunately, many law enforcement families encounter difficulties finding accessible and affordable childcare options during their demanding shifts, leaving many officers unable to continue serving. Constructing a childcare center is necessary for the needs of our local law enforcement. Idaho officers and their families rightfully deserve our support, and I am pleased to see this crucial project move forward.” 

"The National Law Enforcement Foundation is proud to partner with Representative Simpson on this community-funded project to bring customized childcare and early childhood education to Idaho's law enforcement. We are honored to continually work alongside him on innovative solutions to address the nation's police recruiting and retention crisis with tangible tools,” said Jim Mackay, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Foundation.  

“I am profoundly grateful for Congressman Mike Simpson’s unwavering support for Idaho’s Law Enforcement by championing a Community Funded Project. Recognizing the urgent demand, he spearheaded initiatives to improve childcare and early childhood education, catering more effectively to the needs of Idaho’s Law Enforcement families. It is a privilege to contribute to a solution that holds the potential to revolutionize policing for both men and women throughout Idaho,” said Angelie Hoxie, Former Idaho State Police Detective. 

“Representative Mike Simpson recognizes the important role our law enforcement has in our communities. I am proud to be a part of the coalition that will create an innovative model for childcare and see Idaho lead on workforce issues that directly impacts the men and women who protect our community,” said John Otter, J.R. Simplot Co.

This funding will be used to construct a childcare center for law enforcement officers in the Treasure Valley in Idaho. Additionally, this project will provide safe and secure childcare and education coverage that matches the needs of law enforcement families and would meet a widely acknowledged need within Idaho law enforcement.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho. Rep. Simpson was the only member of the Idaho delegation to vote in favor of funding for the Treasure Valley Law Enforcement Childcare Center.