Idaho Rural Partnership

Sad to learn of the recent passing of long-time IRP Board Member Pat Barclay. She was always committed to rural development and productive conversations when we served together, and I remember some spirited—but always good-natured—discussions over the years. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.

Patricia Anne Barclay Pat Barclay passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026. Born Patricia Anne Pusl on Jan. 19, 1946, in Igloo, S.D., she was the eldest child of Betty Jean and Jerome Pusl.

Tough news from the statehouse. Proposed across the board cuts will have a disproportionate impact on rural Idaho.

Idaho Senate narrowly approves 4% budget cuts for most state agencies, departments • Idaho Capital Sun Senate Bill 1331, the 2026 Idaho budget rescission act, reduces overall state funding by $193 million this year -- about 4% for all agencies.

USDA has put out this free publication Bright Ideas: Federal Resources to Boost Energy Efficiency in Rural America. It contains useful information about funding opportunities for energy projects. Click on the link below to check out this resource.

www.rd.usda.gov