Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the State Agency Capacity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs $10 million fund to build state agency capacity for climate initiatives
Summary
Senate Bill 83, which would create a $10 million Innovation in State Government Fund to help state agencies support local climate and clean-energy projects, received a do-pass recommendation after supporters said it would help agencies apply for and manage federal and other grants.
The Appropriations & Finance Committee voted to recommend Senate Bill 83, a bill to create an Innovation in State Government Fund to provide capacity and technical assistance to state agencies working with communities on climate-related programs.
Supporters, including the Environment Department and nonprofit clean-energy groups, said the bill addresses a practical barrier: agencies and smaller local governments need staff time, contracting support and stable funding to apply for federal grants and run programs. Michelle Miano, director of the Environment Department's Environmental Protection Division, said SB83 would provide regulatory certainty and capacity as the agency implements new clean transportation programs.
Witnesses described specific administrative barriers that have hampered projects; Anne Lynn Hall of Prosperity Works said recent grant awards have taken months to move to contracts and that agencies are understaffed.
The bill sets aside $10 million to help departments such as Energy, Economic Development, Transportation, Workforce Solutions and others hire staff or contract services to help communities access funding and implement projects. Proponents said the fund would be particularly important as federal funding streams evolve and become more complex.
The committee recorded a roll call and reported SB83 do pass by a 9-6 margin. Committee supporters argued the money is needed to convert legislative intent into on-the-ground projects; opponents raised concerns about state spending priorities and whether the fund duplicates existing capacity.
