Committee reviews strike-all amendment to H233, directs informal working group on grant rules

The House Committee on Government Operations & Military Affairs reviewed a strike-all amendment (draft 2.1) to H233 that would create an informal working group to study and recommend changes to state grant and contracting practices, including a proposal to require state agencies to accept indirect cost rates approved by federal or state entities and to allow grants to be awarded directly to agencies or political subdivisions when they are uniquely suited to deliver services.

Ellen Heikowski, attorney, Office of Legislative Council, told the committee, "I have brought the committee a strike all amendment to H233. It's actually going to be draft 2.1," and described the draft as "a little more organized and easier to read." Heikowski said draft 2.1 consolidates previous language into a single section that establishes an informal study committee composed of the Secretary of Administration (or designee), a representative of Common Good Vermont, and a representative of the Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (the regional planning…