Panel keeps $1 million one‑time for Office of Global Talent and retains tourism internship funding

The Appropriations subcommittee signaled support for a $1,000,000 one‑time appropriation for the Office of Global Talent and maintained $2,000,000 in one‑time funding for the Commerce internship program.

Committee members reviewed the Office of Global Talent funding history. Staff said the prior session included $2,000,000 one‑time operating funding plus $485,000 ongoing baseline for salaries; the current proposal would leave the baseline and add a $1,000,000 one-time augmentation (approximately $500,000 operating and $500,000 in grants). Commerce staff described the Office as a workforce initiative that administers grants that help employers and communities recruit and integrate workers from abroad.

Senator Dwyer and other members urged that grant awards prioritize employer needs to help integrate new arrivals for occupations such as teaching and nursing. Commerce staff cautioned that cutting program dollars reduces the agency’s ability to help partners with small budgets and noted previous one‑time funding was used to stand up the office.

On tourism, the committee affirmed keeping the governor’s $2,000,000 operating appropriation for the internship program. On tourism destination development grants, Commerce staff said the program has active projects and reimbursement mechanics that require continuing appropriations; the department reported many applications in past rounds and said several projects were delayed by timing and permitting rather than lack of demand. The committee approved the $1,000,000 line for destination development grants in the long sheet during the hearing; Commerce staff said they were processing awards and would ask for continuing appropriation for another construction season.