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Committee advances bill to transfer $8 million ARPA workforce revolving fund from Commerce to Workforce Commission
Summary
Senate Bill 663 would transfer an $8 million ARPA‑funded revolving account that has been housed at the Department of Commerce to the Workforce Commission; supporters said the commission now has an executive director and a strategic plan in development. Committee approved the bill 7‑2.
The Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee approved Senate Bill 663, a bill that would transfer authority over a revolving fund — originally established with ARPA dollars and held at the Department of Commerce — to the state Workforce Commission.
Sponsor Senator Pugh said the $8,000,000 ARPA‑funded revolving account was “parked” at Commerce since 2021 and that the commission now has an executive director in place and is building a strategic plan. “I'm asking for the ability now to take that money, which has been parked in commerce since 2021, and transfer the authority of that revolving fund,” Pugh said.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on oversight and compliance. Senator Kurt asked whether the commission is “embedded in OESC” and whether the board authorizes expenditures; the sponsor replied the commission is separate, has been stood up with commissioners named and “about 2 months ago, an executive director was chosen.”
Senator Goodwin raised questions about ARPA guardrails and equity requirements. Senator Pugh said Treasury guidelines and the equity requirements attached to the ARPA funds remain in force and the $8,000,000 carries a different expenditure requirement — including an obligation to expend by 2026 — and should not be commingled with other appropriated funds.
Kyla Guyette, identified in the hearing as the chief executive officer of the Workforce Commission and present for questions, was introduced as available to address commission matters.
Action: the committee recorded a motion to “do pass”; the motion was brought by the chair and seconded by the vice chair. The clerk recorded 7 ayes and 2 nays and the chair declared SB 663 passed.
Next steps: the bill transfers spending authority for a pre‑existing ARPA revolving fund to the Workforce Commission; supporters said existing Treasury requirements and commission accountability provisions will continue to apply.
