Joint Budget Committee reviews extension and administrative funding for WIC program

Kelly Shen, Joint Budget Committee staff, told members the department's October submission for WIC is not seeking additional over-expenditure authority but requests two transparency changes: extend the timing of use into November and allow up to $2,000,000 of the previously approved $7.5 million over-expenditure to fund local agencies' administration and service delivery.

Shen said the local agencies — 39 clinics across the state, mostly local public health agencies and federally qualified health centers — provide nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and connections to social services, and that rollover funds used in October have been exhausted.

Representative Taggart asked whether the roughly 13.3% administrative allocation (about $1–2M depending on baseline) is appropriate during an emergency when food should be prioritized. Shen clarified that the funds are for local service delivery rather than central office accounting and would allow clinics to continue essential services alongside food benefits.

Members indicated they were comfortable with the timing change and the purpose expansion and did not request a formal vote because the committee's prior September approval already provided over-expenditure authority for the WIC line item. Staff noted that, if members were uncomfortable, they could amend the supplemental bill the committee must introduce during the regular session.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the transparency change on timing and purpose; committee members asked staff to monitor expenditures and agency needs as the federal shutdown continues.