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House approves $800,000 senior‑center grant program after changing the local match to 50%
Summary
The House passed House Bill 35 with a substitute amendment changing the local match to 50%; the bill funds state matching grants to renovate and support senior centers and passed the House 64–3, to be referred to the Senate.
House members debated House Bill 35, a proposal to provide $800,000 for renovation, repair and matching grants for senior citizen centers across the state. Sponsor (Speaker 3) described roughly 101 senior centers statewide and urged the importance of preserving volunteer opportunities, nutrition programs and social services at those centers.
The original bill called for a 25% local match (cash or volunteer services). Representative (Speaker 7) moved to amend to a 75% state match so the state would cover most of the cost and reach fewer centers with larger grants; he argued that many centers lack local tax base and that larger state support could help those most in need. Speaker 3 and others cautioned that a very high state match would overburden cities and counties that already provide substantial funding.
Floor debate produced a compromise substitute amendment (mover: Speaker 2) setting the match at 50% state/local. Supporters said a 50/50 match would extend funding to more centers while ensuring local buy‑in; opponents said any increase in local share risked reducing assistance to needy areas.
The House adopted the substitute amendment and then voted on House Bill 35 as amended. The Clerk announced that House Bill 35 "having received 64 yes votes and 3 no votes passed this house," and the bill was referred to the Senate. Representative Addington requested the bill be held for 24 hours, per the record.
