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Republicans press for NGO accountability, urge state to opt into federal education tax credit
Summary
Senate Republicans said they welcome a hearing on SB6205 to increase reporting and accountability for NGOs tied to suspected misuse of funds, and urged prompt state action to opt into a federal education tax credit they said could generate substantial funding for students.
Senate Republican leaders said a pending hearing on a bill to expand reporting obligations for nongovernmental organizations is an important step to address alleged misuse of public funds.
Asked about SB6205, a hearing set for tomorrow, Sen. John Braun said the bill is aimed at improving transparency after what he described as "double dealing" uncovered in mortgage assistance programs. "If we're gonna do the program, it should be done well and reasonably... this is a very straightforward way to make sure that use of those funds is transparent," Braun said, citing concerns about nepotism and multiple grants awarded within close circles.
April Connors said she had worked on related transparency measures during the interim and referenced House Bill 2153, a bipartisan effort to increase program oversight. Corey and Braun said they want sensible audits and accountability to restore public confidence in state programs.
On a separate education item, Braun and other Republicans urged the state to opt into a federal education tax credit (described during questions as a $1,700 per-student credit) that they said could bring substantial money to Washington schools and students if the state acts. "I have sent a letter to the governor, asking for him to act on this," Braun said, adding he was told opting in could generate "more than $700,000,000 a year for education."
What’s next: SB6205 will be heard in committee according to scheduling; Republican leaders said they will press for accountability measures and continue to urge the governor and Democratic leadership to opt into the federal education credit.
