Committee restores $26.7 million in reappropriations, funds Blueprint for Literacy for FY2026

The House Committee on Higher Education Budget voted to add $26,700,000 in state general funds to restore reappropriations for scholarships and to fund the Blueprint for Literacy program in fiscal year 2026. Dayton (staff) told the committee the bulk of the restored amount was for unspent scholarship funds, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Chair (Speaker 1) introduced the motion and Representative Kehara seconded it. Dayton (Speaker 2) summarized the special budget committee recommendation and said the $26.7 million included $20.5 million for scholarships and $5.5 million for Blueprint for Literacy. Representative Amex (Speaker 3) and others asked timing and program questions; Chair clarified that many scholarship reappropriations reflect calendar and timing differences rather than new programmatic changes.

The committee also approved a separate motion to add $5.5 million SGF for Blueprint for Literacy in FY2027 and directed the agency to report on field coaching and program outcomes to the committee. Representative Kehar asked whether the program would report back with metrics; Chair answered that “the blueprint requires a report out, so you’ll get that report.” The committee approved that motion by voice vote.

The actions affect both a short‑term reappropriation (FY2026) and ongoing program oversight: the committee attached reporting requirements to the literacy funding to monitor coaching and student outcomes. The votes were taken by voice; members recorded objections in the transcript where noted. The committee moved on to FY2027 items after these approvals.