Kettle Proposes Greater Transparency in Grant Process

Senator Nicholas D. Kettle, (R-Dist. 21 Coventry, Foster, Scituate), has introduced legislation that would make the process through which legislative grants are awarded more transparent.

Senate bill (2012-S 2126) amends the state budget laws to require that legislative grants be approved as part of the state budget.  They are currently included as part of the General Assembly’s operating budget.

“These grants go to worthwhile organizations that rely on this money,” Kettle said.  “However, this is taxpayer money and taxpayers deserve to know how it is being spent.  This law will lend greater credibility and transparency to the legislative grant process.”

Legislative grants are awarded to various community groups and nonprofit organizations.  The groups must file applications with the legislature, which are reviewed internally before funds are distributed.

In 2012, the General Assembly awarded $2.8 million in legislative grants.

“This is a lot of money to be given out, and we need to ensure that the proper controls are in place and that due diligence is done,” Kettle said.

The proposed legislation would require that the recipient’s name and address; the name of the legislator who sponsored the grant; and a statement of whether the finance committee have had a hearing on the proposed grant.

The legislation now goes before the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.