Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s MATCH program bill clears house unanimously, paving the way for federal grant access in Washington state
CONTACT: Jennifer Hansen, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7720
Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s MATCH program bill clears house unanimously, paving the way for federal grant access in Washington state
Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s legislation aimed at bolstering Washington state communities’ access to federal grants received unanimous approval from the Washington State House of Representatives today. House Bill 1870, titled the Moving Assets Towards Community Health Program (MATCH), marks a significant step forward in enhancing support for community development efforts.
Barnard emphasized the bill’s importance: “The unanimous approval of this measure signifies a substantial leap in empowering our communities with the resources needed to secure federal grants.”
She continued, “We must seize the moment and capitalize on the abundant federal opportunities available. They may not come again! Action is imperative, and my bill is the key to unlocking the full potential of these funds for Washington state.”
Recognizing the challenges local communities face, particularly those in rural areas when applying for federal grants, the MATCH program aims to provide essential assistance. One of the primary hurdles is the difficulty many communities encounter in securing matching funds at the local level, despite increased federal grant opportunities.
Barnard’s proposal seeks to address this economic dilemma by establishing a state pool of matching funds within the Department of Commerce, providing support to communities that qualify for federal funding but require assistance meeting local match requirements.
The MATCH program focuses on key objectives, including providing resource guide assistance, offering technical support in developing competitive grant applications, and establishing criteria to prioritize applications for federal funds. Additionally, the bill mandates reporting to assess the program’s success, ensuring transparency and accountability.
With unanimous approval in the House, HB 1870 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
