Mattiello, Paiva Weed agree to revamp grant program

PROVIDENCE – The state’s $11 million Community Service Grant program will be replaced with two methods of funding community-based organizations, including itemized budget appropriations and competitive programs administered by state agencies, according to House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed.

The change, announced at a June 6 press conference, is needed to bring more transparency to the funding process, according to Mattiello.

Under the new process, organizations that fulfill a unique public benefit will be listed individually in the state budget. Under the second component, several state departments will administer competitive funds for specific needs, such as senior services, economic development, education and the arts.

The controversial grant program is being scrutinized in the wake of the resignation of Rep. Raymond Gallison Jr., D-Bristol, last month. A grant financed the nonprofit organization, Alternative Education programming, where the former House Finance Committee chairman “supposedly” worked, according to WJAR-TV NBC 10. •

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