RI General Assembly to overhaul how grants are awarded
By: The Associated Press
Providence, R.I. – Legislative leaders are overhauling how grants are awarded to community service groups, though another grants program isn’t changing.
House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed said Monday the system isn’t transparent enough. The legislature directs about $11.4 million to community groups through the program. Larger grants will be now listed as line items in the budget. State agencies will distribute smaller grants. The program was scrutinized after the May 3 resignation of Democratic House Finance Chairman Raymond Gallison, an executive at a nonprofit that received millions in community service grants that paid his salary.
Legislators will continue directing about $2.2 million in small grants to charities in their districts. Critics say it’s a way to curry political favor.
Mattiello says he hasn’t denied a grant application
© The Associated Press 2016
