Subcommittee advances retroactive federal grant approvals despite objection

The Interim Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government on Nov. 17 voted to report eight federal grant applications to the full committee with the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) recommendation.

LFO staff told members that six of the eight applications are retroactive because application deadlines fell during the interim when committees were not meeting. "LFO recommends that the Joint Committee of Interim Committee of Ways and Means approve the submission of the 8 federal grant application en blanc with the understanding that if the funds are awarded, the agencies will return to the legislative assembly for approval of any necessary federal funds," the LFO presenter said.

Representative Reschke opposed handling the requests in a block and objected to retroactive approval. "It's irresponsible ... it's a rubber stamp. It makes a mockery of the legislative branch," she said, urging members to vote on grant approvals before agencies apply when possible.

Senator Anderson moved the request to the full committee with the LFO recommendation and agreed to carry the package. Representative Reschke recorded a 'no' vote; the motion carried and the items will move to the full Ways and Means committee for final action.

Why it matters: agencies said retroactive requests reflect application deadlines that fell during an interim period when standing committees did not meet; LFO and agency staff said materials and notices of intent were posted on OLIS. Committee members asked staff and agencies to follow up in writing on specific items such as whether a Connect Oregon match cited for an ODOT item had already been approved.

Next steps: Senator Anderson will carry the consent grant package to the full committee; agency staff will post clarifying answers on OLIS and return to the legislature if federal awards are made and appropriation or expenditure authority is required.