"An Act relating to the definition of 'municipality' for purposes of human services community matching grants. "

HB 231 "Human Services Grants" would expand the definition of a qualified municipality to include a consortium of municipalities located in the same geographic region with a population that exceeds 50,000. This would allow an organization such as Southeast Conference to form a consortium to receive program funding for social services in their region.

AS 29.60.600 establishes the Human Services Community Matching Grants program for qualified municipalities. To qualify for a grant under this section, a municipality is required to 1) provide a 30 percent funding match; 2) comply with grant application procedures; and 3) establish a citizen's advisory group to help establish priorities and allocations amongst the services funded.

The following organizations are currently providing services in Southeast Alaska. Under HB 231 they would be qualified to receive funding through the Human Services Community Matching Grants Program if a consortium of communities was formed in Southeast Alaska.

   Center for Community
   Catholic Community Services
   United Way
   AWARE
   Alaska Health Fair, Inc.
   Alaska Legal Services
   Southeast Food Bank
   Southeast Senior Services

Any consortium formed under HB 231 would be required to provide for the necessary 30 percent matching funds and would have to establish a citizens' advisory group.

This is a fairness issue. Due to distance it is difficult, if not impossible, for Southeast residents to access programs that are currently funded by the Human Services Matching Grants. This important source of funding should be available to a geographic area that has a combined population of 50,000 or more. I ask for your support of HB 231.

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