June 12, 2008 - Grants-in-Aid Process

Click here to listen to this address.

"A major part of my responsibility as your Governor is to protect the public's financial resources by managing expenditures to ensure total spending does not exceed actual revenue.  This includes exercising due diligence in releasing funds allocated by the Legislature.

This process is not unlike a CEO who must balance a business' day-to-day operations, or the head of a household who must pay monthly bills while saving for the family's future. 

Recent comments regarding the release of grants-in-aid give the public a false impression.  The fact is, our Administration is reviewing grants on a case-by-case basis, and funds are being released.

It is important to remember that since the Legislature appropriated these grants in 2007, the Council on Revenues has lowered revenue projections five times.

Many organizations are deserving of grants, and we will continue to take a prudent approach in releasing funds, while ensuring the state's long-term financial health."