Alaska House Passes Grant Payment Bill

0:00Alaska's House just passed the bill to fix a big problem. Non-profits and local groups waiting months for state grant money they need for everything from. Drug treatment to bus rides. House bill 133, pushed by SICKA Rep. Hemskoot, says the state has to pay up within 30 days of the request or face a 10 point. 5% interest penalty is heading to the Senate now after a bunch of hearings. This mayors allow already in place for private builders on roads and airports, making sure everyone gets treated fair. Groups like the forericker groups say health and education outfits are often three months or more behind, with no pushback till now. Non-profits have stayed quiet for years, scared of losing future funds, but the bill got some talking openly. Delays hit hard places like AIDS, helps centers pause new clients because cash runs dry, hurting folks who need steady support most. State agencies are pushing back, saying they'll need extra staff and systems costing hundreds of thousands a year to hit deadlines. Some departments figure paying penalties might even be cheaper, while others like commerce

1:03and public safety say they're good to go already. The bill passed 27-10, with time till 20-28 to sort it out, so Alaska can step up as a real partner and keep essential. Services flowing without the drama. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news.