Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

HB 5173 allocates additional state funding to the Department of Education for youth summer employment programs. The bill directs a specified sum from the General Fund to support these programs during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding would directly support summer job opportunities for young people through existing state-run initiatives.

SB 128 appropriates $30 million from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for fiscal year 2027, specifically for grants to community action agencies. This funding directly supports local community action agencies that provide essential services like housing assistance, job training, and food programs to low-income residents. The bill’s key mechanism is a dedicated state funding allocation to ensure these agencies can continue serving vulnerable populations, as stated in its purpose to "protect the people the agencies serve." The legislation does not alter eligibility rules or create new programs, but provides critical financial support for existing agency operations.

SB 18 allocates $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) waiver program during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding directly supports individuals and families seeking ASD services by expanding access to the waiver program. The bill’s primary mechanism is increasing financial resources to reduce lengthy waitlists for these critical services. It specifically targets the ASD waiver program to improve timely access to care, without altering eligibility criteria or service types. The appropriation is effective through June 30, 2027.