Leslie Connolly

I support transparency and accountability for taxpayer funds, but HB 1649 needs a workable path for mission-aligned nonprofit partnerships that provide a clear public benefit. We urge the committee to amend the bill to allow municipalities to appropriate funds to nonprofits through a warrant article or budget item when the public purpose is clearly stated, and basic accountability is required, including a written agreement, recordkeeping, and a public accounting of how funds were spent.