Rep. Stephanie Barnard prefiles MATCHED Act to boost economic growthRep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, has prefiled the MATCHED Act (Moving Assets to Create Healthy Economic Development) for the 2025 legislative session. House Bill 1057 aims to stimulate economic growth by helping local communities access federal funding more effectively.
Barnard's proposal tackles the difficulties many communities face in securing federal funds, particularly in rural and distressed areas. A lack of state matching dollars, often required to access federal resources, is a common obstacle. The bill seeks to eliminate these barriers by providing state matching funds, enabling communities to leverage federal and private investments more effectively. "With the statewide budget shortfall, many legislators are considering tax increases," Barnard said. "But more taxes aren't the solution. Instead, Washington should take full advantage of federal funding opportunities to tackle the budget crisis and grow our economy. The MATCHED Act helps pave the way for Washingtonians to succeed." In addition to offering state matching funds, the MATCHED Act focuses on expanding grant-writing support to improve access to federal assistance. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a grant program by July 1, 2025. This program would help local governments, economic development organizations, and rural counties to hire grant writers. "Washington is leaving significant federal dollars on the table," Barnard added. "By prioritizing support for distressed areas, we can secure funding for critical projects like broadband expansion, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. These investments will directly benefit our communities." The bill also requires the Department of Commerce to maintain a comprehensive database of federal grant opportunities, provide clear application guidelines and scoring criteria, and foster partnerships to improve grant-seeking success. "This is about smart, strategic investments," Barnard said. "By helping local communities tap into federal funds, we're turning missed opportunities into real solutions for our state and empowering communities to succeed." The 2025 legislative session begins on Jan. 13 and is scheduled to run for 105 days.
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