WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to introduce the Simplifying Grants Act to make it easier for local governments, with less than 50,000 people, to apply for, receive, and manage grants. Small local governments often face difficulties when applying for, and managing, federal grants in comparison to larger ones.

The Simplifying Grants Act would require that agencies simplify the often complex, time consuming, and expensive grant process for all current and future federal grant opportunities. This would benefit 37 out of Idaho’s 44 counties (84%) and 2,147 out of the country’s 3,143 counties (68%) as well as thousands of other cities, towns, and other governmental entities.

“While larger communities can navigate a complex federal grants process, Idaho’s small, rural communities are often overlooked and left behind. It is only fair that taxpayer dollars reach even the smallest corners of our state,” said Risch. “Simplifying grants for our local governments will level the playing field and ensure that federal taxpayer dollars come back to their own communities.”

“Local governments use federal dollars to invest in infrastructure, public safety, law enforcement, and our children’s education, among other important priorities. Regretfully, our current grant process leaves small local governments and their residents behind,” said Rubio. “This bill would provide a simplified process so small local governments are able to apply for and receive the funds they need.”

Additional cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

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