May 1, 2017
The meeting opened at 3pm by conference call.
Present: Barbara Wentworth, David Wihry, Ron Holmes, Maryalice Crofton
The language for the FY17 federal omnibus appropriation had been circulated to all by Ron. The final numbers are nearly the original mark. The Social Innovation Fund was cut. Three increases held: Commission training funds; Commission support grants; and the OIG budget.
May orientation for new Commissioners
The Commission’s grant making duties are the topic. Task force members need the very specific as it relates to continuation decisions and the technical review. Everyone needs to understand the process. Barb noted it is important to include what funding is handled, how various program decisions are made. David indicated he and Pelin want to do a “nuts and bolts” training for task force members. He is going to work with Pelin on that piece. Maryalice will consult with her about the bigger picture. We may need to do a combined event on May 19.
Public policy issues at national level
There is so much happening at national level and on our behalf. After some discussion, it was decided we would ask Kaira Esgate, the ASC Executive Director, to attend virtually on May 19 and do a briefing for everyone. Exec members are interested in overview of priorities set by states that ASC is pursuing; “rules of the game” for Commissioners who want to be involved; role of ASC generally; overview of funding streams.
Approaching expiring seats for 2017 –
Some of the Commission seats were vacant for so long that 3 new people serving the unexpired portion of someone else’s term will need to be re-appointed in 5 months. There are four experienced Commissioners with expiring terms. Barbara noted we should be sure the new people understand why they have to be re-appointed. The rest of the discussion was held for June so John and Celeste can participate.
The meeting closed at 3:40 pm