Groups get state
grants sooner

Lingle says the better economy
means more timely release of funds

The state's improved financial condition has allowed the governor's office to release funds for various programs in a more timely manner, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday.

Organizations receiving grants yesterday » Bishop Museum School Visit/Science Learning Center Program, $300,000 » Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education, $100,000 » Honolulu Symphony Society, $100,000 » Read to Me International, $100,000 » Alliance for Drama Education, $50,000 » College Connections Hawaii, $50,000 » Hawaii Youth Symphony Association, $45,000

In announcing $745,000 in state grants to seven organizations for arts and education programs, Lingle noted that the funds became available at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, and she was pleased to be able to release the money before the end of the first fiscal quarter.

"We're in a much different position than we were when we came here," she said.

The state Department of Budget and Finance has predicted a budget surplus of about $473 million for the current fiscal year.

Lingle has in the past been criticized by Democrats for withholding money for various programs. Most of the funds that had been withheld were for anti-drug programs approved by the Legislature in 2003.

Administration officials have defended the practice, saying they were simply being fiscally responsible and scrutinizing all programs to ensure that state money was being spent appropriately.

Lingle said her administration will continue to closely evaluate all appropriations, but added that the state's improved economy gives her more discretion in releasing funds.

"Yes, it's more fun to be able to make certain that groups that perform good services for the community get their money," Lingle said. "But when I see that we're in a difficult financial situation, then I have to make the tough decision and say, 'I'm sorry, we just can't do it,' or 'We can't do it at this time,' or 'We can't do it at the level that was voted on by the Legislature.'"