Rebecca Testifies on GRANT Program
Dr. Rebecca Hartsough testifies before the Kentucky General Assembly on House Bill 9 (2023). Screenshot from official legislative video recording.
With Rebecca and the Babbage team at the helm, Kentucky passed HB 9, the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) bill during the 2023 legislative session. This landmark legislation designed to position Kentucky to compete for and secure millions in transformative federal funding.
The program addresses a critical barrier facing local governments and nonprofits: the lack of matching dollars and infrastructure needed to access historic federal grant opportunities. By establishing a dedicated state matching fund and coordinated support structure, HB 9 creates a scalable model to unlock billions in federal investment, strengthen public-private partnerships, and accelerate long-term economic development across the Commonwealth. Rebecca’s testimony speaks to the bill’s potential to deliver an outsized return on investment while ensuring Kentucky communities are not left behind in the national funding landscape.
During committee discussion, Rebecca highlighted that nearly $3 trillion in competitive federal grants are currently available nationwide, with 41 Kentucky counties — 21 in eastern Kentucky and 20 in western Kentucky — prioritized for revitalization due to fossil fuel–related economic decline. She explained that without state matching support, many communities would be unable to compete. Drawing on trends in neighboring states that had already appropriated matching funds, Rebecca and team worked alongside legislative leaders to craft HB 9 as a forward-looking, fiscally responsible solution. Rebecca emphasized the urgency of the limited federal funding window and the importance of collaboration to ensure Kentucky captures catalytic, one-time investments capable of transforming regional economies.
Testimony delivered before the Kentucky General Assembly regarding House Bill 9 (2023). Watch the full testimony here.
