Budget Amendment ID: FY2014-S3-293-R2

2nd Redraft ECO 293

Pathways to Family Economic Self-Sufficiency

Ms. Donoghue moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __, the following new section:-

“Section __.  (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the comptroller shall transfer $400,000 from the General Fund to the Commonwealth Corporation, under contract with the Department of Transitional Assistance, for the administration of a pilot program called Pathways to Family Economic Self-Sufficiency.

(b) Said pilot shall equip low-income families for long-term economic stability by providing enhanced preparation for, increased access to, and support for success in education and training programs leading to employment in high-demand occupations.

(c) Eligible individuals include adults and teens with responsibility for the care of one or more dependent children who: (i) are receiving or have within the past two years received Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or, (ii) who are receiving or have within the past two years received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or, (iii) are receiving or have within the past two years received Mass Health benefits on behalf of her or himself or one or more dependent children, and, (iv) who are determined suitable for participation in the Pilot based on an assessment of education, work experience, interest in participation and other factors;

(d) At least 40 percent of the Pathways participants shall be recipients of Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children at the time their participation begins.

(e) The pilot shall be administered by the Commonwealth Corporation under contract with the Department of Transitional Assistance; the Commonwealth Corporation will administer a request for proposal to select the pilot sites. Qualified respondents must demonstrate their capacity for and experience in supporting the efforts of low-income families to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Commonwealth Corporation shall engage an independent evaluator for the purposes of documenting implementation to support replication and evaluating outcomes of the Pilot.