Amendment #548 to H3400

Food Assistance

Ms. Decker of Cambridge moves to amend the bill in section 2 by inserting after item 2511-0105 the following item:

"xxxx-xxxx For the operation of the city of Cambridge’s Weekend Backpack Project for Food Assistance…………………………………………………………………$110,000”;

and by adding the following section:-

“SECTION XX. There shall be a special commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to study and investigate the cost of implementing a statewide program modelled after the city of Cambridge’s Weekend Backpack Project for Food Assistance. The commission shall consist of 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be nominated by the minority leader, 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be nominated by the minority leader, the secretary of health and human services, the commissioner of agricultural resources and 3 members to be appointed by the governor. The members of the commission may elect a member to serve as chair. As part of its study and investigation, the commission shall analyze and determine: (1) the efficacy of the city of Cambridge’s Weekend Backpack Project for Food Assistance and similar projects thereto; and (2) the potential impact a statewide weekend backpack project could have on malnourished and undernourished children in the commonwealth.”.