Budget Amendment ID: FY2016-S3-331

ECO 331

Rural Policy Commission

Messrs. Wolf, Downing, Eldridge and deMacedo moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following new section:

Section XX.  Chapter 23A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 66. (a) There shall be within the executive office of housing and economic development, but not subject to the supervision or control of the executive office, a rural policy advisory commission. The mission of the commission shall be to enhance the economic vitality of rural communities, defined as municipalities with a population density of less than 500 persons per square mile, and to advance the health and well-being of rural residents.

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 15 members: the speaker of the house of representatives, ex officio, or a designee; the president of the senate, ex officio, or a designee; the secretary of housing and economic development, ex officio, or a designee; 1 person appointed by the governor from the Berkshire regional planning commission, the Cape Cod commission, the central Massachusetts regional planning commission, the Franklin regional council of governments, the Martha’s Vineyard commission, the Montachusett regional planning commission, the Nantucket planning and economic development commission and Pioneer valley planning commission; 4 other persons appointed by the governor. Commission members shall be persons with a demonstrated interest and experience in advancing the interests of rural residents.

(c) Members of the commission may serve a maximum of 3 consecutive 3 year terms. Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term. The commission shall elect from among its members a chair, a vice chair, a treasurer and any other officers it deems necessary. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for any usual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members shall be considered special state employees for the purposes of chapter 268A.

(d) The commission shall serve as a research body for issues critical to the welfare and vitality of rural communities. In furtherance of that responsibility, the commission shall: (i) study, review and report on the status of rural communities and residents in the commonwealth; (ii) advise the legislative and executive bodies of the impact of existing and proposed state laws, policies and regulations on rural communities; (iii) advance legislative and policy solutions that address rural needs; (iv) advocate to ensure that rural communities receive a fair share of state investment; (v) promote collaboration among rural communities to improve efficiency in delivery of services; and (vi) develop and support new leadership in rural communities. The executive office of housing and economic development shall provide the commission with adequate office space as well any research, analysis or other staff support that the commission reasonably requires.

(e) The commission shall meet on a quarterly basis at the discretion of the chair. Meeting locations shall rotate between Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, central Massachusetts, and western Massachusetts. Meetings shall be open to the public in accordance with sections 18 to 25, inclusive, of chapter 30A.

(f) The commission may accept and solicit funds, including any gifts, donations, grants or bequests or any federal funds, for any of the purposes of this section. Such funds shall be deposited in a separate account with the state treasurer, be received by said treasurer on behalf of the commonwealth, and be expended by the commission in accordance with law.

(g) The commission shall annually, on or before June 2, report the results of its findings and activities of the preceding year and its recommendations to the governor and to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives who shall forward the same to the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies.