Budget Amendment ID: FY2016-S3-826

EHS 826

Improvements to the “A Better Life” Pilot Program

Mr. McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following new section -:

XX. Section 33 of chapter 158 of the acts of 2014 is hereby amended by adding the following new words: -

Hardship exceptions to any work or education requirements shall be granted when a resident lacks access to available employment or an affordable education program, when a resident lacks affordable and reliable transportation to get to a job or education program, when a resident lacks safe and affordable child care, when a resident is a person with a disability or health condition or the caretaker of a family member with a disability or health condition that interferes with the ability to meet the generally applicable requirements, or when a resident demonstrates good cause for not being able to participate in whole or in part in such programs. For each week that a resident is entitled to a hardship exemption, 35 hours shall be deducted from the generally applicable annual hourly requirement. The education requirements in this program may be fulfilled, without limitation, by post-secondary courses, high school courses, adult basic education, English as a Second Language programs, general high school equivalency degree programs, vocational training programs , life skills programs, financial literacy programs, and any other activities countable toward work requirements under the program of Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, provided that the number of countable hours of certain education and training programs shall be determined in accordance with the Department of Early Education and Care rules for calculating a service need for an income eligible child care subsidy under 606 C.M.R. § 10.04(1)(b)(1.)(d.). The grievance and tenant participation requirements under Department of Housing and Community Development regulations at 760 CMR 6 shall apply to this program. The housing authority will report quarterly on the implementation and results of the program beginning on January 1, 2016 to the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Joint Committee on Housing and the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means. The provisions of this section shall also apply to any pilot programs funded through item 7004-0114 in section 2 of the annual state budget.