HOUSE DOCKET, NO.                 FILED ON: 1/24/2019

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 73

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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Resolve establishing the Massachusetts government assistance task force to address the statewide impacts of the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown.

Resolved, that there be a bipartisan emergency response task force for the purpose of proactively identifying ways in which the commonwealth can respond to its citizens and affected communities during and immediately following the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown in a way that provides financial support and government services for those affected by the shutdown.

The task force shall convene within 5 business days upon approval of the resolve and consist of 9 members: The governor or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the attorney general or a designee; 3 members of the senate, 2 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader;3 members of the house of representatives, 2 of whom shall be appointed by the  speaker, one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; and the secretary of administration and finance or a designee. The task force shall work in consultation with appropriate state agency heads, representatives of federal government and other relevant entities deemed necessary.

The task force shall analyze the short term and long term impacts of the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown. The task force shall issue a public report that includes but is not limited to, an analysis of government programs impacted, how Massachusetts residents are impacted, and the potential cost and economic impact to the commonwealth during a short term and long term shut down.

The task force shall develop a response plan for the commonwealth that prioritizes the continuation of services for its residents and communities. It shall identify administrative actions, policy changes and legislative proposals as necessary for consideration to address both short term and long term impacts, focusing foremost on the loss of revenue, impacted federal employees and beneficiaries impacted by the loss of federal services.

A detailed impact report and an initial response plan shall be filed with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, and made available to the public, on or before February 1, 2019. The task force may issue additional reports, findings and suggested actions, including legislation, at any time during its authority.

The task force shall dissolve exactly 30 days after the end of the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown. Prior to dissolving, the task force shall issue a final report detailing the total economic impact to the Commonwealth as a result of the federal government shutdown.