Budget Amendment ID: FY2020-S3-209-R1

Redraft EDU 209

Two-Generation Education Commission

Messrs. Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 75 the following section:-

“SECTION 75A. There shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations concerning the implementation of a 2-generation approach that focuses on creating opportunities for and addressing the needs of both vulnerable parents and children together. The commission shall: (i) measure and account for outcomes for both children and their parents; (ii) engage and listen to families; (iii) foster innovation and promote evidence-based practices; (iv) align and link systems and funding streams; (v) prioritize intentional implementation; and (vi) ensure equity. For the purposes of this section, “2-generation approach” shall mean an anti-poverty strategy aimed at reducing chronic, multi-generational family poverty by achieving better outcomes for the child, parents and community simultaneously.

The commission shall consist of the following members or their designees: the chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, who shall serve as co-chairs; the chairs of the joint committee on education; the commissioner of early education and care; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education; the commissioner of higher education; the commissioner of transitional assistance; the secretary of labor and workforce development; the secretary of housing and economic development; and 6 persons to be appointed by the co-chairs, 3 of whom shall be representatives of community-based organizations that have experience working with youth and families, 2 of whom shall be representatives of research, educational or philanthropic institutions specializing in education, including early childhood education, and 1 of whom shall be a representative of an organization with an interest in 2-generation approaches.

The commission shall: (i) solicit information and input from service providers, families, educational institutions and any other party or entity it considers appropriate; (ii) review and identify best practices learned from similar efforts in other states; (iii) propose a plan for a 2-generation approach to school and employment readiness that addresses intergenerational barriers with workforce training or targeted education and related support services; (iv) study and make recommendations for inter-agency resources and services and the maximization of existing state resources available to fund the expansion of 2-generation approaches; (v) develop recommendations to measure and evaluate progress for both children and their parents through specified 2-generation approaches; and (vi) identify and make recommendations for new and sustainable funding sources for 2-generation approaches.

Members of the commission shall be appointed and the commission shall commence its work not later than 60 days after the effective date of this act. Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this act, the commission shall report the results of its study, together with any draft legislation necessary to implement 2-generation approaches, by filing the same with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on education and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities.”.