Amendment #19 to H3977

English Language Learning Programs

Mr. Chan of Quincy moves to amend the bill in SECTION 4, by striking out subsection (c) of section 17 of chapter 23N, and inserting in place thereof the following:-

(c) Eligible grant recipients shall provide opportunities which: (i) target at risk youth, including resources to empower youth to succeed in the workforce; (ii) provide job skills trainings, including programs offering trainings in multiple languages and areas for development, including education and hands on skills; (iii) promote adult literacy, including strategies to master reading and writing and providing digital formats to increase accessibility; and (iv) provide English language learning programs to promote access to the workforce. The secretary of housing and economic development shall establish criteria to evaluate applications for the grant program; provided, that the criteria shall include, but shall not be limited to, at risk populations; provided further, that preference shall be given to eligible grant recipients providing opportunities for individuals who meet at least 2 of the following: (i) is under 30 years of age; (ii) is a victim of violence; (iii) is over 18 years of age and does not have a high school diploma; (iv) has been convicted of a felony; (v) has been unemployed or has had a family income below 250 per cent of the federal poverty level for not less than 6 months; (vi) lives in a census tract where over 20 per cent of the populations fall below the federal poverty line; or (vii) is an immigrant, refugee, or person of color.

And further, in SECTION 4, by striking out paragraph (2) in section 18 of chapter 23N, and inserting in place thereof the following:-

(2) For the purposes of funding after-school and out-of-school activities, including, but not limited to, youth athletics and other activities that improve student health, literacy programs, English language learning programs, academic tutoring, art, theater and music programs and community service programs.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #19, as changed to H3977

English Language Learning Programs