Amendment #936 to H4700

Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant

Ms. Keefe of Worcester moves to amend the bill in section 2 by inserting after item 7002-1502 the following item:

7002-2021   For a community empowerment and reinvestment grant program to be administered by the executive office of housing and economic development for the purpose of developing, strengthening and investing in communities: (i) that are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system; (ii) where a high percentage of individuals’ incomes fall below 250 per cent of the federal poverty level; and (iii) with a large population of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; provided further, that there shall be a board consisting of individuals from and with experience advocating on behalf of said communities; provided further, that the board shall be comprised entirely of individuals who belong to a demographic of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; provided further, that pursuant to chapter 227 of the Acts of 2020, the board shall consist of: 3 persons appointed by the governor; 2 persons appointed by the senate president; and 2 persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; provided further, that the board shall make recommendations to the executive office on the criteria for making grants available to communities and organizations; provided further, that eligible uses shall include, but not be limited to, for socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups: (a) job training, job creation and job placement for those who face high barriers to employment in said communities; (b) transitional employment programs, social enterprise, pre-apprenticeship or other training programs; (c) school-based or community-based high school dropout prevention and re-engagement programs; (d) cooperative and small business development programs and community-based workforce development programs; and (e) programs focused on housing stabilization services, addiction treatment and trauma-informed mental health care; provided further, that not later than September 1, 2023, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the criteria established for creating grants, as well as approved and expected grants distributed under this item, delineated by municipality and organization; and provided further, that any unexpended funds in this item shall not revert but shall be made available for the purpose of this item until June 30, 2023.............. $15,000,000

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #936 to H4700

Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant