Amendment ID: S3018-281-R1

Redraft Amendment 281

Technology Improvements for the Emergency Assistance Shelter Program

Messrs. Gomez and O'Connor, Ms. Chang-Diaz, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Gobi, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Moran, Ms. Chandler, Ms. Jehlen and Ms. Lovely move that the proposed new text be amended in section 2A, in item 1599-6087, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $400,000 shall be expended to make technological improvements to the application process for the emergency housing assistance program under section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws in order to reduce erroneous delays and denials, to improve data tracking and to increase accessibility by reducing barriers for applicants, including applicants with disabilities and applicants with limited English proficiency; provided further, that said improvements shall include, but not be limited to: (i) improvements to the telephone application system; (ii) improvements to the computerized application platform; and (iii) the development of an online application that has responsive design on mobile devices, satisfies federal plain language guidelines developed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 accessibility guidelines and can be integrated into efforts to develop a common application for benefits”; and

by striking out the figure “$9,400,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,800,000.”