Bill > S155

This bill aims to address inequality, promote opportunity, and end poverty in Massachusetts. It makes several key changes: 1. It establishes the "Community Action Trust Fund to Address Inequality, Promote Opportunity, and End Poverty" and provides funding for community action agencies, which are the federally mandated antipoverty agencies in the state. The bill requires that at least 90% of community services block grant funds received by the state be contracted directly with these agencies. 2. It creates a special commission to investigate, develop, and recommend statewide strategies to address inequality, promote equity and inclusion, and create and expand opportunity for low-income residents. The commission will include representatives from state agencies, community organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. They will develop a comprehensive set of policy, program, and practice recommendations, including a budget proposal, to reduce poverty by 50% over 10 years. 3. The commission will monitor and report on the progress of its recommendations annually and may issue "report cards" on the state's progress. The commission will operate for 10 years and can accept and solicit funds, including from federal sources, to support its work.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S155