Bill > H3439

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Bureau on Social and Economic Equity in Recovery and Reconstruction (CHEEERR Act) to address disparities faced by Black and Latino residents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill creates several key initiatives, including a Massachusetts Bureau with an administrator and advisory council to identify and recommend funding sources to mitigate disparities in housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. The legislation establishes multiple funds, including a Commonwealth Health, Economic, Education, and Equity Recovery and Reconstruction Fund, a Small Business Stabilization and Support Fund, and an Incarceration to Incorporation Entrepreneurship Fund. Additionally, the bill creates a Commonwealth Housing, Economic, Education and Equity in Recovery and Reconstruction Service Corps (CHEEERRS corps), which will recruit young people aged 17-26 from disparately impacted communities to work on community service projects addressing unmet needs in areas like environment, education, health, and basic human services. The corps members will receive stipends and support, and the program aims to provide meaningful service opportunities while addressing systemic inequities. The bill is comprehensive in its approach, seeking to provide targeted support and resources to communities most affected by the pandemic, with a particular focus on racial and economic disparities.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3439