Bill > H293

This bill establishes a special commission, essentially a task force, to examine the effects and advantages of increased financial support and legislative initiatives provided to "gateway cities," which are typically smaller cities facing economic challenges. This task force will include legislative leaders from the Joint Committee on Economic Development and the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, along with representatives from key state agencies like Administration and Finance, Housing and Economic Development, and Unemployment Assistance, as well as two members from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The commission's primary responsibility is to assess how gateway cities have used additional funding, such as tax exemptions, credits, and grants, since the program's inception, and to report on how these funds are positively impacting the communities, including efforts to reduce unemployment, boost median income, and improve educational attainment. The task force is mandated to present a report with recommendations for economic recovery to the legislature by December 31, 2015.