Connecticut Senate Bill SB00898

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/19
• Refer: 2/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/7/19
• Refer: 3/15/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19
• Refer: 5/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/13/19
• Report Pass: 5/14/19

Caption

An Act Establishing The Hispanic And Fellow Communities Of Color Nonprofit Stabilization And Growth Fund.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have a direct positive impact on state laws governing nonprofit organizations. By providing financial support from the General Fund, eligible organizations can improve their operations and service delivery, thereby benefiting the communities they serve. The bill outlines specific criteria for organizations to qualify for funding, ensuring that the resources are targeted toward those that meet the needs of underrepresented populations. The proposal emphasizes the importance of culturally competent and language-accessible services in meeting the diverse needs of these communities.

Summary

SB00898, known as the Act Establishing The Hispanic And Fellow Communities Of Color Nonprofit Stabilization And Growth Fund, aims to establish a dedicated funding mechanism to support nonprofit organizations serving Hispanic individuals and fellow communities of color. The bill proposes creating a fund that will provide grants and resources to community-based organizations focused on enhancing their capacity to deliver essential human services. A major aspect of the fund is to promote long-term sustainability and operational efficiencies among these nonprofit entities.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB00898 has been largely positive, with support from various advocacy groups focused on social equity and community development. Proponents argue that enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits is crucial for effective community service, especially for populations historically underserved. However, there may be contention regarding how funds are allocated and which organizations are deemed eligible, which could surface debates about equity in access to state resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise around the administration of the fund, including who manages the grant distribution and the evaluation criteria for funding eligibility. The bill suggests employing a competitive procurement process, which might lead to concerns among organizations about the fairness of selection processes. Additionally, setting performance-based metrics could be controversial, as different organizations may have varied capacities and contexts that affect their ability to meet such standards.