To ensure a complete, accurate, and equitable census count
Impact
If enacted, the bill would mandate the consolidation of efforts to secure better representation for undercounted communities during census periods. This involves creating comprehensive outreach programs that focus on increasing participation through various channels, including multi-lingual communications and partnerships with local organizations. Furthermore, it requires that a significant portion of the funds allocated for census outreach be specifically directed towards supporting undercounted communities, aiming to rectify historical inequities in census data collection.
Summary
House Bill 851 aims to ensure a complete, accurate, and equitable census count across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At its core, the bill proposes the establishment of a Census Equity Commission, charged with developing outreach programs designed to improve census participation among traditionally undercounted communities. The legislation recognizes the importance of achieving a correct population count as it influences federal funding distribution and legislative representation, specifically aiming to address concerns surrounding the inclusion of marginalized groups such as individuals experiencing homelessness, communities of color, and low-income populations.
Contention
While the initiative has broad support due to its noble aim of inclusiveness, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation of the Census Equity Commission and the allocation of resources. Notable points of contention could involve disagreements on how outreach efforts are prioritized, the effectiveness of engagement strategies, and the potential bureaucratic complexities introduced by forming a new governmental body to oversee these activities. Additionally, discussions may emerge around securing the necessary federal funding to support the proposed initiatives and how these efforts might impact local government autonomy in census-related matters.
Creating a special commission to study the current refugee resettlement infrastructure and ensure the successful integration of refugees in Massachusetts
In Ready-to-Succeed Scholarship, further providing for agency; and adding provisions relating to funding for higher education by providing for limitation on funding for University of Pittsburgh, for limitations on funding for supplemental support to the agency and the State System of Higher Education and for study for divestiture of University of Pittsburgh.