SB 105-13: Hubert H. Humphrey Helping Hand to the Homeless Act (Redraft Passed)

[Senator-elect Spark]

The need for this bill is clear, there are too many obstacles for our youth, especially those without a clear path. Youth who struggle due to crimes such as human trafficking are more likely to be homeless. This is something that this honorable chamber must address.

This bill will provide for subsidized grants from the federal government to regional centers dedicated to combating poverty. Providing sufficient funding for these centers and shelters enables us to combat this issue head on. It helps our young people to have a chance.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Section 2 could use more detail.

Yeah, there should be some definitions as to exactly who qualifies for these grants and what they need to do other than vaguely “help homeless citizens”.

Then offer an amendment Senator.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Section 2 could use more detail.

Yeah, there should be some definitions as to exactly who qualifies for these grants and what they need to do other than vaguely “help homeless citizens”.

Those who qualify include those below the national poverty threshold. These grants must go toward poverty reduction services and community centers to combat homelessness.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Spark does an amazing job at establishing the need for a specific action in his first sections of bills, which I think is certainly a positive aspect towards improving legislation.

However, all that build up and then you get to get to section 2 and you are pumped for action and what do you see, a grant and some money.

I am not of a mind to discourage anyone, least of all in our present state, so I hope my words are taken as constructive analysis that it is, but the common feature that Spark needs to address going forward in legislation he offers is beefing up the content, interweaving a stronger utilization of existing agencies, modifying existing laws, providing more detail on implementation and administration and lastly, the budgetary aspects of how to fund it and when (with consideration for end of fiscal year and practicalities of introducing it immediately versus the next fiscal year as I have discussed frequently in the budget resolution thread).

I appreciate this constructive feedback. IRL sure is a balancing act but I am committed to seeing this legislation through.

[Senator-elect Spark]

I'd like to offer the following additions to this bill:

Section 2. Definitions/Restrictions

a. A nonprofit center is defined as an entity that is not primarily focused on accruing profit but for a charitable or equitable cause
b. "Youth" shall be defined as a minor below the age of 18 who is in a transient state of living as reported by a family member, the community, or law enforcement.
c. A grant is defined as a sum of money allotted toward a specific purpose
d. Grants will be categorical and subject to restrictions. Grants may only be used for services related to homelessness such as housing acquisition, food preparation, and other necessities for living.
e. Grants may not be awarded for other purposes not related to directly aiding the youth homeless population.

Section 3. Qualifications & Program establishment

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia hereby establishes grants to provide nonprofit centers across the three regions in assisting homeless citizens.
b. The grant amount shall be no less than $30,000,000 total for community centers in all regions; $10,000,000 to each region of Lincoln, Fremont, and the South. The grants are dedicated to fighting poverty stricken communities.
c. The poverty guideline shall be recognized as $12,880. Each Atlasian that is at or below this income level is eligible for the grants distributed by the nonprofit community centers.
d. This program will go into effect for the remainder of the 2021 fiscal year, with funding amounts set to be reviewed, renewed, or extended each fiscal year.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Yankee said it best, really. The problem with these bills is the structure and lack of funding mechanisms. Zero perimeters as to who gets the money and how much. Will the regions adopt your plan? Will your region fund your plan? Should they be required to? Etc., etc., etc.

These are all things, in addition to what Yankee said, you need to keep in mind when establishing new government programs. For this bill, we need to define the poverty level. We need to know which departments are involved. We need some formula or some standards in order for a bill to become an effective law, rather than a list of vague platitudes. What about "nonprofit centers" that either embezzle or use 90% of their donations for marketing purposes? I understand we can't be expected to know every single law that's been passed (we ran into this problem just recently), but if it weren't for that $10,000,000, this would have been an empty resolution. It still needs beefing up. And it should be incumbent upon the sponsor, generally, to have some way to address these issues in legislation effectively. (In other words, don't make everyone do your work for you.)

I recognize that these bills need more detail, as I have been unaccustomed to doing funding sections because the House handled that previously. I will take this up and am in the process of updating the bill. I appreciate your swift and constructive feedback.

I just think it's best to have some input on the bill and not do all the work myself. You all should have a say in this process as well.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Is there a specific source for the $12,880 figure?

Yes, that is the national guideline IRL.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Aye

[Senator-elect Spark]

This redraft is friendly and resolving the funding mechanism situation.

[Senator-elect Spark]

No objection.