Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Research the Economic Disparities of Racial and Ethnic Populations
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 0768
Committee: Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business
Sponsors: TALBOT ROSS, LIBBY, BAILEY, BRENNAN, BROOKS, HICKMAN, MARTIN, NEWELL, TERRY, DESCHAMBAULT

Legislative Document
No. 768
H.P. 573
House of Representatives, February 12, 2019
Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Research the Economic 
Disparities of Racial and Ethnic Populations
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and 
Business suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative TALBOT ROSS of Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator LIBBY of Androscoggin and
Representatives: BAILEY of Saco, BRENNAN of Portland, BROOKS of Lewiston, 
HICKMAN of Winthrop, MARTIN of Greene, NEWELL of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, 
TERRY of Gorham, Senator: DESCHAMBAULT of York.
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, recent reports reveal that the ongoing structural barriers to wealth equality 
in the nation cannot be combated at the individual or household level, and that public 
policy is needed to eliminate racial wealth disparities; and 
Whereas, Maine needs to perform research to determine which policy interventions 
will have the most impact on bridging the wealth and wage gap between historically 
disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations and the rest of the citizens in the State; and
Whereas, this legislation establishes the Commission To Research the Economic 
Disparities of Racial and Ethnic Populations; and
Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that 
the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next 
legislative session; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  Commission established.  Resolved:  That the Commission To 
Research the Economic Disparities of Racial and Ethnic Populations in the State, referred 
to in this resolve as "the commission," is established.
Sec. 2.  Commission membership.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the commission consists of the following 13 members:
1.  Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including 
members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;
2.  Four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the 
House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats 
in the Legislature;
3.  A representative of a community development organization appointed by the 
President of the Senate;
4.  A representative of an economic policy organization appointed by the Speaker of 
the House;
5.  The administrator of the Maine District Office of the federal Small Business 
Administration, or the administrator's designee;
6.  Two members of the public engaged in working with communities of color in 
business development, one of whom is appointed by the President of the Senate and one 
of whom is appointed by the Speaker of the House;
7.  The president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, or the president's 
designee; and
8.  The commission shall invite the participation, as a voting member, of a 
representative of the Native American community.
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That the first-named Senate member is the Senate 
chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the 
commission.
Sec. 4.  Appointments; convening of commission.  Resolved:  That all 
appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this 
resolve.  The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative 
Council once all appointments have been completed.  After appointment of all members, 
the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission. If 30 days or more 
after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been 
made, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority 
for the commission to meet and conduct its business.
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the commission shall research income levels of 
and opportunities available to historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations in 
the State and shall examine quantitative and qualitative data associated with those 
populations regarding business ownership, household assets, debts and income, housing, 
employment and access to inherited wealth, capital and benefits.  The commission shall 
consider proposals to diversify business ownership to include those populations and 
bridge the gaps in wealth acquisition, including, but not limited to, proposals to:
1.  Develop a program to provide to aspiring and new business owners technical 
assistance workshops and training on topics such as the creation of business plans, 
accessing capital and funding and securing job training;
2.  Provide assistance to vendors to become state-certified and to create a register and 
clearinghouse to serve as a resource for state-certified vendors seeking government 
contracts; and
3.  Establish an office to coordinate the educational and technical assistance needs of 
emerging small businesses and to provide information to small businesses seeking to 
open, operate and expand their businesses.
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the 
Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission, except 
that Legislative Council staff support is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular 
or special session.
Sec. 7.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than December 4, 2019, the commission 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested 
legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve establishes the Commission To Research the Economic Disparities of 
Racial and Ethnic Populations.