Resolve, To Establish the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Creating Basic Income Security

Sec. 1. Committee established. Resolved: That the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Creating Basic Income Security, referred to in this resolve as "the committee," is established.

Sec. 2. Committee membership. Resolved: That the committee consists of 13 members appointed as follows:

1. Four members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including a representative of each of the following joint standing committees:

2. Four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, including a representative of each of the following joint standing committees:

3. One member of the public who represents low-wage workers and recipients of public benefits, appointed by the President of the Senate;

4. One member of the public who represents business and industry, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. One member who represents the Governor's office of innovation and the future, appointed by the Governor;

6. One member who represents higher education, appointed by the Governor; and

7. One member who represents a trade union, appointed by the Governor.

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 committee.

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of committee. 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 committee. 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 committee to meet and conduct its business.

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the committee shall examine and make recommendations on the feasibility of providing basic economic security through a direct cash payment system and other programs that are designed to help individuals and families become more economically secure, including, but not limited to:

1. Tax rebates and credits, including strengthening the earned income tax credit and a negative income tax;

2. Universal basic income and unconditional cash transfers to residents of the State; and

3. Other direct cash benefit programs.

The committee shall also investigate the effectiveness of existing safety net programs, such as tax credit, child care and food supplement programs, and compare those programs to any recommended direct cash payment programs.

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the committee, except that Legislative Council staff support is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session.

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, no later than February 1, 2020, the committee shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.

Sec. 8. Outside funding. Resolved: That the committee shall seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the study. All funding is subject to approval by the Legislative Council in accordance with its policies. If sufficient contributions to fund the study have not been received within 30 days after the effective date of this resolve, no meetings are authorized and no expenses of any kind may be incurred or reimbursed.

summary

This resolve establishes the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Creating Basic Income Security to examine options to better provide basic economic security to Maine people, including through the development of a direct cash payment system.