Date: 08/21/2013
Final
Debrief and Future Meeting Agendas
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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04:24 PM -- Debrief and Future Meeting Agendas
Senator Kefalas asked each task force member to comment on what he or she learned in the meeting and whether he or she had specific topic or agenda ideas for subsequent meetings. Senator Ulibarri stated that the poverty metric conversation was helpful. He said that instead of implementing a poverty index that only examines poverty and wealth, the task force should consider an opportunity index. He discussed the importance of targeting the index to vulnerable populations and stated that there are many independent factors impacting different populations and that these increasing disparities need to be addressed. He suggested examining how to assign value to the impact of legislation at the next meeting. Representative Pettersen commented on the importance of hearing what the working groups are working on and the need to determine how to ensure that the working groups are productive.
04:32 PM
Senator Hudak stated that education is a key factor in economic opportunity and poverty reduction, and discussed the need to teach job search skills and other soft skills, and for different state departments to work together more collaboratively. She commented on the duplication of work done by different working groups, as well as issues of funding. She stated that the task force must determine a clear policy agenda as opposed to presenting a random a collection of legislation. Senator Marble discussed the need for an opportunity index, as well as ways to increase business expansion for job growth and employment opportunities. She thanked the public for their input. Senator Kefalas asked Senator Marble to speak about the upcoming agenda for the workforce readiness working group, specifically in regards to business regulations.
04:41 PM
Senator Kefalas stated that the purpose of task force is: to determine how to identify best and promising practices to reduce poverty rates and increase economic opportunity; to reframe the conversation surrounding poverty; and to cut the poverty rate in half by 2019. He reiterated the mission and purpose of the working groups and the role of the working groups within the entire task force. He stated the importance of prioritizing what legislation the task force brings forward, as well as other recommendations that can be made administratively. He discussed the need to develop a functional promising practices database and to develop a poverty metrics system, whether it's a well-being index or opportunity index. Senator Kefalas discussed the agenda for the next meeting on September 4. Senator Hudak requested time at the next meeting to begin discussions about legislation to bring forward.
04:52 PM
The committee adjourned.