Policy makes the possible plausible

To create systemic change, REDF and its community of entrepreneurs informs and influences policymakers on the federal, state, and local levels to invest in employment social enterprise as key to building a more inclusive economy. We do so through national and California-based coalitions called Resourcing Employment Social Enterprises Together (or RESET), unlocking the wisdom of our collective (with a national membership at 70+ strong) to expand our reach to folks hit hardest by systemic and structural barriers to employment. 

National Policy Agenda

More about RESET

California State Policy Agenda

More about California RESET

Policy Highlights

Policy Advancements

ESE Codified Into Law
  • Ensures the workforce system is more inclusive and equitable, and names ESEs to the Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative – AB-628 (September 28, 2021)
  • Defines and names ESEs and worker cooperatives among the recognized “earn and learn” programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act – SB-799 (September 24, 2021)
  • LA County Certification
  • Expands contracting preferences to include Social Enterprises and Disabled Veterans Businesses – AB-2762 (September 28, 2018)
  • Expands use of CalFresh for education and training to contract directly with ESEs – AB-415 (September 28, 2017)
  • Nation’s first statewide investment of $25M to scale ESEs – CA RISE (2023)
  • Creates an estimated 15,000 jobs including for ESEs – Clean California Initiative  (2021-2022)
  • Allows a tax credit for qualified taxpayers that employ an eligible individual during the taxable year – AB-150 (July 16, 2021)
  • Expanded the EITC to include free tax preparation services – CalEITC Expansion (2021-2022)
  • Expands CalEITC to young adults and seniors – CalEITC (2017-2018)
  • Establishes a tax credit between $2,500 and $10,000 per qualified homeless individual hired – CalEITC Expansion (2019-2020)
  • Increases awareness of the employee-ownership business model – SB-1407 (October 3, 2022)
  • Removes barriers for individuals on parole or probation to access job training – SB-990 (October 3, 2022)
  • Ensures survivors of domestic violence and women experiencing homelessness have access to services – SB-914 (September 29, 2022)
  • Removes licensing barriers for individuals with a criminal record to operate or manage facilities – AB-1720 (September 28, 2022)
  • Addresses issues related to the participation of homeless and foster youth in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships – AB-565 (September 22, 2021)
  • Encourages the US Department of Transportation to lean into their racial equity and workforce goals – 3684 (September 15, 2021)
  • Automates arrest and conviction relief by dismissing eligible convictions for individuals who have completed their probation – AB-1076 (October 9, 2019)
  • Improves equity and access to workforce development and quality jobs for all Californians – ACR-50 (September 9, 2019)
  • Reduces barriers to occupational licensing for people with a prior conviction – AB-2138 (October 1, 2018)
  • Supports partnerships to prepare people with barriers to enter and complete postsecondary credential attainment programs – AB-1111 (October 16, 2017)

More Policy Highlights

Expands contracting preferences to include Social Enterprises and Disabled Veterans Businesses

California Assembly Bill AB-2762

Author: Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo. Signed into law on September 21, 2018

Automates arrest and conviction relief by dismissing eligible convictions for individuals who have completed their probation

California Assembly Bill AB-1076

Author: Assemblymember Phil Ting. Signed into law October 8, 2019.

Defines and names ESEs and worker cooperatives among the recognized “earn and learn” programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act

California Senate Bill SB-779

Author: Senator Josh Becker. Signed into law September 22, 2021.

Ensures the workforce system is more inclusive and equitable, and names ESEs to the Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative

California Assembly Bill AB-628

Author: Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. Signed into law September 27, 2021.

Addresses issues related to the participation of homeless and foster youth in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships

California Assembly Bill AB-565

Author: Assemblymember Tom Lackey. Signed into law September 22, 2021.

Allows a tax credit for qualified taxpayers that employ an eligible individual during the taxable year

California Assembly Bill AB-150

Committee on Budget – Assemblymember Ting (Chair). Signed into law July 16, 2021.

ESEs are innovative, evidence-based approaches that train employees while earning a paycheck. Offering skills training and employment together is one of the best ways to strengthen our economy long-term.
Through innovative and collaborative partnerships, we can support our most vulnerable residents and provide hope for a better future. That is why I’m proud to continue my support for LA:RISE.
By combining jobs, training, and services, ESEs are helping to ensure that all Angelenos have access to economic opportunity, housing, and safe communities.

Senator Josh BeckerD-Peninsula

Supervisor Hilda SolisLA County Board of Supervisors, First District

Mayor Karen BassCity of Los Angeles

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