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.
Policy and Advocacy 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 – 628 (9.28.21)
- Defines and names ESEs and worker cooperatives among the recognized “earn and learn” programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act – California Senate Bill 799 (9.24.21)
- LA County Certification
- Expands contracting preferences to include Social Enterprises and Disabled Veterans Businesses – 2762 (9.28.2018)
- Expands use of CalFresh for education and training to contract directly with ESEs – 415 (9.28.2017)
Federal Impact
- Federal Omnibus 2023
- Three ESE supportive priorities – Federal Omnibus 2022
- Empowered organizations to identify and support sustainable solutions that are already making a significant impact in transforming communities – Social Innovation Fund (2017)
Regional Impact
- 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)
- Procurement Policies and Contract Preferences to Include ESEs (2018)
- Connects employment social enterprises to the workforce system, supportive services, and employers in Los Angeles – LA:RISE (2016)
Tax Credits
- Allows a tax credit for qualified taxpayers that employ an eligible individual during the taxable year – 150 (7.16.2021)
- 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)
Equity
- Increases awareness of the employee-ownership business model – 1407 (10.3.2022)
- Removes barriers for individuals on parole or probation to access job training – 990 (10.3.2022)
- Ensures survivors of domestic violence and women experiencing homelessness have access to services – 914 (9.29.2022)
- Removes licensing barriers for individuals with a criminal record to operate or manage facilities – 1720 (9.28.2022)
- Addresses issues related to the participation of homeless and foster youth in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships – 565 (9.22.2021)
- Encourages the US Department of Transportation to lean into their racial equity and workforce goals – 3684 (9.15.2021)
- Automates arrest and conviction relief by dismissing eligible convictions for individuals who have completed their probation – 1076 (10.9.2019)
- Improves equity and access to workforce development and quality jobs for all Californians – 50 (9.9.2019)
- Reduces barriers to occupational licensing for people with a prior conviction – 2138 (10.01.2018)
- Supports partnerships to prepare people with barriers to enter and complete postsecondary credential attainment programs – 1111 (10.16.2017)
More Policy Highlights
Improves equity and access to workforce development and quality jobs for all Californians
Author: Assemblymember David Chiu. Signed into law September 9, 2019.
Automates arrest and conviction relief by dismissing eligible convictions for individuals who have completed their probation
Author: Assemblymember Phil Ting. Signed into law October 8, 2019.
Encourages the US Department of Transportation to lean into their racial equity and workforce goals
Sponsor: Representative Peter DeFazio. Signed into law September 15, 2021.
Defines and names ESEs and worker cooperatives among the recognized “earn and learn” programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
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
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
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
Committee on Budget – Assemblymember Ting (Chair). Signed into law July 16, 2021.
Increases awareness of the employee-ownership business model
Author: Senator Josh Becker. Signed into law September 29, 2022.
Removes barriers for individuals on parole or probation to access job training
Author: Senator Ben Hueso. Signed into law September 29, 2022.
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