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 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)
  • 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)
  • 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

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

California Assembly Bill 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 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 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 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 150

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

Increases awareness of the employee-ownership business model

California Senate Bill 1407

Author: Senator Josh Becker. Signed into law September 29, 2022.

Removes barriers for individuals on parole or probation to access job training

California Senate Bill 990

Author: Senator Ben Hueso. Signed into law September 29, 2022.

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