Jaylen Brown's nonprofit could land $700K in Mass. budget

As his sports stardom has risen, Brown has become a prominent social justice advocate in Boston.

• Brown's 7uice Foundation, based in Waltham, aims to address opportunity gaps for underserved youth in Boston and Atlanta.

Zoom in: According to its website, the foundation teaches entrepreneurship and financial literacy, health and wellness, leadership and activism, as well as sustainability and technology.

What they're saying: "We just felt there was a good use of taxpayers' funds and a good opportunity for us to continue to invest in Black and brown communities in Massachusetts," House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz told Axios after the House vote.

• Michlewitz said the funding isn't about who's behind any particular nonprofit entity.
• The aim, according to Michlewitz, was to direct taxpayer-funded earmarks toward Black and Latino communities that have not traditionally benefited from the earmark system.

Between the lines: The language House Democratic leaders included in the budget is broad and calls for "bridging opportunity gaps and empowering youth in underserved communities through education and innovation."

• Brown's foundation would have wide latitude on how to spend the tax dollars.

• The budget amendment was initially sponsored by Boston Rep. Christopher Worrell.

Follow the money: Fiscal watchdogs have criticized Democrats for not providing enough local aid to cities and towns in the largest budget proposal in state history.

• The House added less to the bottom line through earmarks during floor votes this year than in recent years, according to Michlewitz.

What's next: The House budget needs to be reconciled with the Senate's version before a final plan reaches Gov. Healey's desk.

• Democrats rarely interfere with earmark spending selected by legislative leaders and approved by the chambers.