On Monday, May 17, 2021, the US Department of Treasury (along with the Internal Revenue Service/IRS) announced that the first installment of the expanded CTC would start on July 15, 2021. Treasury also announced that 88 percent of families would automatically receive the monthly payment. Approximately 39 million households will be covered and that translates
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Senate HELP Committee focused on proposals for expanded Family and Medical Leave and comments and statements by members showed a divide between Committee Democrats and Republicans. Committee Chair, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) is sponsoring S 249, the Family and Medical Insurance Leave “FAMILY Act” (along with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support held a hearing on "Making a Difference for Families and Foster Youth." The hearing was intended as a review of potential updates and changes to the two Title IV-B programs for reauthorization later this year. The witnesses included William Bell, President and CEO, Casey
There are two child welfare programs created under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. Despite the call for flexible funding through child welfare, these two programs have been around for decades and provide very flexible child welfare funding, although neither program has had strong support and, in fact, been continuously cut since 2005.
This past week President Biden met with Republican and Democratic leaders to discuss how to move forward on an infrastructure bill. The negotiations are vital because, over the remaining weeks of May, such discussions will determine how Congress proceeds this summer on his two major reforms on infrastructure and the American Family Plan. Some
On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, the full Senate approved Andrea Palm as the Deputy Health Secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services by a vote of 61 to 37. A significant vote considering the number of close votes for some of the President’s nominees in the 50 to 50 Senate. One of
On Monday, May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of Treasury released details and funding on the state and local government fiscal relief that was included in the March COVID-19 relief legislation. The $350 billion in relief is divided into the following: States & District of Columbia $195.3 billion; Counties $65.1 billion; Metropolitan Cites $45.6 billion; Tribal
Reliable and affordable access to the internet is essential for everything from scheduling health care appointments to ensuring students have the necessary tools for remote learning. Unfortunately, people in the United States pay some of the highest prices in the world to access the internet. Lack of internet access, or the digital divide, has long
There are three key points for CWLA members this week: Make the Child Tax Credit Permanent which would make the CTC fully refundable, even for low-income families. The Child Tax Credit is on track to be delivered monthly, starting in July 2021, by the IRS. Making the CTC permanent can lift more children above the poverty line
The past year has focused needed attention on racial inequity. The death of George Floyd and many others have focused greater attention on racial inequality across this country. This inequity extends to child welfare. This HOT TOPIC calls for three immediate steps Congress can take this year: Reform the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA); Add in greater flexibility