TANF Extension Passes House, Next Senate?

Last week the House of Representatives passed a short term extension of the Temporary assistance for Needy Families (TANF), HR 430. The bill would extend the block grant through June 30, 2019. It is unclear if Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) will let it pass. TANF block grant has run out despite the full funding

Human Service Impact Climbs

The ongoing government shutdown is a mixed bag in terms of human services funding and which programs, and, by extension, people are most vulnerable. As part of the five appropriations bills that were signed on time last fall, the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and Department of Labor are all funded.

Senate Legislation Introduced to Extend Title IV-E Waivers

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) have introduced the State Flexibility for Family First Transitions Act. It would allow current Title IV-E waiver states to extend their child welfare waivers for two years although there is no provision that would stop another extension after the next two-year extension. As part of an

Budget Impasse Starts to Have Impact

This week is likely to see the first full effects of the partial government shutdown although for over 800,000 workers that has been felt since December 21, 2018. On Friday after a reportedly contentious meaning between Congressional Democrats and the President, Mr. Trump proclaimed that the government shutdown could go on for “months or even

Child Trends Survey Shows State Child Welfare Spending Consistent with Past

This past December, Child Trends released a new survey of state child welfare spending based on 2016 state fiscal years. The biennial survey indicates that overall spending in combined federal, state and local child welfare dollars remained somewhat stable from the past survey (based on 2014) with spending up by 5 percent. But over ten

Child Trends Survey Shows Waivers Are Funding Traditional IV-E Services

The new Child Trends survey of state child welfare spending indicates that the overwhelming use of Title IV-E funding through Title IV-E waivers has been used for services that can be currently paid for under the current Title IV-E law. The funding totaled approximately $2 billion. According to the survey of 24 states providing data

Budget Deadline 21st, Could Be First Issue for New Congress

The House wrapped up early Thursday and is not scheduled to return until next Wednesday at the earliest. House members left without any indication of what they would be doing this week when funding expires for seven appropriations bills. The President met with likely-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Senator

Agriculture Bill is Reauthorized

  As part of the year-end clean up, Congress approved an Agriculture Reauthorization. The bill was unveiled Monday night and then quickly approved by the Senate by a vote of 87-13, an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote by senators. The bill was largely a victory for Senate Republican and Democratic leaders over their House counterparts. Senators on

Budget Extended To December 21

The memorials to President George H.W. Bush forced Congress to push off any discussion of the budget last week. As a result a short term continuing resolution (CR) was quickly agreed to and passed by Thursday. The extension now means that funding will run out shortly before the Christmas break. The memorial services also meant

Budget Finish Still Uncertain

With only 4 days until funding runs out on 25 percent of the federal budget, it is still unclear how the story of the FY 2019 ends. It appears likely there will be a short-term extension this week but that is because of the funeral and ceremonies in honor of former President George H.W. Bush.

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