The Senate returned to session this week, and the House is set to return next week. With only a few weeks left until government funding runs out, lawmakers face a hectic September as they work to avoid a government shutdown. Lawmakers will either need to pass all 12 appropriations bills or a continuing resolution to keep the government open past September 30. This will be a critical time for your advocacy as we work to share our message of support for the Senate’s FY24 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill and its higher funding levels for Perkins and education and workforce development programs! In the meantime, here are some news and notes:
- Senate to Consider Three Appropriations Bills Next Week: The Senate is aiming to move a three-bill appropriations package next week that will consist of Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development measures. The package, more commonly referred to as a “minibus,” will represent the first appropriations bills to reach the floor in the Senate.
- Congressional Republicans to Introduce Resolution to Overturn New Student Loan Plan: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) will introduce a Congressional Review Act Resolution that would prevent the Biden administration from continuing its new “Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment plan. More than 4 million borrowers of federal student loans have already enrolled in the new plan, which can cut monthly payments and allow loan forgiveness after less time than under previous repayment plans. The Congressional Review Act provides Congress with a mechanism to overturn certain Administration rules.
- Secretary Cardona Goes on Back-to-School Bus Tour: This week, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona embarked on a back-to-school bus tour that included several CTE stops. We will recapping his entire tour next week.
- Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program: The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program will invest $200 million in persistently distressed communities to create and connect people to good jobs. On June 29, 2023, Economic Development Administration (EDA) published the Phase 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Click here for more information on how to apply.
- Labor Department Announces $14M in Grants to Prepare Young People for Good-Paying Jobs: The Department of Labor this week announced the award of $14 million in grants to seven organizations in five states to deliver workforce services when youth are out of school. The Workforce Pathways for Youth demonstration grants being made to organizations in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Virginia are intended to support recipients’ efforts to supply workforce readiness programming for historically underserved youth from ages 14 to 21 in 21 states and American Samoa. More information on the awards can be found here.
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