United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Budget hearings and negotiations are still center stage in Washington. Nevertheless, some new bills were introduced this week that deal directly with Education, Income, and Basic Needs. While we in Southeastern Michigan anxiously await some final decisions on federal funding for 2011, I'm also watching these bills closely.

Please note that inclusion in this list does not indicate UWSEM support for any bill or issue.

Education

• US Senate: S. 541, “Achievement through Prevention Act.” Would allow State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and schools to increase implementation of schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 907, “Access to Books for Children Act.” Would create grants to provide vouchers to women participating in WIC for the purpose of educational books for their infants and children. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 925, "Fast Track to College Act of 2011." Authorizes competitive matching grants to support dual enrollment programs. This bill is the House equivalent of S. 154, which I wrote about last week. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 954, “Family Educational Freedom Act of 2011.” Would create tax credit of up to $5,000 per student per year for the cost of attendance at any elementary or secondary educational institution. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 955 & 957, “Professional Educators Tax Relief Act of 2011,” and “Teacher Tax Cut Act of 2011.” Would provide tax credits for teachers and professional school personnel in grades preK-12. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 965, “Education Improvement Tax Cut Act of 2011.” Would provide a tax deduction for donations to organizations that offer educational scholarships, or donations for instructional materials and materials for extracurricular activities. Link
  

Income

• US Senate: S. 489, “Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2011.” Would require mortgagees to evaluate federally related loans for modifications, and establish a grant program for State and local government mediation programs. Link
  
• US Senate: S. 527, “HAMP Termination Act.” Would end provision of new assistance under the Home Affordable Modification Program, preserving assistance to homeowners who are already participating or have been extended an offer to participate. Link
  
• US Senate: S. 467, “Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit Act of 2011.” Would increase the credit for families with three or more children, and reduce the marriage penalty of the credit. Link
  

Basic Needs

• US Senate: S. 560. Would adjust benefits and deliver lower prescription drug prices under Medicare. Link
  
• US House: H.R. 982, “Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief (HEATR) Act of 2011.” Would provide a refundable credit against income tax to assist individuals with high residential energy costs. Link
  
  

Have an opinion about any of the bills or issues on this list? Let me know in the comments!