United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Did you know that your Congressional delegates will be in their home districts this week? Even though that means I won't have much to report on in next week's blog post, it's an exciting time for you! This week, your U.S. Representative and Senators are focusing on hearing what you think about their work. So go to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov, find your Representative or Senator, and see how you can make your opinions heard!

Check out the list below for the most recent bills introduced in Education, Income, and Basic Needs.

Say it with me now: Inclusion on this list does not necessarily indicate UWSEM support for a bill or issue.

Education

• US Senate & House: S. 585 & H.R. 1090 - "Full Service Community Schools Act of 2011." Would authorize grants for efforts help schools participate in community-based efforts to integrate educational, developmental, family, health, and other services through public and private partnerships.
  

Income

• U.S. House: H.R.1131, "Preventing Homeowners from Foreclosure Act of 2011." Would provide grants to State and local governments to carry out programs to provide mediation between mortgagees and mortgagors facing foreclosure.
  

Basic Needs

• U.S. House: H.R.1209. Would reform the housing choice voucher program, or Section 8.
  
• U.S. House, H.R. 1135, "Welfare Reform Act of 2011." Would require reporting on total spending on means-tested welfare programs, provide additional work requirements, and provide an overall spending limit on means-tested welfare programs.

Do you think that Congress is on the right track when it comes to Education, Income, and Basic Needs? Tell me about it in the comments!