United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Recent news and legislation regarding Education, Income, and Basic Needs in Southeastern Michigan. Don't forget to share your opinions in the comments!

Education

Federal

• Sec. Duncan commits to waive aspects of NCLB if not acted on soon.
  
• Rep Hunter (R-CA) proposes to grow charter schools as part of ESEA reauthorization.
  
• Rep. Polis introduces a bill to fund professional development for teachers.
  

State

• Gov. Snyder plans to create Office of Early Childhood in coming days.
  
• Tenure changes advance to Senate floor for final vote.
  
• FL governor Jeb Bush endorses Snyder’s education plan before state legislature.
  
• Detroit News editorial: Tenure reform bills put kids’ education first
  
• MLHS hosts panel highlighting the importance of education to keep the middle class afloat.
  
• EMU Faculty side with teachers’ unions on new Education Achievement System.
  

Income
Federal

• Rep Honda (D-CA) introduces VITA grant legislation.
  
• Financial Services funding bill approved for full House vote, with cuts to community development .
  
• House considers reforms to Section 8 and other housing voucher programs.
  

State

• Extension of mortgage loan modification program passes Senate and moves through House.
  
• House considers bills to lower unemployment benefits and tighten work requirements.
  
• House passes unemployment tax bill that might lower benefits for certain individuals.
  

Basic Needs
Federal

• House approves appropriations for the USDA, with cuts to WIC and TEFAP.
  
• FRAC’s annual summer food report highlights decline in participation.
  
• Three-state pilot will provide universal free school meals in high-poverty communities
  
• Senate hearing on Farm Bill accountability highlights SNAP fraud and abuse.
  
• Rep Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduces a bill to direct more funds to CBOs providing basic services.
  
• House Financial Services funding bill holds off on Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
  

State

• Michigan received a $3.3M award from the USDA for improvements in SNAP administration.
  
• The House held hearing to consider bills creating several new restrictions for Bridge cards.
  
• The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on DHS held a hearing on SER.
  
• Rep Paul Opsommer proposes asset limits for the Food Assistance Program.
  
• Detroit News article highlights Michigan’s USDA award for SNAP improvements.