Results for

  • Child Welfare Data Modernization Act

    HR #3438 | Last Action: 6/24/2019
    Child Welfare Data Modernization Act This bill temporarily increases the federal match from 50% to 75% for certain state and tribal expenditures related to child welfare data reporting.
  • Child Welfare Emergency Assistance Act of 2020

    S #4172 | Last Action: 7/2/2020
    Child Welfare Emergency Assistance Act of 2020 This bill extends and modifies various child welfare programs. Specifically, it provides additional funding to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations for services related to foster care, such as kinship caregiving outside the foster care system, case management, caseworker training, and adoption support. Further, through FY2022, the bill (1) modifies the six-month residency requirement for a child to be eligible for kinship guardianship assistance payments, (2) waives limits on foster care services based on an individual's age, and (3) increases the federal matching for kinship guardian programs and foster care and prevention services. The bill also extends through FY2028 supports for family preservation, family reunification, and community-based family services and modifies grants related to state and tribal foster care and adoption proceedings. Additionally, the bill provides funding through FY2022 for states to provide training to caseworkers and child welfare agency staff on de-escalation strategies regarding law enforcement interactions with children, youth, and families coming to the attention of child welfare agencies and children and youth in foster care.
  • Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2019

    S #274 | Last Action: 1/30/2019
    Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination or adverse action against a child welfare provider that declines to provide services due to the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. The prohibition applies to the federal government and any state, tribal, or local government that receives federal funding for child and family services or foster care and adoption assistance. However, government entities may still take adverse action against a provider that denies adoption or foster care placement based on the prospective parent or child's race, color, or national origin. If a state, tribal, or local entity engages in such prohibited actions, the Department of Health and Human Services shall withhold 15% of the federal funds the entity would have received to provide child and family services or foster care and adoption. The bill also provides a private right of action for child welfare providers to sue the government entity for such discrimination, and a prevailing provider shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. A government entity that accepts federal funding for child and family services or foster care and adoption assistance shall have waived sovereign entity as a defense to such discrimination allegations.
  • Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2019

    HR #897 | Last Action: 1/30/2019
    Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2019 This bill prohibits discrimination or adverse action against a child welfare provider that declines to provide services due to the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. The prohibition applies to the federal government and any state, tribal, or local government that receives federal funding for child and family services or foster care and adoption assistance. However, government entities may still take adverse action against a provider that denies adoption or foster care placement based on the prospective parent or child's race, color, or national origin. If a state, tribal, or local entity engages in such prohibited actions, the Department of Health and Human Services shall withhold 15% of the federal funds the entity would have received to provide child and family services or foster care and adoption. The bill also provides a private right of action for child welfare providers to sue the government entity for such discrimination, and a prevailing provider shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. A government entity that accepts federal funding for child and family services or foster care and adoption assistance shall have waived sovereign entity as a defense to such discrimination allegations.
  • Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Act of 2019

    S #661 | Last Action: 3/5/2019
    Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Welfare Actof 2019 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with experts in child development and welfare and pediatric medicine, to develop guidelines for the treatment of children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). DHS must provide resources and trained staff to address the needs of such children, including child welfare professionals, at each port of entry and Border Patrol station. The bill imposes various duties on such child welfare professionals, including the duty to report allegations of abuse and ensure DHS compliance with abuse reporting laws. DHS may not remove a child from a parent or legal guardian solely for the purpose of deterring individuals from migrating to the United States or for promoting compliance with the immigration laws. DHS must (1) assign a family unit tracking number to each family member apprehended at the border, (2) allow humanitarian organizations and state and local child welfare agencies to monitor children in detention and conduct unannounced inspections, (3) promulgate regulations establishing basic standards of care for the short-term custody of children by CBP, (4) ensure that children apprehended by CBP receive an interview and screening with a child welfare professional and are provided information about their rights under the immigration laws, and (5) provide each apprehended parent or legal guardian and each child with access to legal counsel.
  • Child Welfare Workforce Support Act

    S #1070 | Last Action: 4/9/2019
    Child Welfare Workforce Support Act This bill establishes a demonstration grant program for state or local agencies, tribes, tribal organizations, and other entities that administer certain child welfare programs to support workforce recruitment, retention, and advancement. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services must award up to ten grants to states and counties, and up to three to Indian tribes, giving priority to entities with high rates of turnover in the child welfare workforce. Grant recipients must, among other activities, increase interest in careers in the child welfare workforce and provide mentoring, professional development, and other support services to new hires and other employees. In addition, they may use funds to update certain technology infrastructure.
  • Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act

    HR #1532 | Last Action: 3/5/2019
    Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to (1) establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to advise on social work policy issues, (2) award specified grants to support social work activities, and (3) develop public service announcements to promote the social work profession. HHS shall award grants to (1) certain entities that employ social workers to carry out workplace improvement programs to address concerns related to the social work profession; (2) institutions of higher education to support social work students and faculty; (3) eligible state or local government entities or nonprofits to test and replicate effective social work interventions; and (4) postdoctoral researchers in social work.
  • Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act

    HR #4211 | Last Action: 8/27/2019
    Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act This bill revises the licensing process of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animal dealers and exhibitors to expand USDA's oversight and enforcement of animal welfare requirements. The bill also authorizes citizen suits to enforce the Animal Welfare Act. Dealers and exhibitors must apply to USDA for licenses or renewal licenses each year. Before issuing or renewing licenses, USDA must conduct unannounced facility inspections. USDA must deny an application for * a new license if the applicant fails to meet animal welfare standards during a second inspection, * a renewal license if the applicant violates such standards in more than one inspection in the previous two years, or * a new or renewal license if the dealer or exhibitor has violated laws relating to animals or if the issuance of the license would facilitate the circumvention of state or local laws that prohibit the private ownership of certain animals. Further, USDA must suspend the licenses of dealers or exhibitors whose violations present a risk to animal welfare. USDA must revoke the licenses if the violations persist or if the licensees commit multiple violations. Dealers and exhibitors with suspended or revoked licenses may not be (1) granted another license, (2) granted another license through another person or entity, or (3) employed by another licensee to work with animals during the period of the suspension or revocation.
  • Expressing support for the designation of May 2, 2019, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

    HRES #344 | Last Action: 5/1/2019
    This resolution (1) supports the designation of a National Day of Reason; and (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to focus on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social problems and promoting human welfare.
  • Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2020, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

    HRES #947 | Last Action: 5/1/2020
    This resolution (1) supports the designation of a National Day of Reason; and (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to focus on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social problems and promoting human welfare.
  • Strengthen Social Security by Taxing Dynastic Wealth Act

    S #1950 | Last Action: 6/25/2019
    Strengthen Social Security by Taxing Dynastic Wealth Act This bill returns the taxation of estates and gifts to levels that were in effect in 2009. This increases the maximum rate for estates and gifts to 45% and modifies exemptions. The bill also combines the existing Social Security trust funds into a single Social Security Trust Fund and provides for the deposit of increased estate and gift tax revenue into the consolidated trust fund.
  • Every Child Deserves a Family Act

    S #1791 | Last Action: 6/11/2019
    Every Child Deserves a Family Act This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or religion in the provision of child welfare programs and services by entities receiving federal funding. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide technical assistance to help states follow this requirement, including (1) guidance for bringing state laws into compliance, (2) developing training to increase cultural competency related to social identity, and (3) training for judges and attorneys involved in child welfare cases, among other supports. Additionally, HHS must establish the National Resource Center on Safety, Well-Being, Placement Stability, and Permanency for LGBTQ Children and Youth Involved with Child Welfare Services to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to applicable state and local agencies and service providers. Further, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act may not be the basis for challenging the application or enforcement of this bill. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on states' compliance with the requirements of the bill no later than three years after enactment.
  • Every Child Deserves a Family Act

    HR #3114 | Last Action: 6/5/2019
    Every Child Deserves a Family Act This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or religion in the provision of child welfare programs and services by entities receiving federal funding. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide technical assistance to help states follow this requirement, including (1) guidance for bringing state laws into compliance, (2) developing training to increase cultural competency related to social identity, and (3) training for judges and attorneys involved in child welfare cases, among other supports. Additionally, HHS must establish the National Resource Center on Safety, Well-Being, Placement Stability, and Permanency for LGBTQ Children and Youth Involved with Child Welfare Services to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to applicable state and local agencies and service providers. Further, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act may not be the basis for challenging the application or enforcement of this bill. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on states' compliance with the requirements of the bill no later than three years after enactment.
  • Social Security 2100 Act

    S #269 | Last Action: 1/30/2019
    Social Security 2100 Act This bill increases various Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits and related taxes. The bill increases the primary insurance amount (e.g., the amount a Social Security beneficiary receives if the beneficiary begins receiving benefits at normal retirement age) by increasing the percentage of the beneficiary's average indexed monthly earnings used to calculate the amount. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall publish a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers, which the Social Security Administration  (SSA) shall use to calculate cost-of-living adjustments to benefits. Currently, the SSA uses a price index for wage earners to make such adjustments. The bill increases the minimum benefit amount for individuals who worked for more than 10 years by creating an alternative minimum benefit. A qualifying beneficiary shall receive that alternative minimum if it is higher than the standard calculated benefit amount. The bill increases the income threshold that a beneficiary must reach before Social Security benefits are taxable. Increased benefits from this bill shall not count as income when determining an individual's eligibility or benefit amounts for (1) Medicaid, (2) the Children's Health Insurance Program, or (3) the Supplemental Security Income program. Income above $400,000 shall be included when calculating Social Security benefits and taxes. The bill also increases rates for the payroll and self-employment taxes that fund OASDI. The bill establishes the Social Security Trust Fund, which replaces the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.
  • Social Security 2100 Act

    HR #860 | Last Action: 1/30/2019
    Social Security 2100 Act This bill increases various Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits and related taxes. The bill increases the primary insurance amount (e.g., the amount a Social Security beneficiary receives if the beneficiary begins receiving benefits at normal retirement age) by increasing the percentage of the beneficiary's average indexed monthly earnings used to calculate the amount. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall publish a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers, which the Social Security Administration  (SSA) shall use to calculate cost-of-living adjustments to benefits. Currently, the SSA uses a price index for wage earners to make such adjustments. The bill increases the minimum benefit amount for individuals who worked for more than 10 years by creating an alternative minimum benefit. A qualifying beneficiary shall receive that alternative minimum if it is higher than the standard calculated benefit amount. The bill increases the income threshold that a beneficiary must reach before Social Security benefits are taxable. Increased benefits from this bill shall not count as income when determining an individual's eligibility or benefit amounts for (1) Medicaid, (2) the Children's Health Insurance Program, or (3) the Supplemental Security Income program. Income above $400,000 shall be included when calculating Social Security benefits and taxes. The bill also increases rates for the payroll and self-employment taxes that fund OASDI. The bill establishes the Social Security Trust Fund, which replaces the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.
  • Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2019.

    HRES #176 | Last Action: 3/5/2019
    This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.
  • Social Security Fairness Act

    S #521 | Last Action: 2/14/2019
    Social Security Fairness Act This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government job. The bill eliminates thegovernment pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security survivors' benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receives government pensions of their own. The bill also eliminates thewindfall elimination provision, which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.
  • Know Your Social Security Act

    S #2989 | Last Action: 12/5/2019
    Know Your Social Security Act This bill requires the Social Security Administration to provide Social Security account statements by mail to each individual who is 25 or older and who is eligible for, but not currently receiving, Social Security retirement benefits. Individuals may choose to receive their account statements electronically.
  • Social Security Expansion Act

    S #478 | Last Action: 2/13/2019
    Social Security Expansion Act This bill increases benefits and certain taxes related to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. Changes to benefits include (1) increasing the primary insurance amount for certain beneficiaries; (2) revising the method of calculating cost-of-living adjustments; (3) establishing a new minimum benefit for certain low earners; and (4) allowing certain children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers to receive benefits until age 22 if they are a full-time students. Changes to taxes include increasing the net investment income tax for certain taxpayers and extending payroll taxes on wages, salaries, and self-employment earnings to income above $250,000. Under current law, the maximum amount subject to the Social Security payroll tax is $132,900 for 2019. The bill also combines the existing Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund into a single Social Security Trust Fund.
  • Social Security Expansion Act

    HR #1170 | Last Action: 2/14/2019
    Social Security Expansion Act This bill increases benefits and certain taxes related to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. Changes to benefits include (1) increasing the primary insurance amount for certain beneficiaries; (2) revising the method of calculating cost-of-living adjustments; (3) establishing a new minimum benefit for certain low earners; and (4) allowing certain children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers to receive benefits until age 22 if they are a full-time students. Changes to taxes include increasing the net investment income tax for certain taxpayers and extending payroll taxes on wages, salaries, and self-employment earnings to income above $250,000. Under current law, the maximum amount subject to the Social Security payroll tax is $132,900 for 2019. The bill also combines the existing Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund into a single Social Security Trust Fund.
  • Social Security Child Protection Act of 2019

    S #991 | Last Action: 4/2/2019
    Social Security Child Protection Act of 2019 This bill directs the Social Security Administration to issue a new Social Security number to a child under the age of 14 if the child's Social Security card was stolen while being sent.
  • Social Security Child Protection Act of 2019

    HR #1838 | Last Action: 3/21/2019
    Social Security Child Protection Act of 2019 This bill directs the Social Security Administration to issue a new Social Security number to a child under the age of 14 if the child's Social Security card was stolen while being sent.
  • A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2019.

    SRES #116 | Last Action: 3/14/2019
    This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2019.
  • Save Social Security Act of 2019

    HR #567 | Last Action: 3/1/2019
    Save Social Security Act of 2019 This bill modifies the requirements for Social Security payroll taxes and benefits to * apply Social Security payroll taxes to annual income above $300,000, * include earnings above $300,000 in the benefit formula, and * increase to $100,000 the income threshold above which a portion of a taxpayer's Social Security benefits is included in gross income. (Under current law, Social Security payroll taxes apply to the first $132,900 of income in 2019 and a portion of benefits is included in the gross income of individuals with certain income that exceeds thresholds of $0, $25,000, or $32,000, depending on the individual's filing status.)
  • Social Determinants Accelerator Act of 2019

    S #2986 | Last Action: 12/5/2019
    Social Determinants Accelerator Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Social Determinants Accelerator Interagency Council and provides funds for the council to (1) assist the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in awarding specified grants, (2) increase coordination among health and social service programs, and (3) provide program evaluation guidance and technical assistance to increase the impact of social service programs. Specifically, the bill provides funds for HHS to award up to 25 grants to state, local, or tribal health or human services agencies for the development of social determinants accelerator plans that address at least one health and one social outcome for a specified target population.