Education

American Workforce Investment in Next Generation of Students Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

American Workforce Investment in Next Generation of Students Act This bill directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out a program for students to enroll in and complete science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, STEM-focused career and technical education courses, and other career pathway courses during grades 11 and 12 at a secondary school served by a local educational agency (LEA) partner; enroll in a course of study related to such a career pathway or in a youth apprenticeship program at a partner community college upon graduating from the secondary school; enroll, for a two-year period, in the youth apprenticeship program or the joint-labor management training program upon receiving an associate's degree from a partner community college; receive assistance from a student career workforce navigator; and receive work training and job placement through a workforce development consortium employer established under the bill. An eligible entity is a partnership (1) among at least one LEA, at least one community college, and at least one youth apprenticeship program or joint labor-management training program; and (2) that works with an employer in a state-identified high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sector or occupation that is serving, or seeking to expand its capacity to serve, youth apprenticeship programs.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Modernization Act This bill revises provisions related to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish and regularly update a comprehensive database identifying each qualified public service employer and each position offered by such employer that is a public service job. ED must also establish a process whereby an employer may submit a certification that it is a qualified public service employer. In addition, the bill prohibits ED from requiring a borrower to apply for and be denied loan cancellation pursuant to the PSLF program as a condition of eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. ED must also develop and make publicly available an online tool for borrowers to learn more about the expanded program, determine their eligibility for forgiveness, and identify any requirements for participation.

Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2021 This bill establishes a grant program to recruit, train, and place real-time writers for closed captioning of television programming. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to court reporting programs that possess the most substantial capacity to train real-time writers for closed captioning English and Spanish video programming. Grant recipients shall use the funds to recruit, train and assist, and place real-time writers.

Time for Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Time for Completion Act This bill expands consumer information disclosure requirements related to student completion or graduation rates at institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student-aid programs. Currently, such IHEs must disclose the completion or graduation rate of first-time, full-time, certificate- or degree-seeking undergraduate students. This bill expands disclosure requirements to include the completion or graduation rates of non-first-time and half-time certificate- or degree-seeking undergraduate students. The bill also sets forth new time periods for calculating the completion or graduation rates for programs of study that are less than four years.

ABLE Employment Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

ABLE Employment Flexibility Act This bill permits employers to make tax-exempts contributions to ABLE (Achieving Better Life Experience) accounts in lieu of making contributions to existing tax-exempt defined contribution retirement plans. An ABLE account is established to pay the expenses (e.g., food, education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, and health care expenses) of a designated beneficiary who is disabled.

School Milk Nutrition Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

School Milk Nutrition Act of 20 21 This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture. The bill permits schools participating in the program to offer students low-fat flavored milk.

POST GRAD Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act or the POST GRAD Act This bill authorizes graduate and professional students to receive subsidized Stafford Loans. These students have been ineligible to receive subsidized Stafford Loans since July 1, 2012.

Public School Emergency Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Public School Emergency Relief Act This bill authorizes a Department of Education program to provide temporary emergency impact aid payments to states for assisting local educational agencies and Bureau of Indian Education schools in responding to increases in the enrollment of immigrant children.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2021

Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2021 This bill allows certain part-time faculty to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Specifically, the bill allows part-time faculty members or instructors to participate in the PSLF program if they (1) teach at least one course at an institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a tribal college or university; and (2) do not have another full-time job.

Responsible Borrowing Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Responsible Borrowing Act of 2021 This bill authorizes institutions of higher education (IHEs) to prorate or limit the amount of a Federal Direct Loan that an enrolled student may borrow for an academic year. The bill specifies the factors that an IHE may use to limit these loans. These factors include the average starting salary for typical occupations pursued by graduates of the program, the enrollment status of the student (i.e., full- or part-time enrollment), the credential level of the program (e.g., degree or certificate), and the year of the program for which the student is seeking the loan. Upon request of a student whose loan has been prorated or limited, an IHE may increase the amount of the loan within otherwise applicable limits if the student demonstrates special circumstances or exceptional need.

FAIR Contributions Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act or the FAIR Contributions Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines). The fund provides support to high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care facilities, and the Lifeline program (an FCC program that provides a discount on phone service for low-income consumers). The report must consider (1) the type and size of firms and services on which contributions could be assessed, (2) equity issues related to current versus alternative systems for contributing to the fund, (3) the effect of any change to the contribution system on the telecommunications bills of consumers, and (4) the sustainability of the fund and how to ensure that fund disbursements are consistent and predictable over time.

Smoke Planning and Research Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Smoke Planning and Research Act of 2021 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to research and mitigate the impacts of smoke emissions from wildland fires. Specifically, the EPA must establish (1) four Centers of Excellence for Wildfire Smoke at institutions of higher education, and (2) a grant program to support community mitigation efforts.

SUPER Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Steel Upgrading Partnerships and Emissions Reduction Act or the SUPER Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of iron, steel, and steel mill products. Specifically, DOE must establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of advanced tools, technologies, and methods for low-emissions steel manufacturing. DOE, in collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and DOE's national laboratories, must also support an initiative for the demonstration of low-emissions steel manufacturing.

Student Records Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Student Records Protection Act This bill revises the requirements for an accrediting agency to be recognized by the Department of Education (ED) as a reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at an institution of higher education (IHE). It also requires an IHE to establish a records management plan for accreditation purposes. Specifically, an accrediting agency must require an IHE to submit for approval a records management plan upon notification by the IHE that it intends to cease its operations. The plan must include a plan for the custody, continued access, and disposition of student records (e.g., student transcripts, billing, and financial-aid records). Further, the IHE must submit the plan to ED. Under current law, an IHE must be accredited by an accrediting agency to participate in federal student-aid programs.

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.

A resolution congratulating the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Zaila Avant-garde.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

This resolution congratulates Zaila Avant-garde on becoming the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.

Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2021

Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2021 This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

Regional Innovation Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Regional Innovation Act of 2021 This bill establishes a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program and a Regional Clean Energy Innovation Program. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program to encourage collaboration among local, state, and federal government entities, institutions of higher education, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and others to promote inclusive regional innovation initiatives; designate eligible consortia as hubs and facilitate activities by such consortia in implementing their regional innovation strategies; and develop best practices for regional development and competitiveness in technology and innovation. Additionally, the Department of Energy shall establish the Regional Clean Energy Innovation Program to enhance the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States; accelerate the pace of innovation of clean energy technologies through regional clean energy innovation partnerships; improve the competitiveness of U.S. clean energy technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application; and support the development of tools and technologies best suited for use in diverse regions of the United States, including in rural, tribal, and low-income communities.

Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021 This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to conduct a public education campaign to increase oral health literacy and awareness. HRSA must design the campaign to focus on children, pregnant women, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities.

A resolution congratulating the Mississippi State University baseball team on winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball championship.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

This resolution congratulates the Mississippi State University baseball team on winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball championship. The resolution further recognizes Mississippi State University for its excellence as an institution of higher education.

Defense Community Teacher Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2021

Defense Community Teacher Support Act This bill makes certain teachers who teach in military impacted communities eligible for student loan forgiveness. A school in a military impacted community is served by a local educational agency for which at least 20% of the students in average daily attendance in all schools served by the agency during the preceding school year had a parent on active duty. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education to cancel up to $17,500 of federal student loans for a borrower who is an elementary or secondary school teacher employed for five consecutive years in a school in a military impacted community. In addition, a teacher who is required to move due to a permanent change in duty station of their spouse may meet the five-year teaching requirement by teaching in multiple schools in different military impacted communities.

Strategic Competition Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021 This bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to implement a National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative to advance societal well-being, national security, sustainability, and economic productivity and competitiveness. Among other activities, the initiative must include sustained support for research centers, individual investigators, technologies, and training. The initiative shall include outreach to primarily undergraduate and minority-serving institutions about initiative opportunities, and shall encourage the development of research collaborations between research-intensive universities and such institutions. The OSTP shall designate an interagency committee to coordinate initiative activities as appropriate. The interagency committee shall submit triennial reports to Congress through FY2028 in support of the initiative. The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a review of, and make recommendations with respect to, the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development. The NSF, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services shall carry out related activities as part of the initiative.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides FY2022 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Advanced Research Projects Agency For Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and the Office of the Secretary. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Education for Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; English Language Acquisition; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. The bill also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021 This bill allows the release of a transfer student's educational records from an institution of postsecondary education where a student earned credit for coursework to an institution of postsecondary education where the student was previously enrolled in order to apply the student's coursework and credits toward completion of a recognized postsecondary credential, such as an associate's degree.   Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Education to provide funding to an institution of postsecondary education that releases a student's records of postsecondary coursework and credits without the consent of the student or the student's parents if the student provides written consent prior to receiving the credential.

Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2021

Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2021 This bill allows the release of a transfer student's educational records from an institution of postsecondary education where a student earned credit for coursework to an institution of postsecondary education where the student was previously enrolled in order to apply the student's coursework and credits toward completion of a recognized postsecondary credential, such as an associate's degree.   Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Education to provide funding to an institution of postsecondary education that releases a student's records of postsecondary coursework and credits without the consent of the student or the student's parents if the student provides written consent prior to receiving the credential.

GRAD Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2021

Grant Residency for Additional Doctors Act of 2021 or the GRAD Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to take certain actions to expedite the processing of visas for aliens entering the United States for graduate medical education or training. Specifically, the State Department shall designate an officer or employee whose sole responsibility from March through June (and in any other time period as necessary) is to facilitate the expedited review of visa applications for such aliens. The State Department shall also provide relevant Foreign Service officers with training related to medical graduates and medical graduate programs in the countries where the officers are serving.

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2021

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2021 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. Next, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and support staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. In addition, ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with DOE and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

Pathways to Health Careers Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2021

Pathways to Health Careers Act This bill provides funding for, reauthorizes through FY2026, and makes a variety of changes to certain grants administered by the Department of Health and Human Services that provide education and training to low-income individuals for health care occupations, including by establishing a new competitive grant for projects designed to train low-income individuals in allied health professions.

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2021

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2021 This bill provides funding for (1) the conservation or restoration of wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need; (2) the wildlife conservation strategies of states, territories, or the District of Columbia; and (3) wildlife conservation education and recreation projects. The Department of the Interior must use a portion of the funding for a grant program. The grants must be used for innovative recovery efforts for species of greatest conservation need, species listed as endangered or threatened species, or the habitats of such species. In addition, the bill requires certain revenues generated from fees and penalties for violations of environmental requirements to be used as a source for the funding.

A resolution recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African- American students and designating June 2021 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2021

This resolution designates June 2021 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. The resolution also recognizes the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States. Finally, the resolution recognizes Black History Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month as important times to celebrate this impact and to encourage greater access to music education.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 14 July 2021

Stop CRT Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2021

Stop CRT Act This bill grants Executive Order 13950 the force and effect of law, except with respect to elementary schools, secondary schools, or institutions of higher education. That order prohibits federal agencies and contractors from advancing specified policies or training related to race or sex. The bill further prohibits the allocation of federal funds to an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education that compels teachers or students to affirm certain race-based theories.

Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2021

Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set up a national technical assistance center and grant program to support the direct care workforce and family caregivers. HHS must consult with the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on these efforts. Specifically, HHS must establish a national technical assistance center to develop recommendations for curricula to educate and train direct care workers and family caregivers, disseminate strategies to strengthen the direct care workforce, and carry out related activities. Additionally, HHS must award grants for recruiting, training, and retaining direct care workers and supporting family caregivers. Eligible grantees include state and tribal governments, certain labor unions and employers, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofits, as well as partnerships of such entities. Grant recipients must agree to consult with the state Medicaid agency unless that agency receives the grant directly or as part of a partnership.

A resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2021

This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, which promotes international goodwill through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture, and science.

Mildred Otero, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring August 11, 2026, vice Gwendolyn E. Boyd, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2021

Dennis DeConcini, of Arizona, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring April 17, 2026, vice Marcos Edward Galindo, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2021

Joseph M. Green, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring March 3, 2022, vice Laurie Stenberg Nichols, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2021

Barbara George Johnson, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring February 4, 2026, vice Maria E. Rengifo-Ruess, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2021

To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize Johanna's Law, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

This bill reauthorizes through FY2022 and otherwise revises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national awareness campaign regarding gynecologic cancers. The CDC must target specified populations of women at higher risk for gynecologic cancers in the campaign. Additionally, the CDC may establish a grant program to evaluate different strategies to increase knowledge and awareness of gynecologic cancers among women and health care providers. In awarding these grants, the CDC must give preference to (1) grantees with expertise in gynecologic cancer education or treatment or expertise in working with groups of women at increased risk of such cancers; and (2) projects that will establish links between health care providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and state health departments.

TRAIN Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Technical Reset to Advance the Instruction of Nurses Act or the TRAIN Act This bill modifies the methodology and application of Medicare Advantage nursing and allied health education payments for hospitals. Specifically, for 2010-2019, the bill eliminates the annual cap on total payments and excludes any resulting increase from factoring into calculations for graduate medical education payments for such hospitals. (The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently issued guidance providing for the recalculation and correction of certain payments to account for the annual payment cap.)

Diversity Advancements in Accelerated Programs Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Diversity Advancements in Accelerated Programs Act This bill authorizes states and local educational agencies to use grant funds provided through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program to (1) establish equity offices to improve diversity in accelerated learning programs (e.g., Advanced Placement), and (2) carry out universal screening to determine eligibility for such programs.

Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act This bill increases to $12,000 in 2021-2022, the exclusion from employee gross income, for income tax purposes, of employer-paid educational assistance programs. The bill also expands the exclusion to include amounts paid for education-related tools and technology (e.g., hand tools, computers, software, licensure fees).

Upward Mobility Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

Upward Mobility Enhancement Act This bill increases the amount of the tax exclusion for employer-paid educational assistance programs. It also expands the exclusion to include amounts paid for education-related tools and technology (e.g., hand tools, computers, software, licensure fees).

Congratulating the Mississippi State University baseball team on winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball championship.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2021

This resolution congratulates the Mississippi State University baseball team on winning the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball championship. The resolution further recognizes Mississippi State University for its excellence as an institution of higher education.

Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act This bill reauthorizes and makes other changes to various programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that support broadband internet expansion in rural areas. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and modifies a program that provides grants, loans, and loan guarantees for broadband expansion. Modifications include revising the criteria used to prioritize applications and projects and changing the name of the program to the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. Further, the bill terminates on June 30, 2022, a separate USDA pilot program that supports broadband expansion in rural areas; any program funds that remain available after that date shall be used for the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2030 programs that support (1) rural broadband access, including for economically challenged communities; and (2) innovative technologies to decrease broadband deployment costs and increase broadband speeds. It also increases the authorization of appropriations for grants, loans, and other assistance to expand middle mile broadband infrastructure (i.e., connections between national and regional internet backbones and schools, businesses, residences, and other local connection sites). Additionally, USDA must establish a system to disseminate information and technical assistance concerning its broadband expansion programs and may award grants to units of governments and other eligible entities to collect data about broadband availability (e.g., location of infrastructure, costs, and speeds).

Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undertake activities to improve maternal health, including in rural areas. Specifically, HHS must award grants for (1) developing best practices to reduce preventable maternal mortality, and (2) training health care professionals to reduce and prevent discrimination when providing maternal health services. Additionally, HHS may award grants for integrated maternal and infant health care services. The bill also provides statutory authority for grants that support perinatal quality collaboratives, which are networks of health care and public health professionals who work to improve pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, the bill requires a study on efforts in health professional schools and training programs to reduce and prevent discrimination in the provision of maternal health services. To address care in rural areas, the bill (1) provides statutory authority for grants that support networks of rural providers to improve and coordinate maternal care, (2) makes maternal care providers eligible for certain telehealth grants, and (3) establishes a demonstration project to improve training on maternal care in rural areas through health professional schools and training programs. The bill also expands the maternal care responsibilities of specified HHS offices and programs.

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act This bill expands the allowable uses of grants for Hispanic-serving institutions. Specifically, grants may be used for (1) support programs that facilitate student advancement to doctoral degree programs in health care occupations; and (2) the development of, or expanded access to, dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.

Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2021

Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Labor to provide funding to states for the development or expansion of summer and year-round youth employment programs that (1) match youth participants with appropriate employers for high-quality employment opportunities; and (2) provide work-readiness training and educational programs, coaching and mentoring, career and postsecondary education planning services, financial literacy education, and supportive services.