Congresswoman Miller Introduces Families First Legislative Package
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WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) released the Families First legislative package which consists of four bills reintroduced in the House of Representatives: Helping Households and Neighbors Distribute Services (HANDS) for Families Act, Community Mentors for Moms Act, the Working Families Childcare Access Act, and the Targeting Child Care Funds Based on Poverty Act.
“I have made protecting families a top priority in Congress and with the reintroduction of this legislative package, I will be keeping my commitment to putting them first,” said Congresswoman Miller. “These four bills set parents up for success by providing necessary resources so they can make the best decisions to care for their children. As a mother and grandmother, I understand how crucial it is to have a solid support system in place in order to raise a family.”
Background:
Helping Households And Neighbors Distribute Services (HANDS) for Families Act will permit states to use already-allocated money to access online portals that connect families in need with resources such as pregnancy centers, child care programs, food pantries, churches, and non-profits. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
Community Mentors for Moms Act will create a grant program to fund integrated mentoring services for low-income mothers to support and prepare them to raise their children for success. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
The Working Families Childcare Access Act will provide support and necessary resources working families need to raise their children and pay for child care. This bill will allow parents to contribute to an employer-sponsored dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) and roll over unused funds at the end of the year. The bill was previously introduced by the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN), who tragically passed away in 2022.
Targeting Child Care Funds Based on Poverty Act will ensure Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) funding is based on the number of children in poverty within each state. This legislation will provide federal resources to families who need them most through greater flexibility and access to affordable child care, and paid family and medical leave.
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