President Obama yesterday (August 10) signed legislation (HR 1586) that would continue heightened federal payments to states for Medicaid. The additional assistance provides $16.1 billion to states through a continued adjustment to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
The change also continues heightened payments to states under Title IV-E. The new law continues the heightened federal percentage for an additional six months through June 30, 2011. The law, which also contains $10 billion in education assistance, should help states with existing budgetary pressures more generally.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has produced a nice state-by-state breakdown.
The Alliance for Children and Families and United Neighborhood Centers of America supported the continuation and worked with selected members and several other national organizations to support it. The president signed the bill the same day it was passed in the House of Representatives, which was called back from a summer recess to pass the bill after it was unexpectedly passed in the Senate last week.
Posted in Child Welfare, Health Care.
By Patrick Lester
– August 11, 2010
The Alliance for Children and Families is a proud early supporter of the Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act (H.R.5533), a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in June by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN). This landmark legislation would strengthen America’s communities by making the federal government a more productive partner with nonprofit organizations by establishing 1) better communication with the federal government, 2) better coordination within government, and 3) enhanced data collection and research, as follows:
1. U.S. Council: Creates a bi-partisan, 16-member U.S. Council on Nonprofit Organizations and Community Solutions to consider the relationship between government and nonprofits, and make recommendations on efficiencies, contracting issues, research needs, and improving community-based impact. Council Members would be appointed by the President and Congressional leaders. The Council would host an annual summit to inform Congress and the public on solutions and progress.
2. Interagency Working Group: Establishes an Interagency Working Group on Nonprofit Organizations and the Federal Government to provide the means for Cabinet Secretaries, key White House officials, and the heads of critical agencies that interact with nonprofits, such as the IRS and Census Bureau, to convene and replace the current inconsistent and often conflicting federal policymaking relating to nonprofits with a more coordinated process to achieve better outcomes in addressing federal priorities on national and community challenges.
3. Data Collection and Research: Charges a single, existing federal agency with the responsibility of coordinating data collection on nonprofits. The agency would develop metrics on performance and streamline reporting requirements to better inform Congress on the impact of nonprofit organizations. Also creates a small ($5 million) federal matching grant program to promote research on improving data collection, enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, and building the capacity of nonprofits for greater performance.
We urge you to join us today in showing your support for the Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act by adding your organization’s name to the list of nonprofit supporters.
The current list of national supporters is below. We are seeking national, state and local endorsers.
Alliance for Children and Families
America Forward
American Association of Museums
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
Habitat for Humanity
Independent Sector
National Council of Nonprofits
United Neighborhood Centers of America
Posted in Nonprofit Issues.
By Patrick Lester
– July 30, 2010