Church Blog

May 17. 2011
Volume 6 Number 15

DREAM Act Reintroduced
One day after President's Obama's speech in El Paso, TX calling for comprehensive reform, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), reintroduced the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, legislation that would put children of undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. prior to age 16, have lived in the United States for at least five years, and have graduated from high school on a path to legal permanent residence and eventual citizenship if they attend college or join the military for two years. In addition, the proposal would allow students to attend college at in-state tuition rates.

It is unlikely that the bill will receive consideration in the House. However, Majority Leader Harry Reid suggested that the measure could be attached to a web-based employment proposal expected to be introduced in the House of Representatives. According to the Congressional Quarterly, expanding the E-Verify system is a top priority of House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith R-TX, who is expected to introduce such legislation later this year.

Catholic Charities USA will continue to provide you with updates as the bill moves through the legislative process.

For more information, please contact Lucreda Cobbs, Senior Director, Advocacy and Civic Engagement at lcobbs@catholiccharitiesusa.org
 
Reports of Misused TANF Funds Prompts Legislation
On May 11, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and ranking member Orin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Welfare Integrity Now Act, bipartisan legislation intended to prohibit the misuse of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds by program participants. This action was prompted by reports of beneficiaries using federal money at casinos, clubs, and liquor stores. According to a press release, in California, from January 2007 through May 2010, $3.9 million in state-issued cash benefits was withdrawn in casinos, and $20,000 in adult entertainment establishments.
 
The bill would require states to implement policies to prohibit TANF beneficiaries from being used in Casino, liquor stores and adult entertainment venues. States failing to demonstrate compliance within two years of enactment would receive a five percent reduction in its TANF block grant.

For more information, please contact Candy Hill, Senior Vice President, Social Policy at chill@catholiccharitiesusa.org.

First Lady Michelle Obama Hosts Call Military Family Initiative
On Wednesday, May 18, First Lady Michelle Obama and White House faith-based program director, Joshua DuBois, held a special conference call for faith and community leaders to discuss the "Joining Forces" Military Family Initiative. This national conference call highlighted the role of faith and community organizations in supporting military and veteran families.
 
Many faith and community-based organizations have been at the forefront supporting military families and veterans.  Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.
 
For more follow up information from the call please contact Candy Hill, Senior Vice President, Social Policy and Government Affairs at chill@catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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