WHAT:         
Subcommittee Hearing on “Improving Child Nutrition Programs to Reduce Childhood Obesity”

WHO:           
U.S. Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE)
U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
Michele Paterson, First Lady of New York, New York City & Albany, NY
Nancy Copperman, director, Public Health Initiatives Office of Community Health, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health
System, Great Neck, NY
Dr. Virginia A. Stallings, MD, chair, Institutes of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Nutrition Standards for National School
Lunch and Breakfast Programs
Dr. Patricia Crawford, MD, director, Atkins Center for Weight and Health, Berkeley, CA
Additional Witnesses TBA

WHEN:         
Thursday, May 14, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »

WHERE:      
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

WHAT:         
Full Committee Hearing on “America’s Competitiveness through High School Reform”

WHO:           
U.S. Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE)
U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
Robert Balfanz, Ph.D., Research Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Scott Gordon, CEO, Mastery Charter Schools, Philadelphia, PA
Marguerite Kondracke, president and CEO, America’s Promise, Washington, DC
Vicki L. Phillips Ed.D, director of education for the US program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA
Bob Wise, president, Alliance for Excellent Education, Washington, DC            
Michael Wotorson, executive director, Campaign for High School Equity, Washington, DC

WHEN:        
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
3:00 p.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »

WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

Hear Chairman Miller talk about the importance of being prepared for a pandemic flu virus at work and school on the Ed show.

Provide schools with access to funding for modernization, renovation and repair projects

• Authorizes $6.4 billion for school facilities projects for fiscal year 2010, and ensures that school districts will quickly receive funds for school modernization, renovation, and repairs that create healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient teaching and learning climates.
• Allocates the same percentage of funds to school districts that they receive under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, except that it guarantees each such district a minimum of $5,000.
  

Encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources in schools

• Requires the majority of funds (100 percent by 2015) to be used for projects that meet green building standards.
• Allows states to reserve one percent of funds to administer the program and to develop a plan a statewide database of school facilities, including their modernization and repair needs, energy use, carbon footprints, and an energy efficiency quality plan. 
• Requires school districts to publicly report the educational, energy and environmental benefits of projects, how they comply with the green building requirements, and the percentage of funds used for projects at low-income, rural and charter schools.
• Requires the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to disseminate best practices in school construction and to provide technical assistance to states and school districts regarding best practices.
  

Provide additional aid to Gulf Coast schools still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

• Authorizes separate funds – $600 million over six years – for public schools that were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many students still attend school in temporary classrooms.

Ensure fair wages and benefits for workers by applying Davis-Bacon protections to all grants for school modernization, renovation, and repair projects

Support for H.R. 2187

American Association of School Administrators »
(PDF, 46KB)

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees »
(PDF, 65KB)

American Federation of Teachers »
(PDF, 73KB)

Council of Educational Facility Planners International »
(PDF, 26KB)

Council of the Great City Schools »
(PDF, 63KB)

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO »
(PDF, 253KB)

National Association of Secondary Schools Principals »
(PDF, 34KB)

National Construction Alliance II »
(PDF, 206KB)

Rebuild America's Schools »
(PDF, 87KB)

U.S. Green Building Council »
(PDF, 37KB)

Other organizations »
(PDF, 54KB)

MAKING COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (signed February 17) will provide immediate relief to students and families working hard to pay for college by:

• Increasing the Pell Grant scholarship by $500. The bill increases the maximum award to $5,350 by next school year and to $5,550 for 2010. About seven million students would benefit from this increase.
• Establishing a new college tuition tax credit of $2,500. The bill establishes a new, partially refundable “American Opportunity” tax credit, expanding access for higher education tax credit to about four million students. 
• Creating new work-study opportunities for college students. The bill invests $200 million in work-study opportunities for college students in fields related to their major or in community service, creating jobs for an additional 200,000 students.
  

The President’s budget blueprint (released February 26) proposes historic increases to the Pell Grant scholarship and other grant aid for students at no additional cost to taxpayers by using federal funds to originate all new federal college loans beginning in the 2010 school year. This would insulate the federal student loan programs from any future instability in the economy and ensure that the Pell Grant keeps pace with rising costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this proposal will save taxpayers almost $100 billion over ten years.

RESTORING PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (signed January 29) restores workers’ rights to challenge pay discrimination.

Overturned harmful Bush midnight rule that would have slowed protections for workers from severe lung disease (withdrawn March 17). Under the leadership of the new Administration, OSHA withdrew a last minute Bush era procedural roadblock to that slowed protections for workers who handle the dangerous food flavoring diacetyl. Scientists have linked diacetyl exposure to bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung disease often known as “popcorn lung.”

Issued executive orders to restore workers’ rights in federal contracts and establish a Middle Class Task Force (signed January 30, 2009).

LAUNCHING A NEW ERA OF PUBLIC SERVICE

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (signed April 21) expands opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve their nation and communities. It more than triples them number of service opportunities nationwide to 250,000 and increases the full time education award service members receive in exchange for their work to $5,350 for 2010.

EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helps workers who recently lost a job maintain their health coverage while they look for new employment by making them eligible to receive a 65 percent subsidy towards their COBRA premium for up to nine months.

INVESTING IN 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests $105.9 billion in early education, k-12 education, and training to help build the world class education system our economy needs and our children deserve. This plan will make sure that the economic crisis doesn’t compromise the quality of education schoolchildren receive. It also makes progress on key, commonsense reforms, like improving teacher quality, strengthening standards, and establishing data systems that track students’ progress, that are needed to transform our schools.

Each year, about 6,000 workers are killed on the job and thousands more are severely injured; it is estimated that on a daily basis 15 workers are killed and nearly 11,000 workers are injured or made ill.  

Criminal penalties are only available if a worker dies; serious injury is not subject to criminal prosecution.  When a tragedy does occur and a worker is killed on the job, the highest criminal penalty available is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of just six months.  When a worker dies because of a knowing violation of the worker safety laws, the maximum sentence should be measured in years, not months.  Anything less sends the wrong message about the value of a worker’s life.

And with only weak criminal penalties available to OSHA, too often profit is put ahead of compliance as penalties are seen as a “cost of doing business.”  This is not an acceptable cost.

No worker should leave home unsure if his or her workplace is safe, and no family should have to worry if they will see their loved one again as they send him or her off to work.   Sadly, this happens to 15 families every single day.   But I am hopeful that hearings such as the one held today can prevent such devastating losses.

Today, my heart goes out to all of the workers who have been injured on the job and to their family members.  Particularly in my mind today are the families in Nevada.   In 2008, OSHA conducted 26 fatality investigations in Nevada.  I will continue to press for legislative improvements that will prevent injuries or fatalities.  I also would like to recognize the Las Vegas Sun for its work in publicizing and investigating the deaths of workers on the Las Vegas Strip.  Alexandra Berzon, along with editorial writers Matt Hufman and David Clayton, recently won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their investigative reporting, which opened the door to expose the dangers workers faced on the job when safety was sacrificed for speed and profit.  

On Workers Memorial Day, let us remember those workers who died or were injured on the job, and recommit to diligently trying to improve worker safety by strengthening OSHA penalties and enforcement in order to prevent future tragedies. 

When the Equal Pay Act was signed into law, women working full-time and year-round earned an average of 59 cents for every dollar earned by men.  In 2007, women made 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. Today, the wage gap has only narrowed by less than half a cent per year.

The impact of income disparity is communal.  Equal pay is not just a women’s issue, it’s a family issue.  The current wage gap hurts everyone.  It lowers family income for essentials such as groceries, doctors’ visits, and child care.  When women earn more, families benefit.  Closing the wage gap is an integral part of strengthening American families and providing hope for a better future.

On January 29, 2009, President Obama took the first step by signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law to restore employee rights to challenge unlawful pay discrimination.  

The Paycheck Fairness Act, passed by the House on January 9, 2009, would take further steps to ensure that gender-based pay discrimination does not occur in the first place by closing the loopholes that have allowed employers to avoid responsibility for discriminatory pay.  A comprehensive update to the 46-year-old Equal Pay Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act puts gender-based discrimination sanctions on equal footing with other forms of wage discrimination, such as race, disability or age. It creates a new grant program to help strengthen the negotiation skills of girls and women.  And it creates strong incentives for employers to equally compensate workers while strengthening correlating federal enforcement efforts.

I stand in support of equal pay for all.  I look forward to the day when equal pay is a firm reality and not a tenuous goal. 

WHAT:          
Hearing on, “Improving OSHA’s Enhanced Enforcement Program”

WHO:            
Jordan Barab, acting assistant labor secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Eric Frumin, director of health and safety, Change to Win
Elliot Lewis, assistant inspector general for audits, U.S. Department of Labor
Jesus Royas, stepson of Raul Figueroa, a worker who was crushed to death as a result of unsafe working conditions, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Jason Schwartz, partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

WHEN:         
Thursday, April 30, 2009
10:00 a.m, EDT
                        
WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

 

WHAT:          
Hearing on “Are OSHA’s Penalties Adequate to Deter Health and Safety Violations?”
 
WHO:            
Rebecca Foster, stepmother of Jeremy Foster who died as a result of a workplace safety violation, Danville, Ark.
Lawrence P. Halprin, partner, Keller and Heckman LLP
Margaret Seminario, safety and health director, AFL-CIO
David Uhlmann, professor and director of environmental law and policy program, University of Michigan Law School

WHEN:         
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
10:00 a.m. ET
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »

WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

Protects More Workers

• Expands OSHA coverage to include state and local public employees and federal government workers.
• Expands coverage to millions of other workers inadequately covered such as airline and railroad employees, and Department of Energy contractors.
   

Strengthens Health and Safety Penalties
 

• Raises civil penalties and indexes those penalties to inflation.  
• Establishes mandatory minimum penalties for violations involving worker deaths. 
• Allows felony prosecutions against employers who commit willful violations that result in death or serious bodily injury, and extends such penalties to responsible corporate officers.    
• Requires OSHA to investigate all cases of death and serious injuries (i.e. incidents that result in the hospitalization of 2 or more employees).
   

Improves Whistleblower Protections

• Codifies regulations that give workers the right to refuse to do hazardous work.  
• Clarifies that employees cannot be discriminated against for reporting injuries, illnesses or unsafe conditions, and brings the procedures for investigating and adjudicating discrimination complaints into line with other safety and health and whistleblower laws.
   

Allows Workers and Their Families to Hold Dangerous Employers Accountable

• Provides workers and employee representatives the right to contest OSHA’s failure to issue citations, classification of its citations, and proposed penalties. 
• Gives injured workers, their families and families of workers who died in work-related incidents the right to meet with investigators, receive copies of citations, and to have an opportunity to make a statement before any settlement negotiations.
• Clarifies that the time spent by an employee accompanying an OSHA inspector during an investigation is considered time worked, for which a worker must be compensated. 
• Prohibits OSHA from designating a citation as an “unclassified citation” where an employer can avoid the potential consequences of a “willful” violation, the most serious violation. 
• Allows any worker or their representative to object to a modification or withdrawal of a citation, and entitles them to a hearing before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Research has shown that green schools are both healthy and conducive to learning.  Studies have demonstrated a reduction in absences due to illness caused by schools’ indoor pollutants.  These illnesses, such as asthma, are the cause of more than fourteen million missed school days each year. Improved ventilation, day lighting, acoustics and indoor air quality have also been shown to boost academic performance, concentration and overall student achievement.  Due to improved teacher retention and increased student attendance, there is more time for teaching and learning in these productive environments.

In addition to the health and learning benefits, green schools use 33% less energy and 30% less water than a conventional school.  On average, this saves the typical green school $100,000 each year in reduced energy and water costs.  Green schools also reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions, which helps diminish global climate change and lessen our collective carbon footprint.  Additionally, these schools become interactive teaching tools where students see, first-hand, the importance of protecting our planet and build the capacity to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges.    

According to recent estimates, America’s schools are hundreds of billions of dollars short of appropriate facilities funding, and millions of students attend schools that are unhealthy and unsafe.  To address these challenges and help to ensure that every child attends a green, high-quality facility, Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY), Chairman George Miller (D-CA) and I introduced H.R. 3021, “The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act,” in the 110th Congress.  This bill, which passed the House last summer, would dedicate billions of dollars to helping school districts implement school facilities projects that meet a recognized green building standard, and it will continue to be a priority for us in this Congress, as well as for Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA), another leader in this effort.  Additionally, among “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s” historic investments in education are billions of dollars that school districts can use for such projects, among other uses.  

I believe that Congress must be a leader in promoting environmental innovation, especially in helping school districts do so.  By helping to create environmentally friendly schools, we can foster a green generation prepared to tackle future challenges.  I hope you will join with me this Earth Day to support healthy, high-performing, green schools.

We know that we must modernize our training techniques in our schools and universities.  In the Recovery Bill we provided $48.6 billion for services to low-income students, students with disabilities, and career tech to modernize schools and colleges, which would include facility repairs, updating technology, and making facilities more energy-efficient.

Congress must also assist in training workers for 21st century jobs.  The Recovery Bill provides nearly $4 billion to prepare adult, youth and dislocated workers for green jobs, and other emerging industries, including training for retrofitting buildings, green construction and production of renewable energy.  It also includes $1.2 billion to create job opportunities for younger Americans, including summer jobs.

Congress invested in early education by providing $2.1 billion for Head Start, and Early Head Start, which provides comprehensive development services for low-income preschool children, infants and toddlers. These investments will create 50,000 new jobs, increasing demand for early educators, transportation, nutrition providers, and more.

These investments now, in education and our children, will pay massive dividends in our future.  They will create American businesses and American jobs for America’s working families.  Whether or not we, as a country, move towards a new green economy now or not, we must acknowledge that other countries in the world are ahead of us on this front.  It is important to change our way of thinking and I believe this year’s Earth Day, along with the bold visions and goals of the new Obama Administration offer us a springboard to launch into the future of our economy – one that finally thinks outside of the barrel and is able to offer greener and cleaner outcomes.

Myth: More fee disclosure will dramatically increase costs to plan participants.

Fact: While there may be a small initial cost, continuing to hide fees that workers pay to Wall Street middle men puts Americans’ retirement security at risk. These Wall Street firms should have to tell their customers how much they charge for their services. And giving the consumer better information will encourage greater competition among financial service providers and help reduce fees.

Myth: H.R. 1984 mandates one investment option for every 401(k) plan.

Fact: H.R. 1984 would simply require 401(k) plans that want limited liability against investment losses to offer at least one index fund. It does not limit other types of investment options that 401(k) plans may offer; it does not tell 401(k) plans which specific index funds they must offer; and it does not require plan participants to invest in index funds. It simply ensures that participants are able to invest in an index fund if they choose to do so.

Myth: Actively managed investments provide better returns than index funds.

Fact: Over the full twenty-year time period from 1983 to 2003, depending on the sector, index funds outperformed 89 percent to 97 percent of all mutual funds. Index funds are not actively managed and therefore carry lower costs. While many 401(k) plans have made strides to include lower cost retirement options, index funds are still not available in 30 percent of 401(k) plans.

Myth: Service providers that “bundle” their services will be required to unbundle them.  

Fact: H.R. 1984 does not require service providers to unbundle their services. If a service provider sells investment management services, administrative services, and record-keeping together as a package, it may continue to do so. H.R. 1984 simply requires service providers to disclose the costs of the components of its bundled products. 

Requires Simple and Complete Fee Disclosure to Workers

• Before enrollment, workers would receive clear and understandable information that lists both historical returns and all fees assessed on each investment option; and
• A worker’s quarterly statement would be required to list total contributions, earnings, closing account balance, net return, and all fees subtracted from the account. All fees taken out of the account would be disclosed in one number, but the worker could request more detailed fee information from their plan administrator.
  

Helps Workers Understand Their Investment Options

• Workers would receive clear information on the name, risk level, and investment objective of each available investment option before enrolling in a 401(k) plan.

Requires Complete Disclosure to Employers of Fees and Conflicts of Interests

• Requires 401(k) service providers to disclose to employers all fees assessed against the participant’s account, broken down into four categories: administrative fees, investment management fees, transaction fees, and other fees; and
• Requires service providers to disclose any financial relationships or potential conflicts of interest to plan sponsors.
  

Ensures Workers Have Access to at Least One Low-Cost Index Fund

• Requires 401(k)-style plans that seek limited employer liability to include at least one index fund in its investment line-up. Index funds are less expensive and generally outperform actively-managed mutual funds.

Enhances Department of Labor Oversight and Protection

• Requires the U.S. Department of Labor to review compliance with new disclosure requirements and impose penalties for violations.

Myths vs. Facts About the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act »

WHAT:          
Hearing on “H.R. _____, 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2009”

WHO:            
Alison T. Borland, retirement strategy leader, Hewitt Associates LLC, Nashville
Mercer E. Bullard, founder, Fund Democracy and assistant professor of law, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Robert G. Chambers, chairman of the board, American Benefits Council and partner at McGuire Woods, Charlotte, N.C.
Larry Goldbrum, executive vice president and general counsel, The SPARK Institute, Simsbury, Conn.
Kristi Mitchem, managing director and head of U.S. defined contribution plans, Barclay’s Global Investors, San Francisco
Julian Onorato, CEO, ExpertPlan, Inc., East Windsor, N.J.  
                                                                                                        
WHEN:         
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
10:30 a.m, EDT
                       
WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
 

WHAT:        
Chairmen Miller, McCarthy Join President Obama at Signing Ceremony for Landmark National Service Bill
WHEN:        
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
4:00 p.m., EDT
WHERE:       
The SEED School
4300 C Street SE
Washington, D.C.
 

How the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is helping local school districts

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (H.R. 1388):

Creates 175,000 New Service Opportunities and Rewards Americans for Commitment

• Grows the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. These new service opportunities will include the expansion of existing service programs, like AmeriCorps, as well as four new service corps focused on education, health care, energy and veterans. All service programs established under the bill will be overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
• Increases the full-time education award service members receive in exchange for their work to $5,350 for 2010. This award would also be linked to match future increases in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
  

Creates New Service Corps to Meet Key Needs in Low-Income Communities

• Establishes four new service corps to address key needs in low income communities, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.

Provides Incentives for Middle and High School Students to Engage in Service

• Establishes the Summer of Service program that engages middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs. Students will be eligible to participate in two terms of service and earn up to a total of $1,000.

Makes High School Students Part of Solution to Challenges in their Communities

• Establishes Youth Engagement Zones, a new service-learning program to engage low-income high school students and out-of-school youth in volunteer efforts that address challenges in their local communities. The program will encourage partnerships between community-based organizations and schools in high-need communities and apply real world activities to teach students about a certain topic. For example, volunteering in a homeless shelter could supplement a class about poverty.

Boosts Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Foster Youth and Native Americans

• Expands opportunities for disadvantaged youth, including doubling the resources available to engage youth with disabilities, to become more involved with service and offers people of all ages and those from diverse backgrounds introduction to service.
• Encourages adults to serve as mentors for foster youth.
• Establishes a new office for service opportunities for Native Americans.
  

Strengthens Disaster Relief Service Efforts

• Expands the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development.
• Encourages service partnerships with other federal agencies and increases the participation of disadvantaged youth to 50 percent of program participants by 2011.
  

Establishes an Alumni Reserve to Respond in Emergencies

• Establishes an alumni corps of former participants who can be called to service during times of disaster and other emergencies.

Bolsters America’s Competitiveness

• Encourages scientists, technicians and mathematicians to participate in service programs to help keep our nation competitive.

Expands Service Opportunities for Older Americans and Public-Private Partnerships

• Creates two new fellowships to engage social entrepreneurs, boomers and retirees, the private sector and Americans from all generations into service. Older Americans will be allowed to transfer their awards to a child, foster child or grandchild to help them pay for college.

1. ServeAmerica Fellowships: ServeAmerica Fellows are individuals who propose their own plans for serving in their communities to address national needs and are matched up with a service sponsor.
2. Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships: These programs offer Americans, age 55 or older, post-career service opportunities as well as entrance into new careers in the public or nonprofit sector. Silver Scholars will be able to earn up to $1,000 in exchange for 350 hours of service.
   

Creates a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service

• Builds a nationwide service infrastructure through community-building investments, social entrepreneurship, and programs to support and generate new volunteers.

1. Community Solutions Fund: Creates a Community Solutions Fund pilot program that awards competitive matching grants to social entrepreneur venture funds in order to provide community organizations with the resources to replicate or expand proven solutions to community challenges, including a new focus on leveraging public private partnerships in small communities and rural areas. (Examples of service organizations that were launched by social entrepreneurs include Teach for America, City Year, Citizen Schools, Jump Start, Working Today, an organization that provides affordable, portable health benefits to 100,000 Americans, and the SEED school, the nation’s first public urban boarding school.)
2. Volunteer Generation Fund: Provides grants to improve the quality and capacity of organizations to work with volunteers, and to create innovations in volunteerism in the areas of recruitment, training and management.
   

Encourages Highly Skilled Professionals to Help Improve Global Health

• Expands the Volunteers for Prosperity program which encourages highly skilled professionals to serve internationally in targeted areas of need such as global health.

Establishes Call to Service Campaigns

• Includes a Call to Service Campaign to launch a national campaign encouraging all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance

Recognizes and Supports Colleges and Universities Engaged in Service

• Establishes the Campuses of Service to support and recognize institutions of higher education with exemplary service-learning programs and assists students in the pursuit of public service careers.

WHAT:         
Hearing on “Green Jobs and their Role in our Economic Recovery”

WHO:            
William T. Bogart, dean of academic affairs and professor of economics, York College, York, Pa.
Kathy Krepcio, executive director, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University
Jerome Ringo, president, the Apollo Alliance, San Francisco
Robin Roy, vice president for projects and policy, Serious Materials, Sunnyvale, Calif.
Jill Sherman, Gerding Edlen Development, Portland, Ore.
Clinton R. Wolfe, executive director of citizens for nuclear technology awareness, Aiken, South Carolina
                                                                                                         
WHEN:          
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

WHAT:          
Full Committee Hearing on “The Economic and Employment Impact of the Arts and Music Industry”

WHO:            
U.S. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), co-chair, Congressional Arts Caucus
Michael Bahr, Education Director, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, UT
Tim Daly, actor and co-president, The Creative Coalition
Joanne Florino, executive director, Triad Foundation, Inc., Ithaca, NY
Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO, Americans for the Arts, Washington, DC
Michael Spring, director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami, FL        
Bruce Ridge, musician and chairman, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, Raleigh, NC
John Thomasian, director, National Governors' Association, Center for Best Practices, Washington, DC
            
WHEN:         
Thursday, March 26, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
 

WHAT:          
Hearing on "GAO’s Undercover Investigation: Wage Theft of America’s Vulnerable Workers

WHO:            
Greg Kutz, managing director of forensic audits and special investigations, U.S. Government Accountability Office
                                                                                                         
WHEN:          
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
10:00 a.m, EDT
                       
WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

 

WHAT:          
Hearing on "Retirement Security: The Importance of an Independent Investment Adviser"

WHO:            
Ken Baker, corporate director of human resources, Applied Extrusion Technologies
Mercer Bullard, founder and president, Fund Democracy, a nonprofit advocate for mutual fund shareholders
Sherrie Grabot, CEO, GuidedChoice
Charlie Jesczak, U.S. Government Accountability Office
Melanie Nussdorf, partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, on behalf of SIFMA
Andrew L. Oringer, partner, White and Case, LLP.
                                                                                                        
WHEN:         
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
10:30 a.m, EDT
                       
WHERE:       
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

Harriet Dichter, Deputy Secretary for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning of the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Public Welfare and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Council, stated that there isn’t just one investment or program that is the “silver bullet.”  “What matters,” said Dicther, “regardless the program, is a common framework of high standards, accountability, and sufficient investment to make a difference.”  Dichter explained that we must expand federal funding that will insist that states have research-based standards and accountability based on nationally acceptable minimums and that it is possible to have a national baseline that does not interfere with the states’ autonomy.

The Deputy Secretary pointed out that we need to develop a consistent national framework of standards.  A question I would pose to Dichter and others is how the federal government might both implement national standards and preserve states’ autonomy and creativity in programming.  Further, I would welcome her input, and those of others, as to how we might implement national accountability standards without creating a “No Child Left Behind Act” for pre-school children.  I look forward to continuing this dialogue with Dichter and others in future Committee hearings on early childhood development.

We know that children’s experiences in the first five years of life greatly influence brain architecture and chemistry in ways that can have lifelong impacts on learning, behavior, and health.  And we know that the knowledge and skills gap between children from less advantaged families and those from higher-income families is evident before elementary school.  A high-quality early education – one of the most important opportunities we can give our children – will ensure future generations’ success in school and beyond.

Studies show that green and other service initiatives yield direct, tangible economic benefits. A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps, under which many green service programs currently operate, shows that every $1 invested produced returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits. Similarly, every dollar invested in weatherization – a major green service component – produces $3.71 in benefits.

Green service programs are already making a big difference in communities across the country. Currently, more than a hundred energy conservation service programs operate in 46 states and serve 26,000 young Americans each year. For example, the Montana Conservation Corps have weatherized and retrofit more than 4,000 homes in low income communities and reservations. In Colorado, the Mile High Youth Corps – 50 percent are high school dropouts – perform energy audits and retrofits that save families in Denver $110 a year in utility costs. For more examples of similar initiatives, click here.

By increasing the numbers of volunteers and service corps, the legislation will give critical programs, such as the St. Bernard Project, a program that helps get families back into their homes after Hurricane Katrina, have more hands to help rebuild communities and lives.

Americans’ desire to give back is growing. In the five year after September 11th, the percent of college students who volunteer increased to over 30 percent.  In 2007, more than 61 million Americans spent over 8 billion hours volunteering, generating $158 billion worth of benefits.

Young Americans have a growing interest in service: In 2008, more than a quarter of Americans over the age of 16 volunteered. Research shows that youth who engage in service and volunteerism are more likely to be altruistic adults, and more likely to say they’ll pursue college.

To give more young Americans the opportunity to get involved, the GIVE Act will create a Summer of Service Program to engage middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities. In return for their service contributions, students will earn a $500 education award to put toward getting a college education.

It also will establish new Youth Engagement Zones, service learning programs that will build partnerships between community-based organizations and schools to help high school students and out-of-school youth address specific challenges, especially in low-income communities.  

Overall, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans of all ages, from 75,000 to 250,000, and establishes a new service corps focused on education. It will also increase the education reward participants receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award.

The states represented in today’s hearing – Nebraska, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Kansas – have demonstrated that state and local commitments to investing in early education and child care can be successful.  As Jessie Rasmussen, vice president of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund in Nebraska, explained, “common quality standards, clear pathways to meeting research-based standards of quality, sufficient funding for not only reaching these standards but for sustaining quality operations, and flexibility in meeting family needs have been essential elements in our efforts to build a comprehensive, highly effective, birth to five early childhood system.”  Those same sentiments were echoed by other panelists who also pointed to research-based policy making and statewide collaboration as critical components of successful early education initiatives.

Other common themes we heard in today’s hearing had to do with ensuring access to high quality child care and early education opportunities, supporting families in their role as children’s first and most important teachers, and the need for improved data collection and analysis so we can learn from and improve on what we know works.  We also heard that federal early education policy should foster collaboration at the state level and allow flexibility for states, as some states are further along the spectrum of access and quality, and every state has its own strengths and cultural needs.

Many states – including my home state of Hawaii – have a lot of work ahead of us before our children will have access to high quality child care and preschools.  From what we’ve heard from our panel today, investments in early education are especially important now during this economic downturn.  As more parents lose their jobs and more homes are lost through foreclosures, we must continue to support families in providing affordable, safe, consistent learning environments for their children.

WHAT:           
Education and Labor Committee Mark-Up of H.R. 1388, the GIVE Act

WHEN:          
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:        
Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

The GIVE Act (H.R. 1388):

Creates 175,000 New Service Opportunities and Rewards Americans for Commitment

• Grows the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. The bill also links the full-time education award to the maximum authorized Pell Grant award amount in order to keep up with rising college costs.

Provides Incentives for Middle and High School Students to Engage in Service

• Establishes the Summer of Service program that engages middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.  

Makes High School Students Part of Solution to Challenges in their Communities

• Establishes Youth Engagement Zones, a new service-learning program to help bridge partnerships between community based organizations and schools in high-need, low-income communities to engage high school students and out-of-school youth in service-learning to address specific challenges their communities face.

Recognizes and Supports Colleges and Universities Engaged in Service

• Establishes the Campuses of Service to support and recognize institutions of higher education with exemplary service-learning programs and assists students in the pursuit of public service careers.  

Boosts Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth

• Expands opportunities for disadvantaged youth, including those with disabilities, to become more involved with service and strives to include people of all ages and those from diverse background in volunteerism.

Creates Green and Other New Service Corps to Meet Key Needs in Low-Income Communities

• Establishes four new service corps to address key needs in low income communities, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.

Broadens Scope of Collaborative Service Efforts

• Expands the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development.
• Encourages service partnerships with other federal agencies.
  

Recruits Scientists and Engineers to Service to Keep America Competitive

• Recruits scientists, technicians, mathematicians and engineers into national service to help keep America competitive.

Establishes an Alumni Reserve to Respond in Emergencies 

• Establishes an alumni corps of former participants who can be called to service during times of disaster and other emergencies.

Expands Service Opportunities for Older Americans and Public-Private Partnerships

• Creates two new fellowships to engage social entrepreneurs, seniors and retirees, the private sector and Americans from all generations in service.

1. ServeAmerica Fellowships: ServeAmerica Fellows are individuals who propose their own plans for serving in their communities to address national needs and are matched up with a service sponsor.
2. Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships: These programs offer seniors, age 55 or older, opportunities to transition into service post-career as well as entrance into new careers in the public or nonprofit sector.
   

Creates a Nationwide Community-Based Infrastructure to Leverage Investments in Service

• Builds a nationwide service infrastructure through community-building investments and social entrepreneurship.

1. Community Solutions Fund: Creates a Community Solutions Fund pilot program that awards competitive matching grants to social entrepreneur venture funds in order to provide community organizations with the resources to replicate or expand proven solutions to community challenges.
2. Volunteer Generation Fund: Provides grants to improve the quality and capacity of organizations to work with volunteers, and to create innovations in volunteerism in the areas of recruitment, training and management.
   

Establishes Call to Service Campaigns

• Includes a Call to Service Campaign to launch a national campaign encouraging all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Support for the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388)

"We, the undersigned Mayors, support expanding community and national service opportunities for Americans of all ages. In this difficult time for our country, service remains an enduring American value that brings people together and reminds us of the strength of our common bond.  As mayors, we have seen first hand how important community and national service can be to help us address pressing challenges in our cities and towns...

"We urge the Congress to promptly pass and fully fund the bi-partisan Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act – H.R. 1388."

U.S. Mayors
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 13KB)»


"We write in support of reauthorizing and expanding AmeriCorps and other national service and volunteer programs that the Corporation for National and Community Service administers.  Accordingly, we support the passage of the House Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act and the Senate Serve America Act.  In this difficult time for our country, service remains an enduring American value that brings communities together and reminds us of the strength of our common bond.

"As Governors, we witness firsthand the positive effects that national service and volunteerism have in communities throughout our states.  Through outstanding state-federal partnerships, we have a unique opportunity to support service and volunteering through Corporation for National and Community Service programs.  Additionally, Governor-appointed state commissions oversee and administer AmeriCorps, promote national service and volunteering, and develop innovative volunteer opportunities to meet the needs of our communities and our states."

U.S. Governors
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 520KB)»


"I too agree with President Obama's call to Congress to invest in our nation's recovery through service.  The time is now!  Today's challenges are why the work of those who choose to serve their communities through programs such as those supported by the GIVE Act is so crucial."

Usher Raymond IV, Chairman and Founder
Usher's New Look Foundation
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 231KB) »


“Students graduating from high school and college face two of the greatest challenges in our nation’s history – an economic crisis and global warming.  This legislation will jumpstart a new generation of green leaders by teaching them skills needed to develop clean energy and improve our nation’s energy efficiency, which is the cheapest, fastest, and cleanest way to reduce global warming pollution and save money.”

Jim Presswood, Federal Energy Policy Director
Natural Resources Defense Council


"On behalf of the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU), thank you for including provisions in the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388) that support community service and service learning efforts by universities.  We endorse the overall purpose of the legislation to encourage more Americans to serve and volunteer in areas of national need...    

"As anchors for our nation’s cities, USU institutions are engaged in partnerships and outreach within our local communities and metropolitan areas, including community service and service learning."

Nancy L. Zimpher, Chair
Coalition of Urban Serving Universities
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 93KB) »


"The GIVE Act will dramatically improve the national service field’s ability to meet our nation’s most challenging needs. Jumpstart applauds the inclusion of provisions to strengthen national and community service, including the provisions to create new Corps to address particular challenges, increase in the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award amount, allow individuals to be eligible to receive an aggregate of two full-time service awards, and establish a Community Solutions Fund to support the growth of innovative programs.

"The call for national service has never been more important."

James Cleveland, President
Jumpstart
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 32KB) »


"On behalf of over 40 million members, AARP writes in support of an amendment to incorporate the Volunteer Generation Fund in H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act (G.I.V.E. Act), and to support enactment of H.R. 1388 with the inclusion of the Volunteer Generation Fund...

"This legislation will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities at a time when many communities are in great need."

David P. Sloane, Senior Vice President
Government Relations and Advocacy
AARP
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 787KB) »


"NCOA’s work in national and community service clearly demonstrates that adults approaching retirement age are concerned about the future of the country and want to give back – but in new ways with more impact. Many of them will be interested in exploring service opportunities, but may need some incentive and encouragement to get involved. NCOA believes that our nation should adopt public policies that empower older adults to make a
commitment to remain active citizens in their communities in ways that address critical human needs. We believe the provisions of the GIVE Act with its recommendations for modernizing the National Senior Corps does just that."

James P. Firman
National Council on Aging
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 94KB) »


"The GIVE Act includes many important programmatic adjustments that will help to make the benefits of service available to more participants and more communities, improve program quality, provide a mechanism for appropriate evaluation of programs, ensure participant diversity, recalculate the value of the AmeriCorps Education Award, and address a host of other structural and programmatic issues...

"By reauthorizing these national service programs, you can ensure that every American has an opportunity to serve in his or her community. Our communities, our states, and our entire nation will benefit from the continued services that these volunteers provide."

Tom Branen, Executive Director
America’s Service Commissions
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 108KB) »


"On behalf of the students, families, staff, and supporters of Citizen Schools, I offer our strong support for the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act (H.R. 1388)...

"This legislation will allow organizations like Citizen Schools to serve more children, more effectively. Citizen Schools is a leading national education initiative that uniquely mobilizes thousands of adult volunteers to help improve student achievement and close the achievement gap by teaching skill-building apprenticeships after school."

Eric Schwarz, President and CEO
Citizen Schools
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 64KB) »


"Through our work at the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, we have seen how service can be a powerful strategy for meeting growing needs, giving Americans meaningful work in a difficult climate, and getting our economy moving again.  That is why I am writing to urge you to support swift passge and full funding of the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388)."

Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director
Serve Connecticut
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 1.35MB) »


"We are deeply grateful that the House Education and Labor Committee has recognized the pivotal moment we are in as a country and responded by passing H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act.  Service can play a critical role in getting our economy moving again, engaging Americans in productive work in difficult times and meeting the growing needs in communities.  We need to reinvest in service, starting with the reauthorization of national and community service programs operated by The Corporation for National and Community Service, which have not been reauthorized in 16 years.
 
"We believe that the provisions in H.R. 1388 will make it possible for more Americans to serve, stimulate more volunteering and increase the diversity of those serving.  We also believe that the reforms contained in the bill will ensure accountability, transparency, and results, while providing administrative simplification to help faith and community-based organizations—particularly those smaller nonprofits operating in rural areas and in economically disadvantaged communities—to more effectively meet community needs."

National Service Organizations
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 176KB) »


"Thank you for your leadership in the face of such unprecedented economic challenges.  We are writing to express our strong support for the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act of 2009 (GIVE Act).  The GIVE Act will reauthorize the National and Community Services Act of 1990 by making key reforms to the Americorps program.  Community challenges such as rising unemployment and the current foreclosure crisis have disproportionately affected our most vulnerable communities, which is why the work of those who choose to serve these communities through programs such as the ones supported by the GIVE Act is so crucial."

Michael Rubinger, President and Chief Executive Officer
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 76KB) »


"We are deeply grateful that the House Education and Labor Committee has recognized the pivotal moment we are in as a country and has responded by passing H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act.  The Act recognizes that we need to reinvest in service, starting with the reauthorization of national and community service programs operated by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which have not been reauthorized in 16 years."

W. David Mallery, Executive Director
Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 410KB) »


"Responding to systemic problems and crises that face our country, young Americans are giving back in record numbers (nearly a quarter of those over age 16 have volunteered). The Millennial Generation, growing up in the wake of the September 11th attacks, is leading a movement of citizen-centered change and joining together across generational, cultural and socio-economic bounds in a shared sense of ownership and national responsibility. It is in this spirit of renewed civic engagement and service that we urge your support of The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (“GIVE”) Act."

Chris Golden & Nick Troiano
Co-Founders, myImpact
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 29KB) »


"I hope that you will support swift passage of the GIVE Act and the Volunteer Generation Fund amendment when both come to the House floor this week."

Rachel A. Chadderdon, Executive Director
ServeWyoming
Click here to read full letter of support (PDF, 42KB) »

1.    QUESTION: Who is eligible for the premium reduction?

A.    To be eligible for the premium reduction, you must be a COBRA qualified beneficiary who meets all of the following requirements:

•    Is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage as a result of Federal or State law at any time during the period beginning September 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2009;
•    Elects COBRA coverage (when first offered or during the additional election period); and
•    Was involuntarily terminated during the period beginning September 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2009.  

If you are eligible for other group health coverage (such as through a spouse's plan) or for Medicare, you are not eligible for the premium reduction.  In addition, your same year (2009 and/or 2010) modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $125,000 (or $250,000 for families).  If your income exceeds this limit, all or part of the amount of your premium reduction may be recaptured by an increase in your income tax liability for the year.  

2.    QUESTION:  How do I know whether or not I have been involuntarily terminated from employment?

A.    Involuntary termination is a termination that is at the direction of the employer.  Note that termination for gross misconduct will generally disqualify an employee and his/her family from COBRA coverage.  For more information on whether your termination is involuntary please call the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Benefits Advisors at 1-866-444-3272.

3.    QUESTION:  How does the premium reduction work?  

A.    It works the same way as standard COBRA coverage.  However, instead of paying the full premium to the former employer/insurer, you will pay 35% of the premium.  The former employer/insurer will be compensated for the other 65% of the premium by the federal government.  
The premium reduction is available as of your first period of coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009, the date of enactment of this law.  Some plans may have already sent out bills for the full premium.  If you get a bill for the full premium and pay it, you will either be reimbursed for the overpayment or receive a credit toward future premium payments.

4.    QUESTION:  How do I sign up for the premium reduction?  

A.    To sign-up for the premium reduction, you must enroll in COBRA coverage and fill out the premium reduction enrollment forms provided by your health plan.  Generally, under COBRA the employer must notify your health plan that you are being terminated within 30 days.  After that, your health plan must notify you within 14 days regarding your COBRA eligibility and provide you with materials regarding enrollment.  After February 17, 2009, plans will also begin sending out information regarding the premium reduction.  If you have not yet received information from your health plan, you can contact your plan directly.  

5.    QUESTION:  I was involuntarily terminated after September 1, 2008 and am enrolled in COBRA now.  How do I get the premium reduction?

A.    As of your first period of coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009, you are only required to pay 35% of your total premium.  You should immediately contact the former employer/insurer that administers your COBRA to obtain the documents necessary to establish eligibility for the premium reduction and explain that you intend to take advantage of the premium reduction and pay 35% of your premium.  If you have already paid the full amount for the next pay period, your former employer or insurer is required to reimburse you or credit a future payment.

6.    QUESTION:  What if I was involuntarily terminated after September 1, 2008 but didn’t elect COBRA within 60 days as required by law?

A.    If you were involuntarily terminated from September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009, but failed to initially elect COBRA you will get a second chance to elect COBRA and receive the premium reduction. No later than April 18, 2009 health plans should notify individuals about the second election period, in addition to providing any forms and information needed to enroll.  You will have 60 days after receipt of that notice to enroll in COBRA and the premium reduction.  However, you can contact your former employer now and say you want to take advantage of the second chance election period.  In either case, your coverage begins with the first period of coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009.  

7.    QUESTION:  What if I was involuntarily terminated after September 1, 2008, elected COBRA within 60 days as required by law, but dropped the coverage?

A.    If you were involuntarily terminated during the period from September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009 and initially elected COBRA, but dropped the coverage (for example, because it was unaffordable), you will get a second chance to elect COBRA and receive the premium reduction.  No later than April 18, 2009 your health plan should notify individuals about the second election period and should provide any forms and information needed to enroll.  You will have 60 days after receipt of that notice to enroll in COBRA and sign up for the premium reduction.  However, you can contact your former employer now and say you want to take advantage of the second chance election period.  In either case, your coverage begins with the first period of coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009.    

8.    QUESTION:  Who can take advantage of the additional election period?

A.    Only plans subject to the Federal COBRA provisions are required to provide an additional election period when certain involuntary terminations occurred from September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009.  ARRA does not require coverage provided under state continuation coverage provisions (including state mini-COBRA coverage) to offer an additional election period.  States may choose but are not required to offer a second election period.

9.    QUESTION:  Is death considered an involuntary termination?

A.    No.  While death of an employee can be a qualifying event for that person’s beneficiaries to be eligible for COBRA coverage, death is not an involuntary termination of employment.  The beneficiaries would be required to pay the full premium amount if they elected COBRA.  However, if an employee dies after an involuntary termination, the employee’s beneficiaries may be entitled to the premium reduction for the remainder of the 9 month period that would otherwise be available.  

10.    QUESTION:  How long can I receive the premium reduction?  

A.    Generally, individuals who qualify can receive the 65% premium reduction for up to 9 months.  COBRA coverage is still available for up to 18 months and 36 months in some cases.  If you remain on COBRA after the premium reduction period expires, you may be responsible to pay the full premium amount.  
In certain situations, however, you would not be eligible to receive the premium reduction for 9 months.  If one of the following events occurred, the premium reduction would end at the earliest occurring event:  

•    your employer (which in this case includes any responsible related or successor employer) no longer offers any group health plan to employees;

•    you fail to make your premium payment; or

•    you become eligible to receive health care through Medicare or another group health plan (such as the plan of a new employer or a spouse’s employer).  

It is important to note that if and when you become eligible for coverage through Medicare or another group health plan, you must notify the plan administrator immediately.  While you remain eligible for COBRA when offered new coverage, you will no longer be eligible to receive the premium reduction.  Continuing to receive the premium reduction after becoming eligible for other coverage could result in a penalty equal to 110 percent of the premium provided to you after your eligibility ends.

11.    QUESTION:  What do I do if I think I qualify for the COBRA premium reduction but my plan tells me I do not?  

A.    If your health plan finds that you are ineligible for the premium reduction, you can apply for review of that determination by the Secretary of Labor or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services depending on your type of plan (see following question).  The Secretary will review your application and make a determination within 15 business days.  

12.    QUESTION:  Where do I send my appeal?

A.    The Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) are currently developing processes and an official form that will be required to be completed for applications for review.  

•    DOL will handle appeals related to private sector employers who are subject to ERISA’s COBRA provisions.  For more information or assistance determining where to file your appeal, visit www.dol.gov/COBRA or contact DOL at 1-866-444-3272.

•    HHS will handle appeals for all government employees (federal and non-federal) as well as for those individuals covered by so-called mini-COBRA (insurance policies offered by employers with fewer than 20 employees).  

13.    QUESTION:  How does the income cap work?

A.    The income cap is designed to ensure that the premium reductions are going to people who most need the help.  If your income for the year in which you are receiving the premium reduction (2009 and/or 2010) is more than $125,000 (or $250,000 for married couples filing a joint federal income tax return) all or part of the premium reduction may be recaptured by an increase in your income tax liability for the year.  If you think that your income may exceed the amounts above, consult your tax preparer or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

14.    QUESTION:  If I elect COBRA and receive the premium reduction, can I change my coverage or do I have to retain the coverage I had while employed?

A.    Group health plans are permitted, but not required, to allow qualified beneficiaries to enroll in coverage that is different than the coverage they had at the time of the qualifying event.  Changing coverage will not cause an individual to be ineligible for the COBRA premium reduction, provided that: the premium for the different coverage is the same or lower than the coverage the individual had at the time of the qualifying event; the different coverage is also offered to active employees; and the different coverage is not limited to only dental coverage, vision coverage, counseling coverage, a flexible spending account, or on-site medical clinic.  If the plan permits individuals to change coverage options, the plan must provide the individuals with a notice of their opportunity to change.  Individuals have 90 days to elect to change their coverage after the notice is provided.

15.    QUESTION:  What if I was laid off before September 1, 2008, can I receive the premium reduction?  

A.    No.  To be eligible for the premium reduction you must have lost your job on a date between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.  

16.    QUESTION:  What if my employer went out of business and did not continue the company health plan, can I receive COBRA coverage and the premium reduction?  

A.    If your employer terminates all its health plans, COBRA continuation coverage will generally not be available unless another related or successor employer sponsors a group health plan responsible under COBRA for providing coverage to you.  

17.    QUESTION:  As an employer, how can I get more information about how the premium reduction works and how I will report the reductions on my quarterly federal tax return Form 941?

A.    Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933.  

18.    QUESTION:  Where can I get more information if I have additional questions about the COBRA premium reduction?

A.    Contact the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Benefits Advisors at 1-866-444-3272.  In addition, the Employee Benefits Security Administration has developed a dedicated COBRA web page www.dol.gov/COBRA that will contain information on the program as it is developed.  Subscribe to this page to get up to date fact sheets, FAQs, model notices and applications. 

Hon. Harris Wofford's testimony:




Richard Stengel's testimony:




James Harris' testimony:




Van Jones' testimony:



(More videos from the hearing will be posted as they become available.)

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 26th, the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness will hold a second hearing about New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act at 10:00 am in 2175 Rayburn House Office Building.  The hearing will be broadcast live here.

How the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is helping Americans

Boost the Pell Grant scholarship to its highest amount ever

• Increase the maximum Pell Grant Award by $500 to $5,350 for 2009-2010 and to $5,550 for 2010-2011. When combined with other increases enacted during the 110th Congress, the maximum Pell Grant award will have increased by $1,500 – or 37 percent – since the 2006 – 2007 school year; 
  
• College and universities create jobs, support taxes and generate spending on goods and services. Increasing the Pell Grant scholarship will help more students stay in college, and more new students enroll in college – which in turn will help colleges and universities keep more jobs on the payroll and continue to serve as local economic engines.
  

Expand Work Study and Service Opportunities for Students

• Provide $200 million for work-study programs to create opportunities for an additional 133,000 students to get paid for work in a field related to either their major or community service.
  

 
Stabilize State Budgets for Higher Education

• Provide funding for postsecondary education through the State Stabilization Fund which will allow states to, among other options, retain or hire faculty and staff, maintain or expand enrollment, repair, renovate and modernize campus facilities,  and pay for other costs associated with the evolving needs of higher education in the current economy.

Modernizing our schools and universities – creating green jobs  

• Provides $48.6 billion for services to low-income students, students with disabilities, and career tech to modernize schools and colleges, which would include facility repairs, updating technology, and making facilities more energy-efficient. According to estimates, this could create thousands of new jobs in the construction, energy, technology, and other industries.
  

Investing in early education

• Provides $2.1 billion for Head Start, and Early Head Start, which provides comprehensive development services for low-income preschool children, infants and toddlers. These investments will create 50,000 new jobs, increasing demand for early educators, transportation, nutrition providers, and more;
• Create room for 124,000 additional children to attend Head Start and Early Head Start.
  

Helping states prevent teacher layoffs and other critical public sector jobs

• Provides $53.6 billion state stabilization fund to help prevent education-related layoffs and restore harmful cuts to education funding;
• Includes $8 billion for states and local governments to meet needs in public safety, health and other critical public services, which may include education.  
  

Training workers for 21st century jobs

• Provides nearly $4 billion to prepare adult, youth and dislocated workers for green jobs, and other emerging industries, including training for retrofitting buildings, green construction and production of renewable energy;
• Include $1.2 billion to create job opportunities for younger Americans, including summer jobs.
  

 
Creating service and volunteer opportunities to rebuild America

• Creates work study opportunities for an additional 130,000 college students in a field related to either their major or community service;
  
• Invests $200 million for 16,000 new slots in Americorps which will create more opportunities for more Americans of all generations to serve in their communities.
  

Create new jobs in construction and other industries

• Provides funds to repair and modernize existing public school and higher education facilities, as part of the $53.6 billion state stabilization fund. School districts will receive these funds through state and federal education formulas. Funds could be used to:

1. Improve the teaching and learning climate;
2. Make schools energy efficient, which could save taxpayers billions in energy costs;
3. Replace light systems and security doors; 
4. Repair heating and ventilation systems; 
5. Bring facilities into compliance with fire, health, and safety codes; 
6. Make necessary modifications to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;  and 
7. Eliminate exposure to mold, asbestos, mildew and lead-based paint.
   

Update schools with 21st century technology

• Provide $650 million for Enhancing Education Through Technology (EdTech) – a program which provides grants to schools to increase access to educational technology and further integrate technology into the classroom.  
  

Create green, modern, state-of-the-art classrooms and schools

• Encourages that funds be used to support projects that meet green standards, including projects such as installing green roofs and installing renewable energy generation and heating systems.
  

Prevent teacher layoffs and restore state cuts to education

• Creates a $53.6 billion state stabilization fund to help prevent education-related layoffs, upgrade, repair and modernize schools and restore harmful cuts to education funding, including $39.5 billion for local school districts and public colleges and universities;
• Require states to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for funds, including:
  

1. Maintain their FY06 education funding levels
2. Address teacher distribution inequities to ensure every classroom has a qualified, effective teacher
3. Establish a longitudinal data system to help teachers gauge students progress in real time and lay groundwork for use of growth models for accountability
4. Develop more fair and better assessments for students to measure critical thinking, problem solving and other complex skills students will need in today’s world.
5. Improve state educational standards for students
6. Comply with school improvement provisions of current law
   

• Includes $5 billion for bonus grants to states for making progress in those key areas.

Strengthen education resources for students in need

• Provides $13 billion for Title I grants for high poverty schools, which includes $3 billion to provide extra help to struggling schools;
• Invests $12.2 billion to help schools maintain services for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  

Make critical investments in early education for an additional 124,000 children

• Provides $2.1 billion for Head Start, and Early Head Start, which provides comprehensive development services for low-income preschool children, infants and toddlers. This will expand early education opportunities for an additional 124,000 children and create 50,000 early education jobs;
• Studies have shown that Head Start is one of the best ways to improve child well-being, increase the educational achievement and future productivity of children, and reduce crime. Studies also show that $1 invested in early education yields up to $17 in returns.
  

Reward teacher excellence

• Provides $200 million in funding for school districts that want to reward educators for outstanding performance or for taking on additional responsibilities and leadership roles.
  

Train and recruit outstanding teachers for classrooms that need them most

• Invests $100 million to address teacher shortages and modernize the teaching workforce;
• Provides training for new teachers to help them improve overall student achievement;
• Enhances professional development activities for new teachers;
• Strengthens teacher recruitment and training efforts for prospective teachers;
  
• Improves the preparation of general education teacher candidates in order to more effectively teach students with disabilities.
  

Prevent teacher layoffs

• Allows the State Stabilization Fund, IDEA, and Title I investments to be used to help states  keep teachers on staff.

The statistics speak for themselves. Colombia has the highest rate of union homicides in the world.  According to the National Labor School (Escuela Nacional Sindical or ENS), 2,694 unionists have been killed since 1986, the year the ENS started recording the rate of killings. An additional 4,200 unionists have reported receiving threats.

According to ENS statistics, after dropping to 39 unionist assassinations in 2007, the number of killings increased once again to 49 in 2008.  This represents a 25% increase. Ironically, 2008 was also the year that both President Bush and President Uribe claimed that the situation on the ground was improving as they lobbied Congress to pass the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.  As I said at the hearing, 49 assassinations of trade unionists would never be tolerated in the U.S. Why would we allow it in a country with whom we are considering a free trade agreement?  Despite the numbers and claims about progress being made in this area, these are people’s lives.  Those killed are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters; they are not just statistics.  Even one person killed for exercising his or her fundamental rights should not be tolerated or boasted as improvement.

At today’s hearing, Yessika Hoyos detailed the tragic murder of her father, a well-known Colombian Labor leader. After years of threats and an attempted kidnapping, he was gunned-down by two young assassins in March 2001.  He left behind a wife and two young daughters, who were ages 14 and 17 at the time.  The two assailants were quickly arrested and convicted. But Hoyos says she possesses evidence of involvement by the Colombian military. So far no charges have been filed, a common theme in Colombia. In 2006, Hoyos and ten other children of victims decided to form a new advocacy organization: “Sons and Daughters Against Impunity.”   The founders have travelled all over Colombia meeting with families of victims, and the organization now has hundreds of members in seven major cities where it organizes public education events. I commend Hoyos for her courage.

Today, we also heard from Maria McFarland, a Latin America specialist for Human Rights Watch. She detailed the links between union violence and the Colombian government. Specifically, she highlighted the case of Colombian Intelligence Chief Jorge Noguera, who allegedly passed lists of protected union members to paramilitaries so they could be targeted.

Overall, I found today’s hearing to be disturbing, but not surprising. Colombia’s despicable labor rights record is unmatched by any nation in the world. We should continue to work with the Colombian government to help put an end to this violence and bring past perpetrators to justice.  

Keep teens safe with new national standards for residential programs that are focused on teens with behavioral, emotional, or mental health, or substance abuse problems

• Prohibit programs from physically, mentally, or sexually abusing children in their care;
• Prohibit programs from denying children essential water, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care – whether as a form of punishment or for any other reason;
• Require programs to provide children with reasonable access to a telephone and inform children accordingly;
• Require programs to train staff in what constitutes child abuse and neglect and how to report it; 
• Require that programs only physically restrain children if it is necessary for their safety or the safety of others, and to do so in a way that is consistent with federal law already applicable in other contexts; and
• Require programs to have plans in place to provide emergency medical care.
  

Prevent deceptive marketing by residential programs for teens

• Require programs to disclose to parents the qualifications, roles, and responsibilities of staff members;
• Require programs to notify parents of substantiated reports of child abuse or violations of health and safety laws; and
• Require programs to include a link or web address for the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which will carry information on residential programs.
  

Hold teen residential programs accountable for violating the law

• Require states to inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs and require HHS to conduct investigations of such programs to determine if a violation of the national standards has occurred; and
• Provide HHS the authority to assess civil penalties up to $50,000 for every violation of the law.
  

Ask states to step in to protect teens in residential programs

Within three years, states must require all public and private programs to be licensed, meet standards that are at least as stringent as the national standards, and implement a monitoring and enforcement system. The Department of Health and Human Services would continue to inspect programs where a child fatality has occurred or where a pattern of violations has emerged.


Background

• February 23, 2009: House passes Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009, by a vote of 295-102 »
  
• February 11, 2009: Committee passes Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009, by a vote of 32-10 »
  
• Full Committee Hearing: "Child Abuse and Deceptive Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens" »
• GAO Audio Clips: Examples of Deceptive Marketing Practices »
• Full Committee Hearing: "Cases of Child Neglect and Abuse at Private Residential Treatment Facilities" »
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 »
  

Support for H.R. 911

• Parents of victims »
  (PDF, 8KB)
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry »
  (PDF, 282KB)
• American Academy of Pediatrics »
  (PDF, 36KB)
• American Bar Association »
  (PDF, 59KB)
• American Humane Association »
  (PDF, 34KB)
• American Psychological Association »
  (PDF, 48KB)
• Association of University Centers on Disabilities »
  (PDF, 171KB)
• Bazelon Center »
  (PDF, 85KB)
• Child Welfare League of America »
  (PDF, 54KB)
• Coalition of groups serving children and adolescents with mental health or substance use conditions »
  (PDF, 10KB)
• Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth »
  (PDF, 26KB)
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates »
  (PDF, 23KB)
• Disability Policy Coalition »
  (PDF, 29KB)
• Easter Seals »
  (PDF, 132KB)
• National Child Abuse Coalition »
  (PDF, 17KB)
• National Disability Rights Network »
  (PDF, 56KB)
• TASH »
  (PDF, 35KB)

We must strengthen WIA to meet today’s challenges and position our workers for long-term success in the global economy.

An improved WIA should be a key plank in our plans to restore economic prosperity to America’s working families. We have an opportunity to update our job training programs so that they not only place workers into jobs but onto career pathways that lead to better wages and advancement in the workplace. We should seize the moment to re-engage adult learners who struggle with low literacy levels or who lack a high school diploma, providing them with the skills and credentials they need for success on the job and an improved quality of life at home and in the community.

The Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness will kick off the drive to reauthorization with a hearing looking at innovation and best practices under the current Workforce Investment Act.  We will be seeking input from all stakeholders on how we need to modernize WIA to weather today’s economic crisis and to lay the foundation for a dynamic, highly skilled workforce for the future.

Committee to Vote on Legislation to Stop Child Abuse in Teen Residential Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Education and Labor Committee will consider legislation to protect teenagers attending residential programs from physical, mental and sexual abuse and help ensure that parents have the information they need to make safer choices for their kids.

An investigation conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office at the committee’s request found thousands of cases and allegations of child abuse and neglect at residential programs for teens, including therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, wilderness camps, and behavior modification facilities. In some cases, this abuse led to the death of a child.

WHAT:
Mark-up of H.R. 911, “Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009”
WHO:
The House Education and Labor Committee
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 10:15 a.m. EST
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.


Committee to Hold Hearing on Violence Against Worker Advocates in Colombia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, February 12, the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing on labor rights for workers in Colombia and the continuing violence against labor union activists in that country.

While some have claimed the violence against union activists is under control, data shows that killings actually increased in 2008. In addition, human rights advocates and others have been critical of Colombia’s delays to investigate and prosecute the approximately 2,700 killings of labor union leaders that have occurred over the past two decades. Witnesses will include Colombian labor advocates and a family member of a slain labor leader, among others.

WHAT:         
Hearing on "Examining Workers' Rights and Violence Against Labor Union Leaders in Colombia"
WHO:           
Witnesses TBA
WHEN:         
Thursday, February 12, 2009
10:00 a.m. ET
WHERE:      
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.


House Panel to Examine Strengthening Job Training and Support for American Workers; Hearing is first in a series on reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness will hold a hearing on Thursday, February 12, to examine strategies for strengthening job training and education programs and other services provided to adult and dislocated workers under the Workforce Investment Act. This is the first in a series of hearings the committee will hold as it works toward improving and reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act.

WHAT:         
Hearing on “"New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act"
WHO:           
Morton Bahr, Commissioner On The National Commission On Adult Literacy, Washington, D.C.
Bill Camp, Executive Director, Sacramento Central Labor Council—AFL-CIO, Sacramento, CA
Karen Elzey, Vice President, Chamber Of Commerce, And Executive Director, Institute For A Competitive Workforce, Washington, DC
Bonnie Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Solutions, Inc, Lower Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX
Sherry L. Johnson, Associate Director, Employment Training Programs, Lincoln Trail Area Development District, Elizabethtown, KY
Stephen Wooderson, State Director, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Des Moines, IA
WHEN:         
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2:30 P.M. EST
WHERE:      
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
 

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Click here to download CRS state-level data on Child Care and Development Block Grant Discretionary Funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act »

How the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is helping Americans

In 2008, Duncan testified before the Education and Labor Committee with mayors and superintendents of major U.S. cities on how to improve America’s schools and close the achievement gap:

 

For Duncan's written testimony, click here.

"The state of our economy demands Congress act quickly to pass at the earliest date an economic recovery plan to provide immediate relief to Americans and to create or save millions of American jobs," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  "This hearing will build upon the stimulus package the House passed in September and the numerous hearings held by our other committees, to ensure we make the necessary investments in an innovative and bold way to strengthen the economy."

"We know that smart, strategic investments in our nation's infrastructure are key to getting Americans back to work and getting our economy moving forward," said Congressman Miller, the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee. "This hearing will help the new Congress take swift, effective action to create jobs, rebuild our economy, strengthen our competitiveness through strategic investments in education and lay the foundation for a robust and innovative future."

"Families are struggling, facing times tougher than they have ever been in recent memory.  This moment requires bold solutions that will drive economic growth and job creation directly.  With this hearing we will examine what we need to do to get our economy moving again and how we can work together to reverse the daunting trends, jumpstart our economy and ensure our economy grows and prospers in the years ahead," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

Participating:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair, Democratic Policy Committee and chair, Education and Labor Committee
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), chair, Democratic Steering Committee
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), chair, Science and Technology Committee
U.S. Rep. David Obey (D-WI), chair, Appropriations Committee
U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN), chair, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), chair, Ways and Means Committee
U. S. Rep. John M. Spratt, Jr. (D-SC), chair, Budget Committee
U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), chair, Energy and Commerce Committee

Panelists:

Dr. Mark M. Zandi
Chief economist and cofounder of Moody's Economy.com

Robert Reich
Former Secretary of Labor and a professor at the University of California at Berkeley

Martin Feldstein
George F. Baker Professor of Economics at Harvard University and President Emeritus of the National Bureau of Economic Research
 
Norman R. Augustine
Author of the Gathering Storm, which focused the nation's attention on the critical need for investments in basic science and research, in addition to his other accolades

Maria Zuber
E. A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology