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Overview: On Saturday, June 3, 2023, President Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which suspends the U.S. government’s debt limit through Jan. 1, 2025. The Fiscal Responsibility Act requires Congress to approve 12 annual spending bills or face a snapback to spending limits from the previous year, which would mean a 1 percent cut. As noted here last week, the bill expands the age range for SNAP work requirements, but does not include additional work requirements in Medicaid. In a letter to Congress, CCUSA had stressed that any agreement should keep in mind the most vulnerable and needy persons in society. CCUSA Social Policy staff were on the Hill again this week, continuing their visits to new members of Congress. Members of the Social Policy team also attended a reception on Thursday for anti-poverty and hunger groups hosted by Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA). Economy: In the week ending June 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 261,000, an increase of 28,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the highest level for initial claims since October 30, 2021, when it was 264,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 232,000 to 233,000. The 4-week moving average was 237,250, an increase of 7,500 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 250 from 229,500 to 233,000. Broadband access: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a Federal Communications Commission program, announced a week of action, June 14-22, to help low income households afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider. A household is eligible for the ACP if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria listed in the guidelines. Eligible households can enroll by going to GetInternet.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application, or by contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan. |
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