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April 12, 2024


 

News


Overview: This week CCUSA welcomed Catholic Charities executive directors from across the country to the annual spring gathering held at CCUSA's O'Grady Conference Center in Alexandria, Va., and to Capitol Hill Day. Executive directors went to the Hill on Wednesday to make their FY2025 needs known to appropriations committees and to meet with federal agencies.

Economy: In the week ending April 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 211,000, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's revised level. Last week's level was revised by 1,000 from 221,000 to 222,000. The 4-week moving average was 214,250, a decrease of 250 from the prior week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised by 250 from 214,250 to 214,500.

Temporary Protected Status: Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ethiopia that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice ([link removed]) provides information about registering as a new first-time applicant or current beneficiary for TPS under Ethiopia's extension and redesignation.

Earmarks: Remember that Congress accepts Community Project Funding requests, commonly known as earmarks. Earmarks are funding requests for a non-governmental entity to carry out a specific project; for example, a Catholic Charities agency may be provided funds for a substance abuse treatment program. While the deadline for submitting earmark requests has closed for some Congressional offices, there may still be time to apply. You should contact your member of Congress for more information on applying for an earmark, or please contact the Find your elected officials ([link removed]).

Convening on homelessness: Attend one of CCUSA's regional convenings on homelessness, which will be co-hosted by local Catholic Charities agencies. Representatives from the government and faith-based organizations shared challenges, ideas, solutions, and models of best practices for addressing homelessness. Registration ([link removed]) is open for Dallas, Texas (May 7-8); Philadelphia, Pa. (June 5-6); and Providence, RI (June 24-25); and Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 24-25). There is no cost to register, but space is limited. Also, a limited number of stipends for travel costs are available to Catholic Charities agency staff members.

Child Tax Credit: After passing the House, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 has yet to be taken up by the Senate, where it faces potential amendments that would weaken the legislation and make fewer families eligible for the credit. There is still time for you to urge your senators to pass the bill with an expanded Child Tax Credit by using CCUSA's action alert ([link removed]).

 

Trivia

Q. Who is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress?

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