Legislative Affairs

         

Legislative links, information and advocacy from federal to state

April 2024 Update  

Partnering for Success with

Governor Moore's Service Year Option

Maryland's Department of Service & Civic Innovation (DSCI) invites you to connect with them to find out more about Governor Wes Moore's new initiative regarding an invaluable opportunity to help your clients and/or students determine the best next steps in their work or educational journey through a year of paid, full-time service.

According to State Delegate, Michele Guyton, "our service option is working well and being expanded."

Please utilize the following Service Year Option/Maryland Corps Info Session link to schedule your virtual 1:1 connection with DSCI and find out more. If you have an existing event that you would like for us to attend or have a group of potential participants you would like us to speak to in person, please let us know.

Should you have any questions or feedback in advance, please visit https://dsci.maryland.gov or email applytoserve@maryland.gov.

What’s Happening in Washington

Week of April 22nd

Headlines to Know

President Biden Unveils Major Solar Grant Program

• President Joe Biden has announced $7 billion in EPA-administered federal grants to support solar projects for over 900,000 low—and middle-income households. This initiative aims to reduce emissions by 30 million metric tons of CO2 annually and save $350 million in household energy costs annually.
• The grants will be distributed through 60 awards, including state projects, initiatives for Native American tribes, and multi-state efforts. As part of the initiative, the American Climate Corps is set to expand, adding nearly 2,000 new positions across 36 states to enhance green job training. Announced at Prince William Forest Park, the initiative draws inspiration from Roosevelt’s New Deal. It is part of a broader $27 billion Green Bank funding from the 2022 climate law, which focuses on aiding communities heavily impacted by climate change.
• This investment reflects the Biden administration's focus on renewable energy and climate change initiatives. It aims to engage young voters and contrasts Republican policies that advocate for reduced regulation of oil production. Republicans have asked questions regarding the announcement’s fiscal management and effectiveness.

Other News to Know 

Passage of the $95.3 Billion Aid Package

• The House of Representatives has successfully passed a significant $95.3 billion emergency aid package aimed at supporting key U.S. allies—Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Initially requested by President Joe Biden six months ago, the package has been advanced with strong bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate for a final vote.
• The passage reflects a strong bipartisan stance on U.S. foreign engagement despite opposition from right-wing and left-wing factions. A contentious debate marked the discussion on Ukraine aid, with some Republicans, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, vocally opposing the package. Greene’s amendment to eliminate funding was overwhelmingly defeated 71-351. The debate over Israel's aid involved discussions on the control and oversight of funds, particularly concerning humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated that the Senate might vote on the package as early as the upcoming Tuesday. The legislative maneuver used by the House replaces the text of a similar bill previously passed by the Senate, suggesting a potential quick resolution and enactment by President Biden.

Details of the Aid Package

1.       Ukraine Aid (HR 8035): The largest portion of the aid, $60.8 billion, was approved by a vote of 311-112. This funding is primarily designated for defense purposes to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.

2.      Israel and Middle East Aid (HR 8034): This segment, totaling $26.4 billion, includes funding for Israel and humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other conflict zones. It passed with a 366-58 vote. The package enforces strict oversight to ensure no funds are diverted to Hamas and other non-permitted entities.

3.      Indo-Pacific Assistance (HR 8036): With a vote of 385-34, $8.1 billion was allocated to enhance security in Taiwan and other regional allies, including measures to replenish U.S. military stocks utilized in supporting these allies.

4.      Additional Measures (HR 8038): The “sidecar” package includes various measures related to the main aid bills. It passed with a 360-58 vote and authorized seizing $5 billion in Russian assets for Ukraine, intensifying sanctions on Russia, Iran, and China, and affecting TikTok and data brokers.

U.S. Immigration Policy Dynamics and Electoral Implications

Asylum Policies and Border Management

• Trump's Plans: If re-elected, Trump intends to reinstate hardline measures like the "Remain in Mexico" policy and expand the border wall.
• Biden's Adjustments: The administration is considering tightening asylum rules to require claims to be made at ports of entry and possibly raising the "credible fear" standard for initial asylum screenings.

Humanitarian Parole Program

• Implementation: Initiated by Biden in January 2023, this program admits 30,000 people monthly from specific countries, provided they have a financial sponsor and arrive via air, which has seen some success in reducing border crossings.

Work Permit Extensions

• Policy Action: In April, the Biden administration extended work permits for certain immigrant categories for 540 days, aiding local economies and addressing labor market needs.

Cancellation of Removal

• Proposal Consideration: Discussions are ongoing about expanding access to this program, which could allow eligible U.S. immigrants to obtain a green card if they meet certain conditions for over ten years.

Electoral Landscape and Key Figures

• Impact on Elections: Immigration remains a pivotal issue in voter decision-making, particularly in battleground states. While not historically a decisive presidential issue, its current prominence could influence the 2024 election outcomes.

Legislative Developments

Foreign Aid and Sanctions Legislation

Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a $95.3 billion foreign aid package intended to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, addressing various strategic interests:

• Ukraine: $60.8 billion primarily for defense to bolster the military in its ongoing conflict.
• Israel and Middle East: $26.4 billion to support military operations and regional stability.
• Indo-Pacific: $8.1 billion aimed at countering Chinese influence and strengthening alliances.

A fourth bill includes measures to seize Russian assets, enforce a TikTok sale, and impose sanctions on Iran. The package faces uncertain prospects and heavily depends on bipartisan support for passage.

Policy Initiatives

• Border Policy: The debate continues with Democrats seeking a balance in immigration policies to prevent backlash while addressing high border crossings. Republicans, highlighting immigration as a critical voter concern, criticized the current administration's policies and impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
• Fiscal 2024 Appropriations: Increases in discretionary funding are noted in five key areas: Defense, Agriculture-FDA, Homeland Security, Transportation-HUD, and Energy-Water.

Upcoming Legislative Actions

• Youth Suicide Prevention: New York legislators introduced a bill to address rising rates among the youth.
• Privacy and Surveillance: The House prepares to debate a bill restricting agencies from purchasing personal data.
• Infrastructure: A bipartisan effort in Maryland aims to fulfill promises to rebuild Biden's Key Bridge.
• Environmental Legislation: California is considering bills for early budget decisions and carbon offset regulations.

Additional Legislation

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization: The Senate reviews bill S. 1939 for FAA operations.
• Education Costs: The House will discuss the College Cost and Reduction Act to address education affordability.

Hearings

All Times EST.

Monday, April 22, 2024

• Subcommittee: House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands
• Time: 12:00 PM 

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

• Subcommittee: House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs
• Time: 10:00 AM 

***   ***   ***   ***   ***

118th U.S. CONGRESS

Executive Branch

• President Biden Signs Executive Order: Scaling and Expanding the Use of Registered Apprenticeships in Industries and the Federal Government and Promoting Labor-Management Forums
  
• Statement from President Joe Biden on Nearly $5 Billion in Additional Student Debt Cancellation for 74,000 Borrowers
• Contact & More

  _{***   ***   ***   ***   ***}

Maryland General Assembly (446th session)

• The Maryland Legislative session ended at midnight on Monday, April 15th.
• For a general overview and information on the 2024 session, visit the General Assembly's Tutorial page
• Contact & More Information

Advocacy Affiliates

MCDA is an affiliate of NCDA, ACA, and MCA and its advocacy work is linked to these organizations. Your MCDA membership automatically links you to the advocacy efforts of all four groups. However, all MCDA members are eligible to join these groups.

NCDA Federal Advocacy 2023-2024

NOTE: Policy Areas are not in order of priority. Priority of these areas will be ever-evolving to mirror prominent issues within the legislature.

Policy Areas

1. Employment Opportunities and Job Market Adaptability
   • Focus 1: Advocating for federal policies that foster a dynamic and inclusive job market, ensuring opportunities for all skill levels and backgrounds.
   • Focus 2: Pushing for legislation that supports job transition programs, particularly for workers in declining industries or those impacted by automation and digital transformation.
   • Focus 3: Collaboration with federal agencies to develop and promote initiatives that match job seekers with opportunities based on current and forecasted labor market trends.
2. Student Career Services
   • Focus 1: Educate policymakers and advocate for the continuum of career services from early education through the end of life, with particular emphasis on meaning and purpose derived from work.
   • Focus 2: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in K-12 settings.
   • Focus 3: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in higher education institutions at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional (e.g. law and medical school) levels.
   • Focus 4: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in vocational programs, community programs, and additional services for minors and adults.
3. Professional Accreditation and Certification Standards
   • Focus: Lobbying for federal standards and support for the accreditation and certification of career development professionals to ensure quality and uniformity across the field, with particular emphasis on NCDA’s professional and ethical standards, including credentials approved by the NCDA Credentialing Commission.
4. Access to Professional Development
   • Focus: Advocacy for federal grants or subsidies aimed at promoting ongoing professional development among practitioners and educators in the career development field.
5. Workforce Development and Education
   • Focus: Collaboration with federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, to integrate career development into national education policies and workforce development programs.
6. Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
   • Focus: Promoting legislation that ensures all individuals, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, have equitable access to career development resources and opportunities.
   • Focus: Advocating for legislation to protect workers from discrimination, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups.
7. Special Populations
   • Focus: Advocating for legislation and programs that support special populations, including military veterans, individuals with disabilities, reentering formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, and other groups with barriers to workforce participation.
8. Mental Health and Career Development
   • Focus: Pushing for policies that integrate career development as part of broader mental health and well-being initiatives at the federal level.
9. Funding for Research and Innovation
   • Focus: Advocating for federal funding to facilitate research in career development trends, technologies, and best practices.
10. Small Business Development
    • Focus: Support funding and programs supporting small businesses, including tax structures to support small businesses and their owners.
11. Data Privacy and Ethical Compliance
    • Focus: Advocacy for ethical standards and data protection laws relevant to the gathering and storage of client information in the career development sector.

ACA Federal Advocacy

Agenda for Advocacy Power Hours (APH):

1. Introduction of attendees and ACA staff
2. State updates – ACA staff
3. Federal updates – ACA staff
4. State & regional updates – ACA members
5. Final call(s) to action – ACA staff
6. Q&A, wrap up, and important ACA administrative updates – ACA staff

Meetings and an updated schedule for the 2024 FY will resume in September 2023.

• More ways to take advocacy action.
• ACA's Statement on the Conflict in Ukraine.
• Contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy Team.
• Click here for further information on ACA's federal advocacy work.

MCA Advocacy

• Our Counseling Compact WELCOMEs New Hampshire! There are now 15 states  signed to the Counseling Compact including:  Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia!
• Click here to access the MCA Advocacy Committee web page.

For any questions or to get involved in legislative advocacy at the local, state, or national level, 
please contact MCDA’s Legislative Co-Chairs MCDA.Legislative@MDCareers.org.