The so-called “Families First” legislative package unveiled this week by U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) consists of four bills that aim to connect, protect, and support America’s at-risk families.
“These four bills set parents up for success by providing necessary resources so they can make the best decisions to care for their children,” Rep. Miller said on Tuesday. “As a mother and grandmother, I understand how crucial it is to have a solid support system in place in order to raise a family.”
Rep. Miller on Jan. 24 sponsored the bipartisan Helping Households and Neighbors Distribute Services (HANDS) for Families Act, H.R. 476, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). The pair originally introduced the bill in July 2022.
If enacted, H.R. 476 would permit states to use already allocated money to access online portals that connect families in need with resources, such as pregnancy centers, childcare programs, food pantries, churches, and nonprofits. Companion legislation will be introduced in the U.S. Senate, according to Rep. Miller’s staff.
Also on Jan. 24, Rep. Miller sponsored the Community Mentors for Moms Act, H.R. 477, which would amend title V of the Social Security Act to establish a grant program for community-based maternal mentoring programs, according to the congressional record bill summary. Such programs would provide low-income mothers with support and prepare them to raise their children for success.
A Senate companion bill is also slated to be introduced soon to H.R. 477, which Rep. Miller first introduced in August 2022, her staff said.
Additionally, the congresswoman on Jan. 24 sponsored the Working Families Child Care Access Act, H.R. 478, which would help working families pay for child care by allowing them to contribute to an employer-sponsored dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) and roll over unused funds at the end of the year, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s office. She first introduced the bill in December 2022.
Finally, Rep. Miller on the same day sponsored the Targeting Child Care Funds Based on Poverty Act, H.R. 479, to ensure funding from the federal Child Care Entitlement to States is based on the number of children in poverty within each state.
Her staff noted that H.R. 479 would provide federal resources to families who need them through greater flexibility and access to affordable child care, as well as paid family and medical leave.
“I have made protecting families a top priority in Congress and with the reintroduction of this legislative package, I will be keeping my commitment to putting them first,” said Rep. Miller.