| |
Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act
Searching THOMAS.gov
THOMAS.gov is an online search engine from the Library of Congress that allows web site visitors to find federal legislative information: bills, resolutions, public laws, House and Senate roll call votes, Congressional Record Daily Digests, schedules, calendars, committee reports, and more.
You can search THOMAS.gov several ways. Here is one quick way to find the summary and status of a bill or amendment.
- Visit www.thomas.gov .
- Click on “Bills, Resolutions” in the left navigation.
- Click on “Search Multiple Congresses” in the upper right.
- Enter the bill or amendment number in the search box.
- Indicate from where (House, Senate, or both)
- Click “Search”.
|
 About the Act
The Strengthening Communities through Education and Integration Act will help immigrant communities become a more integral part of America and maximize their social and economic contributions. This bill, sponsored by Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) in the House (H.R.6617) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in the Senate (S.3334) will:
- Make the English literacy and civics adult education programs part of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Workforce Investment Act, Title II) and create a new appropriation for these programs.
- Increase the authorization amount (how much funding Congress believes should be provided to individual programs—including open-ended authorizations) that should be provided for Even Start Family Literacy programs to $350 million.
- Provide resources for expanded learning time programs for English language learners in middle and high school.
- Create a $1,500 tax credit for teachers of English language learners and a deduction for their certification.
- Create a 20% tax credit to employers that provide English language instruction and GED training.
- Make grant money available to states to establish New American Councils. These councils would bring together business, faith, civic, philanthropic, non-profit, and education stakeholders to create and implement immigrant integration programs.
This bill amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Workforce Investment Act, Title II) and will be in play as Congress reauthorizes WIA.
What’s the Issue
While the Coalition supports the intent of this legislation and the majority of its provisions, several Coalition members are concerned about the English Literacy (EL) and Civics program. The Coalition supports incorporating EL/Civics into the law but opposes making EL/Civics a separate line item. A separate line item for this program could reduce the amount available for adult education and adult literacy classes under the existing program. We do not want this to happen.
Next Steps
We will work with bill sponsors and involved organizations to address our concerns and to support those provisions with which we agree. See the Legislative Updates to keep informed. Sign up to receive action alerts.
BACK TO TOP
National Coalition for Literacy Home
|
|
Bookmark or Share
