A quick look back at the news from last week. Compiled by Penn Hill Group.

HOUSE and SENATE

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced the nominations of Cindy Marten to serve as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education (ED), James Kvaal to serve as the Department’s Under Secretary and Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, by 14 to 8, 19 to 3 and 13-9 margins respectively.

ADMINISTRATION

ED issued guidance on the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements under the American Rescue Plan Act.

ED released a State plan template and a notice of interim final requirements for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

ED announced State allocations of American Rescue Plan funds dedicated to support students experiencing homelessness.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona held a roundtable with students, educators and administrative staff who are eligible for the Dream and Promise Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended several school meal flexibilities through June 30, 2022.

President Biden nominated former Florida Congressional Representative Gwen Graham to be Assistant Secretary of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at ED.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on the distribution of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding at institutions of higher education (IHEs).

EVENTS

Penn Hill Group plans to provide clients with a summary of the following events next week:

April 27: Senate HELP Committee hearing on “Supporting Children, Workers and Families by Strengthening America’s Child Care Sector”

April 28: Senate HELP Committee Hearing on “Examining Our COVID-19 Response: Using Lessons Learned to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Orders”

April 28: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing on “Building Back Better: Investing in Improving Schools, Creating Jobs, and Strengthening Families and Our Economy”

April 28: House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on “FY 2022 Budget Request for the Department of Labor”

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Penn Hill Group provides a list of grant opportunities and summaries for select grants. Please visit our website for more information.