What's New?

June 2013 -- Immigration reform is moving forward with the Senate Judiciary Committee passing a bill (the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, S. 744) on May 21, 2013 and sending it to the Senate floor. An excellent summary of the Committee passed bill can be found here in English, and here in Spanish.

In the House, a bipartisan working group of Representatives is developing immigration reform legislation concurrently.

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The “sequestration” (a reduction of approximately 5 per cent for most domestic programs) has taken effect. For the Title I, Part C Migrant Education Program that has meant a 5 per cent loss of funds allocated to the states starting July 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. A reduction of services for that program, Head Start, food and nutrition programs, and many other programs is beginning to occur.

The sequestration process approved by Congress and the President includes a 10 year plan of cuts. It remains to be seen whether this multi-year plan of cuts will continue or be curtailed.

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The reauthorization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly called the Food Stamp Program) is found in the Farm Bill currently pending in the House of Representatives and Senate. Significant cuts in SNAP are included in the current bills in both houses. The Farm Bill has gone to the floor of the Senate for consideration.

Issues in the News

Time to Remember Farmworkers - 11/20/12

Constellation Wines Settles EEOC National Origin Lawsuit - 10/10/12

Egg Giant National Food Sued by EEOC for Sexual Harassment - 10/4/12

America's Largest Onion Grower Sued by EEOC for Harassment and Retaliation - 10/3/12

Schools Falter at Keeping ELL Families in the Loop - 10/2/12

OCR to Investigate Wake County Discrimination Claim - 7/5/12