Policy Corner: March 24, 2023
Categories: Policy Corner Archives
Senators Introduce Bill to Study Concussions Among Public Safety Officers
On March 21, Senators John Cornyn (R-Tex.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced S. 894, the Public Safety Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act, to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and disseminate information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers. The text for the bill is not yet available. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.). The press release issued by bill sponsors stated,
“Every day, first responders risk their safety when responding to criminal activity, traffic incidents, natural disasters, and other dangerous situations in the line of duty,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Given that brain injuries can often go undetected in public safety professions, our bill would help ensure public safety officers have access to the information they need to identify an injury, seek treatment, and navigate the potential effects of these injuries on their quality of life.”
“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day, and I’m working to ensure we can diagnose and treat those who are hurt in the line of duty,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “Far too often, traumatic brain injuries go undiagnosed and can have harmful effects on officers’ memory, concentration, and overall quality of life. Our bipartisan bill is a critical first step in ensuring that the men and women who keep our communities safe get the treatment and support they deserve.”
Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Home Care Workforce
Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Senator Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), held the hearing “Uplifting Families, Workers, and Older Adults: Supporting Communities of Care.” The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the caregiving workforce, both paid and unpaid, that support seniors and individuals with disabilities to live in their home and community. In January, Senator Casey reintroduced the Better Care Better Jobs Act (S. 100), along with 39 co-sponsors. The bill is to authorize funding and support for infrastructure to recruit and retain caregivers and support workers.
Testifiers included Kezia Scales, Vice President of Research and Evaluation, PH, a New York-based national nonprofit organization that works to transform eldercare and disability services by promoting quality direct care jobs. According to PHI’s analysis of employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 2.6 million home care workers (primarily home health and personal care aides) assist millions of older adults and people with disabilities across our country every day. Home care provide support with necessary daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and eating, as well as with meal preparation, housework, and grocery shopping.
Senator Casey announce that Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) will serve as the new Ranking Member of the Committee. Other members new to the committee include Senators J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebr.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
House Proposes to Reduce Federal Spending
As the President has released the White House’s recommendations for fiscal year 2024 appropriations, the process is underway in Congress with committees in both the House and Senate reviewing agency requests. Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education held a public hearing. Michael Kutcher, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and the twin brother of actor Ashton Kutcher, who spoke to the Committee regarding prevention, research and lifelong care needs of people with Cerebral Palsy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra will testify on behalf of President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request for HHS on March 28. The House Republican Leadership has publicly stated its pledge to cut non-defense discretionary programs to FY 2022 appropriation levels, although there is not anything in writing yet.