Editor’s Notes:

The COVID-19 Pandemic is officially over from the Government’s perspective, with the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on Thursday, May 11^th .

HHS releases a factsheet on PHE programs and pandemic-era healthcare flexibilities.

Title 42 ended with the PHE on Thursday, which allowed the US Government to immediately deport illegal border crossers to their country of origin.

$332.5 million has been allocated to 35 local governments and service organizations to support migrants released from custody in the U.S. An additional $360 million will be distributed before September 30, 2023.

Since October 2021, $42 billion in student loans have been forgiven under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which reduces or forgives loans for public service employees like teachers, firefighters, and police.

The Commerce Department is making $500 million available for US-based Tech Hubs that will focus on building globally competitive centers and workforces in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chips and Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and other advanced technologies.

Department of Energy announces $600 million in available incentive payments for hydroelectric power modernization and marine energy advancement incentive payments.

HUD has announced $837.5 million in grant and loan subsidy funding for the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) to improve energy, water efficiency, and climate resilience in public housing.

$50 million is available for community-based energy projects in rural and remote areas with fewer than 10,000 people.

Forest Service and Interior Department announced $2.8 billion in Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding to improve infrastructure, recreation facilities, federal lands access, and land and water conservation.

Department of Transportation is looking for ways to make it easier for passengers to receive compensation from airlines for missed/canceled flights, including hotel reimbursements and ground transportation.

$703 million for rail vehicle replacements has been awarded to six projects in six states by the FTA.

[End of Editor’s Notes]

Health Care

Fact Sheet: End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, expired at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Major telehealth flexibilities will not be affected. Certain Medicare and Medicaid waivers and broad flexibilities for health care providers are no longer necessary and will end. Certain COVID-19 data reporting and surveillance will change. Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act liability protections will be amended. Full Press Release

Letter to U.S. Governors from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra On Planning for the COVID-19 PHE

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra’s letter to U.S. Governors regarding the end of the Public Health Emergency. In the last two years, 270 million people in the US received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. The HHS Bridge Access Program will ensure people without health insurance have access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Full Press Release

New Initiatives at HHS Mental Health Summit to Strengthen Access to Mental Health Care

Secretary Becerra announced two new initiatives at the HHS Mental Health Summit: FindSupport.gov and HHS Children and Youth Resilience Challenge. FindSupport.gov is an online guide to help people find mental health, drug, or alcohol support and resources based on their insurance status. HHS Children and Youth Resilience Challenge will provide $1 million for community-led solutions to promote resilience in children and adolescents affected by COVID-19 and other disasters. Full Press Release

Commerce

$500 Million for Commerce’s First Tech Hubs Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has launched the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) competition as part of the President’s Investing in America Agenda. The program aims to stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, revitalize American manufacturing, and ensure inclusive economic growth, focusing on creating ecosystems of innovation for technologies crucial to economic and national security. Full Press Release

Energy

$600 Million to Modernize and Advance Water Power Across America

DOE announces $600M is available for hydroelectric power modernization and marine energy advancement incentive payments. $554M is for Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives. An additional $45M is available to support a pilot demonstration site and community-led tidal/current energy project. Applications are open now. Full Press Release

$40 Million for More Efficient Cooling for Data Centers

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $40 million in funding for 15 projects to develop high-performance, energy-efficient cooling solutions for data centers, accounting for 2% of total U.S. electricity consumption. The projects are part of the Cooling Operations Optimized for Leaps in Energy, Reliability, and Carbon Hyperefficiency for Information Processing Systems (COOLERCHIPS) program, supported by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Full Press Release

$50 Million To Boost Clean Energy Solutions and Cut Costs for Rural America

$50 million in new grant funding for community-based energy projects in rural and remote areas. This funding is aimed at addressing energy challenges and promoting climate resilience in areas with fewer than 10,000 people, with projects ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Full Press Release

$26 Million to Support a Modern, Reliable, and Resilient American Clean Energy Grid

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $26 million for eight projects aimed at demonstrating how solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy resources can support a reliable and efficient power grid. They will explore how to protect against disruptions to the network of high-voltage power lines and restore power quickly after blackouts. Full Press Release

$4.5 Million to Build K-12 Staff Capacity and Lower Energy Costs for Schools

U.S. Department of Energy announces 25 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) as Phase 1 Winners to share in the $4.5 million Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools Prize (Energy CLASS Prize). Each winning LEA receives $100,000 to establish, train, and support energy managers in schools. Projects aim to lower energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and enhance learning environments. Full Press Release

Agriculture & Rural Development

$2.8 Billion to Improve Public Lands Access and Support Conservation Efforts Across the United States

USDA and DOI announce $2.8 billion in Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding to improve infrastructure, recreation facilities, federal lands access, and land and water conservation. Full Press Release

• $430 million for federal land acquisition programs and projects.

• $470 million for state and local grants.

• $375.7 million to support conservation and recreation state and local grants, which includes state LWCF formula grants and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program (ORLP) grants.

• $94 million to fund 10 Forest Legacy Program projects (proposed)

• $124 million to fund 16 Land Acquisition Program projects (proposed)

$75 Million to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking to strengthen the domestic organic goods market and support producers seeking organic certification through its Organic Transition Initiative. The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) Program will provide up to $75 million in competitive grants to expand and improve markets for domestically produced organic products. Applications are due July 11, 2023. Full Press Release

AIM for Climate Summit Opens with Global Food Systems Innovation and Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives

Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit announces increased global investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. Investments have reached over $13 billion, surpassing the $10 billion target set for COP28. 21 new innovation sprints bring the total to 51, contributing an additional $1.8 billion to climate-smart agriculture and food systems. Full Press Release

AIM for Climate Summit Highlights Private Sector Investment in Driving Climate Action, Crucial Role of Women’s Leadership

USDA Chief Scientist Jacobs-Young presented breakthroughs in agriculture at a plenary session highlighting women leaders in science. USAID’s Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman affirmed the organization’s commitment to gender inclusion in climate-smart agriculture and food systems. Full Press Release

Interior & Public Lands

$12 Million to Combat Climate Change in the U.S. Territories

DOI announces $12 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience for the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Full Press Release

The funding awards are:

• $3,000,000 to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources

• $2,800,000 to the American Samoa Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management

• $2,786,004 to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Government

• $2,764,000 to the Government of Guam

• $649,996 to the U.S. Geological Survey

$4 Million to Protect and Restore Wildlife Migration Paths and Habitats

$4 million in grants and $9.2 million in matching contributions for 13 projects across nine states to secure key wildlife migration paths and restore habitats. These funds will aid in protecting pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and other species in the American West. The grants are part of the “Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big Game Migration Corridors and Habitat Connectivity” program, initiated following Secretary’s Order 3362 and managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Full Press Release

Treasury & IRS

New Treasury Department, IRS, and Census Study Finds Economic Impact Payments Quickly and Effectively Reached Underserved Communities and Americans Most In Need

The research indicates 55% of recipients received their Economic Impact Payment (EIP) in the first week, with 95% receiving it within six weeks. Younger individuals, lower-income families, and families with children were among the first recipients. Overall, 92% of eligible individuals received an EIP. Full Press Release

Transportation

DOT to Propose Requirements for Airlines to Cover Expenses and Compensate Stranded Passengers

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announces plans for a new rulemaking requiring airlines to provide compensation and cover expenses for controllable delays and cancellations. The planned rulemaking addresses compensation for passengers, amenities such as meals, hotels, and ground transportation, timely customer service, and the definition of controllable cancellations and delays. Full Press Release

$700 Million in Grants to Replace Aging Passenger Railcars in Six Transit Systems

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $703 million for six projects in six states for rail vehicle replacements, improving reliability, safety, and accessibility. Funding comes from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with approximately $703 million allocated from the new Rail Vehicle Replacement Program. Full Press Release

Loans of Up to $327 Million for Improvements to the Sound Transit System in Washington State

The Build America Bureau provides $327 million in low-interest loans to Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) for transit system improvements. Loans to finance three projects: Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension, Elevated Light Rail Platform Along Lynnwood Link Extension, and Sounder Access Improvements. Full Press Release

USDOT Announces Bipartisan PIPES Act Proposal to Modernize Decades-Old Pipeline Leak Detection Rules, Invests in Critical American Infrastructure, Create Good-Paying Jobs, and Improve Safety

USDOT proposes rule to improve gas pipeline leak detection and repair, with estimated benefits of up to $2.3 billion annually. The proposal is part of the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan and can eliminate up to 1 million metric tons of methane emissions by 2030. Operators will be required to establish advanced leak detection programs, increase survey frequency, reduce gas release, and repair leaks in a timely manner. Full Press Release

Secretary Buttigieg Appoints Members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Council

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the appointment of 13 inaugural members to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Council, including five USMMA graduates and representatives from five federal agencies. The creation of the Advisory Council follows a recommendation from the National Academy of Public Administration’s (NAPA) November 2021 report, which was codified in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Full Press Release

Justice & Labor

Funding Opportunity for Employer-Focused Disability Policy, Technical Assistance Center

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $2 million in funds for the first year of a cooperative agreement to manage the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN). EARN helps employers and HR professionals recruit, hire, retain, and advance people with disabilities, providing necessary resources for disability-inclusive workplaces. Full Press Release

Homeland Security

$300 Million to Local Governments and Nonprofits for Humanitarian Support for Noncitizens Released from Custody

$332.5 million has been allocated through Emergency Food and Shelter Program-Humanitarian (EFSP-H) to assist 35 local governments and service organizations supporting noncitizens released from custody. Funding is primarily focused on border communities’ needs, with some interior cities also receiving support. An additional $360 million will be awarded later this fiscal year through the new Shelter and Services Grant Program. Full Press Release

DHS and DOJ Finalize Rule to Incentivize Use of Lawful Immigration Pathways

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) finalized a rule to incentivize legal, safe, and orderly immigration pathways, effective when the Title 42 public health order ends. The new rule sets limiting conditions on asylum eligibility for those failing to use lawful pathways, presuming such individuals ineligible for asylum. Full Press Release

DHS Announces Upcoming Re-parole Process for Afghan Nationals

DHS announces the establishment of a process to re-parole eligible Afghan nationals, allowing them to continue living and working legally in the United States. Re-parole requests can be made starting June through online and paper filing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons and significant public benefit. Full Press Release

Public & Affordable Housing

$837 Million to Improve Housing Quality and Reduce Energy Costs for Underserved Communities

HUD announces the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) aimed at improving energy, water efficiency, and climate resilience in HUD-assisted multifamily properties serving low-income residents. The Inflation Reduction Act provided HUD with $837.5 million in grant and loan subsidy funding and
$4 billion in loan commitment authority for GRRP. An additional $42.5 million is allocated for a new HUD initiative to collect and assess energy and water usage data from HUD-assisted multifamily housing properties. Full Press Release

$22 Million to Expand Access to Affordable Housing and Homeownership

HUD awards $12 million in grants through its Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). The grant supports non-profit, self-help housing organizations that provide homeownership opportunities for low-income families and individuals. HUD has also awarded $10 million in Rural Capacity Building (RCB) grants to enhance the ability of various rural entities to conduct affordable housing and community development activities. Full Press Release

HUD Strengthens Standards and Aligns Inspection Regulations for Evaluating Conditions in HUD Assisted and Insured Housing

HUD Final Rule for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) aimed at enhancing housing quality and reducing regulatory burden, effective July 1, 2023, for Public Housing Inspections, and October 1, 2023, for Housing Choice Voucher, Project-based Vouchers, and Multifamily Inspections. The rule includes new requirements, such as annual self-inspections by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and owners, strict timelines for deficiency correction, new “affirmative standards,” and tenant involvement in inspections. Full Press Release

Education

$42 Billion in Approved Public Service Loan Forgiveness for More Than 615,000 Borrowers Since October 2021

U.S. Department of Education has announced $42 billion in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for over 615,000 borrowers since October 2021. PSLF program changes made by the Biden-Harris Administration aim to simplify access to loan forgiveness. Full Press Release

Biden-Harris Administration Calls on Colleges, Universities, and Schools to Partner in Addressing K-12 Learning Loss, Announces Initial Cohort of Committed Partners

The U.S. Department of Education is urging colleges, universities, and school districts to use Federal Work Study (FWS) funds to increase the number of college students supporting K-12 children and youth. The institutions are encouraged to devote at least 15% of their FWS funds for community service within the next two years, particularly for employment in P-12 schools or out-of-school time programs. Full Press Release

161 Students to be Honored as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, honoring 161 high school seniors for their achievements in academics, arts, and career and technical education fields. Full list of 2023 Presidential Scholars

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