Summary: Reducing American Hunger Act - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as renamed by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) to provide that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly, food stamp benefits) shall be: (1) redeemable by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) at face value increased by an amount equal to 100% of benefits used to purchase produce; and (2) used to purchase produce at 50% of the prevailing produce prices in participating retail food stores. States that fingerprinting or other forms of biometric testing of household members shall not be required for SNAP participation. Directs the Secretary to require appropriate states to: (1) submit to the Secretary reports identifying SNAP participation in the 25 largest U.S. cities; and (2) implement practices to increase program participation in cities where eligible household participation is less than 85%. Increases funding for grants to increase program participation. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to support the use of electronic benefits transfers for federal nutrition programs at farmers' markets.

reducing american hunger act_-_amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 food_stamp_act renamed food conservation energy act provide supplemental nutrition assistance program snap benefits food stamp benefits shall redeemable secretary agriculture usda face value increased equal benefits purchase produce purchase produce prevailing produce prices participating retail food stores states fingerprinting forms biometric testing household members shall required snap participation directs secretary require appropriate states submit secretary reports identifying snap participation largest cities implement practices increase program participation cities eligible household participation increases funding grants increase program participation directs secretary carry program support use electronic benefits transfers federal nutrition programs farmers markets


Summary: Bonus TEFAP Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance for the costs of intrastate transportation, storage, and distribution of bonus commodities provided to states and food assistance agencies under the emergency food assistance program.

bonus assistance_act amends emergency food assistance_act direct secretary agriculture provide assistance costs intrastate transportation storage distribution bonus commodities provided states food assistance agencies emergency food assistance program


Summary: Taxpayer Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that advance payments of the earned income tax credit are not transferable or assignable or subject to the claims of any creditors, except outstanding claims of the federal government.Prohibits: (1) the collection of a debt from a debtor's federal tax refund by means of a refund anticipation loan; and (2) mandatory arbitration as a condition of providing a refund anticipation loan.Terminates the Department of the Treasury Debt Indicator Program. Allows earned income tax credit benefits to be paid through electronic transfer accounts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) develop and implement a program to encourage the greater use of the advance earned income tax credit; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with federally insured depository institutions to provide low- and moderate-income taxpayers with the option of establishing low-cost direct deposit accounts using appropriate tax forms.

taxpayer abuse prevention act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide advance payments earned income tax credit transferable assignable subject claims creditors outstanding claims federal_government prohibits collection debt debtor federal tax refund means refund anticipation loan mandatory arbitration condition providing refund anticipation loan terminates department_of_the_treasury debt indicator program allows earned income tax credit benefits paid electronic transfer accounts directs secretary treasury develop implement program encourage greater use advance earned income tax credit enter cooperative agreements federally insured depository institutions provide low- moderate income taxpayers option establishing low cost direct deposit accounts appropriate tax forms


Summary: Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish science-based nutrition standards for foods served in schools other than foods served under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Applies such standards to all food sold outside such programs anywhere on school campuses during the school day, with the possible limited exemption of food sold at school fundraisers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consider the recommendations of authoritative scientific organizations and evidence concerning the relationship between diet and health when establishing the standards; and (2) review the standards as soon as practicable after the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services publish a new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

child nutrition promotion school lunch protection act amends child nutrition act require secretary agriculture establish science based nutrition standards foods served schools foods served school lunch breakfast programs applies standards food sold outside programs school campuses school day possible limited exemption food sold school requires secretary consider recommendations authoritative scientific organizations evidence concerning relationship diet health establishing standards review standards soon practicable department_of_agriculture department_of_health_and_human_services publish new dietary guidelines americans


Summary: Afterschool Flexibility to Expand Reimbursement for School Meals Act of 2009 or the AFTERSchool Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make institutions in any state eligible for reimbursement for meals provided to at-risk school children under programs organized primarily to provide care to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year. (Currently, reimbursement is limited to institutions in 10 states.) Assists states in providing meals and meal supplements to children participating in after-school programs in elementary and secondary schools. (Currently, assistance is provided for meal supplements.) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to states to encourage institutions and schools to participate in these expanded programs.

afterschool flexibility expand reimbursement school meals act afterschool meals act amends richard national school lunch act institutions state eligible reimbursement meals provided risk school children programs organized primarily provide care risk school children school hours weekends holidays regular school year currently reimbursement limited institutions states assists states providing meals meal supplements children participating school programs elementary secondary schools currently assistance provided meal supplements directs secretary agriculture award grants states encourage institutions schools participate expanded programs


Summary: Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act of 2009 or the SOAR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award five-year grants on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations to carry out activities to provide expanded school choice opportunities to students who are DC residents and who come from households: (1) receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008; and (2) with incomes not exceeding 185% of the poverty line, except in certain grandfathered circumstances. Prescribes requirements for schools participating in such grant programs, including administering nationally norm-referenced standardized tests in reading and mathematics to participating students. Repeals the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003 (title III of division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004). Deems this Act as the reauthorization of the opportunity scholarship program under such Act.

scholarships opportunity results act soar act_-_authorizes secretary education award year grants competitive basis nonprofit organizations carry activities provide expanded school choice opportunities students residents come households receiving assistance supplemental nutrition assistance program food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 incomes exceeding poverty line certain grandfathered circumstances prescribes requirements schools participating grant programs including administering nationally norm referenced standardized tests reading mathematics participating students repeals school choice incentive act title iii division consolidated_appropriations_act deems act reauthorization opportunity scholarship program act


Summary: Expand School Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to expand eligibility for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs to children whose family income falls at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Phases-in this eligibility expansion by increasing the income eligibility level in annual increments until it reaches 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for the school year beginning on July 1, 2013. (This will make all children who are eligible for reduced price meals eligible for free meals on such date.)

expand school meals act amends richard national school lunch act child nutrition act expand eligibility free meals school lunch breakfast programs children family income falls federal poverty guidelines phases eligibility expansion increasing income eligibility level annual increments reaches federal poverty guidelines school year beginning july children eligible reduced price meals eligible free meals date


Summary: Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act of 2009 - Amends the the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. Allows such providers to be reimbursed for the service of three meals and a snack. (Currently, reimbursement is provided for two meals and a snack.) Lowers the percentage of children or school children in an area that must be eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs to make family or group day care homes in the area eligible for higher CACFP reimbursement rates as tier I homes. Increases the maximum monthly administrative payment per home provided to sponsors of family or group day care homes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve the ability of the CACFP to reach low-income families by streamlining program and paperwork requirements.

access nutritious meals young children act amends richard national school lunch act increase reimbursement rates free reduced price paid meals snacks served child adult care food program nonresidential child care centers family group day care homes allows providers reimbursed service meals snack currently reimbursement provided meals snack lowers percentage children school children area eligible free reduced price meals school lunch breakfast programs family group day care homes area eligible higher reimbursement rates tier homes increases maximum monthly administrative payment home provided sponsors family group day care homes directs secretary agriculture improve ability reach low income families streamlining program paperwork requirements


Summary: Job Preservation for Parents in Poverty Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise and extend the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs (Emergency Contingency Fund) at current levels through the first quarter of FY2011. Places a certain amount of appropriations in reserve for use in FY2012. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from making a grant from the Emergency Contingency Fund for a fiscal year after FY2012. Limits expenditures for subsidized employment to employment for: (1) a member of a needy family (without regard to whether the family is receiving assistance under the state TANF program); or (2) a member of a needy family who has exhausted (or, within 60 days, will exhaust) all rights to receive unemployment compensation under federal and state law. Reduces the funding level of the (regular) Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs for FY2012 and FY2013 (to offset appropriations for this Act).

job preservation parents poverty act_-_amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act revise extend emergency contingency fund state temporary_assistance needy families programs emergency contingency fund current levels quarter fy2011 places certain appropriations reserve use fy2012 prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs making grant emergency contingency fund fiscal year fy2012 limits expenditures subsidized employment employment member needy family regard family receiving assistance state tanf program member needy family exhausted days exhaust rights receive unemployment compensation federal state law reduces funding level regular contingency fund state welfare programs fy2012 fy2013 offset appropriations act


Summary: School Food Recovery Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools and local educational agencies participating in the school lunch program to donate any excess food under such program to tax-exempt food banks or charitable organizations in their localities.

school food recovery act_-_amends richard national school lunch act allow schools local educational agencies participating school lunch program donate excess food program tax exempt food banks charitable organizations localities


Summary: Anti-hunger Empowerment Act of 2011 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly known as the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to replace current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) administrative cost provisions with provisions authorizing 75% reimbursement for specified state activities to increase program access. States that fingerprinting shall not be required for program participation. Beyond the Soup Kitchen Grants Program Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Beyond the Soup Kitchen pilot program to provide grants: (1) to a primary community-based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger group in each designated pilot community to allocate subgrants to other nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups in such community, and (2) for technical assistance grants.

anti hunger empowerment act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 known food_stamp_act replace current supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamps administrative cost provisions provisions authorizing reimbursement specified state activities increase program access states fingerprinting shall required program participation kitchen grants program act directs secretary agriculture usda establish kitchen pilot program provide grants primary community based nonprofit feeding anti hunger group designated pilot community allocate subgrants nonprofit feeding anti hunger groups community technical assistance grants


Summary: Food Assistance to Improve Reintegration Act of 2011 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) eligibility for a person convicted of a felony which has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance.

food assistance improve reintegration act amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act repeal denial supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamps eligibility person convicted felony element possession use distribution controlled substance


Summary: Poverty Impact Trigger Act of 2011 - Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider a public bill or joint resolution authorizing an appropriation of $10 million or more, unless: (1) the accompanying committee report includes a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Poverty Impact Division impact statement, or (2) the chair of the committee reporting the legislation submits such statement for publication in the Congressional Record before consideration of the measure. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish the CBO Poverty Impact Division to prepare and submit poverty impact statements to the chair of House committees.

poverty impact trigger act amends rule xxi restrictions certain bills rules house_of_representatives order consider public bill joint resolution authorizing appropriation million accompanying committee report includes congressional_budget_office cbo poverty impact division impact statement chair committee reporting legislation submits statement publication congressional_record consideration measure amends congressional_budget_act establish cbo poverty impact division prepare submit poverty impact statements chair house committees


Summary: Worker Eligibility Fairness Act of 2011 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to eliminate the provision making a federal, state, or local government employee who is dismissed for participating in a strike against the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps).

worker eligibility fairness act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 eliminate provision making federal state local government employee dismissed participating strike federal_government state political subdivision state ineligible supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamps


Summary: Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to reestablish for FY2011-FY2018 the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs for the purpose of grants to states by the Secretary of the Treasury related to: (1) increases in TANF caseloads, and (2) increased expenditures for non-recurrent short term benefits.

amends title temporary_assistance needy families tanf social_security_act reestablish fy2011 fy2018 emergency contingency fund state temporary_assistance needy families programs purpose grants states secretary treasury related increases tanf increased expenditures non recurrent short term benefits


Summary: Access to Books for Children Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children.

access books children act_-_amends child nutrition act direct secretary agriculture grants local agencies provide vouchers women participating special supplemental nutrition program women infants children wic purchase educational books infants children limits voucher maximum woman receive regardless number infants children


Summary: Welfare Reform Act of 2011 - Welfare Reform Restoration Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise the TANF program by: (1) eliminating the temporary modification of the caseload reduction credit, and (2) reducing funding of state family assistance grants. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to: (1) restore its former name, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and restore its text as if the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 had not been enacted; (2) rename supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits as the food stamp program; (3) revise work requirements for the food stamp program; and (4) require able-bodied work eligible adult members of a family unit to participate in a work activation program during a full month of participation in the food stamp program, fulfilling specified levels of work activity during that month. (Work activation means, not employment, but supervised job search, community service activities, education and job training, workfare, or drug and alcohol treatment.) Specifies a financial reward for any state that reduces its food stamp caseload below calendar 2006 levels. Requires the President to include means-tested welfare spending in every budget submission. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to define and establish an aggregate cap for means-tested welfare spending. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to states to reward reductions in poverty and government dependence and increases in self-sufficiency. Prohibits the expenditure for abortions, with certain exceptions, of any funds authorized or appropriated by federal law, and funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law. Prohibits funding for health benefits plans that cover abortion. Prohibits the allowance of any tax credit with respect to amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or with respect to amounts paid or incurred for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion.

welfare reform_act welfare reform restoration act_-_amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act revise tanf program eliminating temporary modification caseload reduction credit reducing funding state family assistance grants amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 restore food_stamp_act restore text food conservation energy act enacted rename supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits food stamp program revise work requirements food stamp program require able work eligible adult members family unit participate work activation program month participation food stamp program fulfilling specified levels work activity month work activation means employment supervised job search community service activities education job training drug alcohol treatment specifies financial reward state reduces food stamp caseload calendar levels requires president include means tested welfare spending budget submission amends congressional_budget impoundment control act congressional_budget_act define establish aggregate cap means tested welfare spending directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide grants states reward reductions poverty government dependence increases self sufficiency prohibits expenditure abortions certain exceptions funds authorized appropriated federal law funds trust_fund funds authorized appropriated federal law prohibits funding health benefits plans cover abortion prohibits allowance tax credit respect amounts paid incurred abortion respect amounts paid incurred health benefits plan including premium assistance includes coverage abortion


Summary: Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to renew through FY2016 the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to authorize states to conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B (Child and Family Services) or E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA). Includes among the demonstration projects that may be approved any designed to: (1) identify and address barriers that result in delays to kinship guardianship for children in foster care, (2) provide early intervention and crisis intervention services that safely reduce out-of-home placements and improve child outcomes, or (3) identify and address domestic violence that endangers children and results in the placement of children in foster care. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a demonstration project if the state fails to provide health insurance coverage to any child with special needs for whom there is in effect a kinship guardianship agreement between the state and the adoptive parent or parents. Requires the Secretary, in assessing a demonstration project application submitted by a state in which a court order is in effect which has determined that the state's child welfare program has failed to comply with part B or E of SSA title IV, or with the U.S. Constitution, to take into consideration the state's ability to implement an approved corrective action. Requires any demonstration project application to include: (1) an accounting of any additional federal, state, local, and private investments made during the two fiscal years preceding the application to provide project services; and (2) an assurance that the state will provide an accounting of the same spending for each year of an approved project. Requires the mandatory project evaluation by an independent contractor to use an approved evaluation design which provides for a comparison of the amounts of federal, state, local and private investments in the project services, by service type, with the amount of the investments during the period of the project. Requires the evaluation design also to compare the outcomes for all children and families under the project who come to the attention of the state's child welfare program, either through a report of abuse or neglect or through the provision of project services.

amends title social_security_act renew fy2016 authority secretary health_and_human_services hhs authorize states conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely promote objectives child family services foster care adoption assistance title social_security_act ssa includes demonstration projects approved designed identify address barriers result delays kinship guardianship children foster care provide early intervention crisis intervention services safely reduce home placements improve child outcomes identify address domestic violence endangers children results placement children foster care prohibits secretary authorizing demonstration project state fails provide health insurance coverage child special needs effect kinship guardianship agreement state adoptive parent parents requires secretary assessing demonstration project application submitted state court order effect determined state child welfare program failed comply ssa title constitution consideration state ability implement approved corrective action requires demonstration project application include accounting additional federal state local private investments fiscal years preceding application provide project services assurance state provide accounting spending year approved project requires mandatory project evaluation independent contractor use approved evaluation design provides comparison amounts federal state local private investments project services service type investments period project requires evaluation design compare outcomes children families project come attention state child welfare program report abuse neglect provision project services


Summary: White House Conference on Food and Nutrition Act - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference. Sets forth Conference provisions.

white_house conference food_and_nutrition_act directs president white_house conference food nutrition convened order fundamental policy recommendations ways end hunger improve nutrition united_states secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary agriculture usda secretary treasury plan conduct conference sets forth conference provisions


Summary: Stephanie Tubbs Jones Assets for Independence Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Assets for Independence Act, which provides for demonstration projects designed to provide individuals and families of limited means with an incentive to save a portion of their earned income and thereby accumulate assets, increase their economic self-sufficiency, and stabilize such families and the communities in which they live. Expresses the sense of Congress that a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project under the Act should, to the maximum extent practicable, increase: (1) the rate at which it matches contributions by participating individuals, or (2) the number of such participating individuals. States that multiple households may share a single residence. Specifies public housing agencies and tribally designated housing entities as entities qualified to participate in a demonstration project. Repeals the requirement that state or local government or other public agencies apply jointly with a tax-exempt not-for-profit charitable organization or collaborate with certain kinds of local community-based organizations. Includes among postsecondary educational expenses any expenses for preparatory courses, room and board, and transportation. Revises requirements for: (1) applications for new and renewals of existing projects; (2) limitations on uses of the Reserve Fund; and (3) the adjusted gross household income eligibility test, requiring regulations for transfers from one project to another for individuals who move because of major disasters or emergencies, to find employment, or to a community where no project is available. Revises requirements for deposits by qualified entities in the individual development accounts (IDAs) of participating individuals to: (1) increase maximum deposits per individual and per household; (2) facilitate withdrawal of funds from an IDA, with formal approval, during the year following the end of a demonstration project; and (3) require disposal of funds remaining in an IDA at the end of that year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of Community Services, to make every effort, 90 days after terminating the authority of one qualified entity to operate a demonstration project, to identify another qualified entity (or entities), in the same or a different community, willing and able to conduct one or more demonstration projects. Specifies criteria for giving priority consideration to candidate entities. Revises requirements for contracting with independent research organizations to evaluate demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use certain funds to cover the necessary costs of training for a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project, including costs of travel, accommodations, and meals; and (2) waive any requirement of the Act in certain circumstances.

stephanie tubbs jones assets independence reauthorization act amends assets independence act provides demonstration projects designed provide individuals families limited means incentive save portion earned income accumulate assets increase economic self sufficiency stabilize families communities live expresses sense congress qualified entity conducting demonstration project act maximum extent practicable increase rate matches contributions participating individuals number participating individuals states multiple households share single residence specifies public housing agencies tribally designated housing entities entities qualified participate demonstration project repeals requirement state local government public agencies apply jointly tax exempt profit charitable organization collaborate certain kinds local community based organizations includes postsecondary educational expenses expenses preparatory courses room board transportation revises requirements applications new renewals existing projects limitations uses reserve fund adjusted gross household income eligibility test requiring regulations transfers project individuals major disasters emergencies find employment community project available revises requirements deposits qualified entities individual development accounts idas participating individuals increase maximum deposits individual household facilitate withdrawal funds ida formal approval year following end demonstration project require disposal funds remaining ida end year requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director community services effort days terminating authority qualified entity operate demonstration project identify qualified entity entities different community willing able conduct demonstration projects specifies criteria giving priority consideration candidate entities revises requirements contracting independent research organizations evaluate demonstration projects authorizes secretary use certain funds cover necessary costs training qualified entity conducting demonstration project including costs travel accommodations meals waive requirement act certain circumstances


Summary: Eat Local Foods Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to states, by the beginning of each school year (starting with the 2012-2013 school year), for use in providing school food authorities with local food credits that represent up to 10% of the total value of the commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that the authority would be eligible to receive for the school year. Subtracts the value of the food credit from the amount of commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that a school food authority would otherwise receive. Requires school food authorities to use their credits to purchase locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to serve in the school lunch program.

eat local foods act_-_amends richard national school lunch act direct secretary agriculture provide grants states beginning school year starting school year use providing school food authorities local food credits represent total value commodity assistance cash payments lieu thereof authority eligible receive school year value food credit commodity assistance cash payments lieu thereof school food authority receive requires school food authorities use credits purchase locally regionally produced agricultural food products serve school lunch program


Summary: Drug Free Families Act of 2011 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state TANF programs to implement a program to test TANF applicants and recipients for illegal drug use. Requires state TANF programs to deny assistance to individuals who test positive for illegal drugs and individuals convicted of drug-related crimes.

drug free families act amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require state tanf programs implement program test tanf applicants recipients illegal drug use requires state tanf programs deny assistance individuals test positive illegal drugs individuals convicted drug related crimes


Summary: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to establish a Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program (VITA grant program) for the development, expansion, or continuation of volunteer tax preparation programs to assist low-income taxpayers and members of underserved populations. Establishes the National Center to Promote Quality, Excellence, and Evaluation in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Requires such Center to: (1) promote the adoption of a universally accessible volunteer training platform for the preparation of federal income tax returns, (2) provide technical assistance to tax return preparation program managers, (3) identify and disseminate best practices related to tax site management, (4) support outreach and marketing efforts, and (5) provide evaluation of programs and activities funded under this Act.

volunteer income tax assistance vita act directs secretary treasury internal_revenue_service irs establish community volunteer income tax assistance matching grant program vita grant program development expansion continuation volunteer tax preparation programs assist low income taxpayers members underserved populations establishes national_center_to_promote_quality excellence evaluation volunteer income tax assistance requires center promote adoption universally accessible volunteer training platform preparation federal income tax returns provide technical assistance tax return preparation program managers identify disseminate best practices related tax site management support outreach marketing efforts provide evaluation programs activities funded act


Summary: Broadband Affordability Act of 2011 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a broadband lifeline program enabling qualifying low-income customers residing in urban and rural areas to purchase broadband service at reduced charges by reimbursing providers for each such customer served. Requires that the program: (1) be similar in structure to the Lifeline program for basic telephone service, (2) prevent awarding duplicative subsidies for an individual eligible household, and (3) promote competition from broadband service providers by using neutral technology. Requires a broadband service provider that is not an eligible telecommunications carrier to obtain FCC authorization to participate in the program.

broadband affordability act requires federal_communications_commission fcc establish broadband lifeline program enabling qualifying low income customers residing urban rural areas purchase broadband service reduced charges reimbursing providers customer served requires program similar structure lifeline program basic telephone service prevent awarding duplicative subsidies individual eligible household promote competition broadband service providers neutral technology requires broadband service provider eligible telecommunications carrier obtain fcc authorization participate program


Summary: TANF Supplemental Grants Extension Act - Makes appropriations through FY2011, at the same level as provided through the fourth quarter of FY2010, for supplemental grants for population increases in qualifying states under title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act.

tanf supplemental grants extension act makes appropriations fy2011 level provided fourth quarter fy2010 supplemental grants population increases qualifying states title temporary_assistance needy families tanf social_security_act


Summary: Women and Workforce Investment for Nontraditional Jobs or Women WIN Jobs - Requires the Secretary of Labor, in any fiscal year in which the total authorization of appropriations to carry out this Act exceeds $50 million, to allocate grants to states with approved state plans to provide funding to eligible entities (partnerships) to increase low-income women's participation in high-wage, high-demand occupations in which women make up less than 25% of the current workforce. Authorizes states to use grants for statewide activities, including to: (1) provide technical assistance to eligible entities and to state registered apprenticeship programs and sponsors and joint apprenticeship training councils in meeting their enrollment goal for low-income women in nontraditional occupations, (2) develop policies and protocols that set goals for hiring specific percentages of women into registered apprenticeships and permanent employment openings in publicly assisted projects, and (3) engage in outreach activities and provide training to overcome stereotypes about women in nontraditional occupations as well as gender inequity among employers. Authorizes the allocation of grant funds to eligible entities to support the recruitment, training, placement, and retention of low-income women in nontraditional occupations. Directs the Secretary to convene a national commission to examine and make recommendations for improving the status of women in high-demand, high-wage nontraditional occupations. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to collect data on the status of women's participation in underrepresented sectors of the economy, and examine the status of women in relation to that of men. Directs the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse to collect and distribute best practices.

women workforce investment nontraditional jobs women win jobs requires secretary labor fiscal year total authorization appropriations carry act exceeds million allocate grants states approved state plans provide funding eligible entities partnerships increase low income women participation high wage high demand occupations women current workforce authorizes states use grants statewide activities including provide technical assistance eligible entities state registered apprenticeship programs sponsors joint apprenticeship training councils meeting enrollment goal low income women nontraditional occupations develop policies protocols set goals hiring specific percentages women registered apprenticeships permanent employment publicly assisted projects engage outreach activities provide training overcome stereotypes women nontraditional occupations gender employers authorizes allocation grant funds eligible entities support recruitment training placement retention low income women nontraditional occupations directs secretary convene national_commission examine recommendations improving status women high demand high wage nontraditional occupations directs bureau_of_labor_statistics bls collect data status women participation underrepresented sectors economy examine status women relation men directs secretary establish national_clearinghouse collect distribute best practices


Summary: Making Work and Marriage Pay Act of 2011- Establishes the National Commission on Effective Marginal Tax Rates for Low-Income Families to study, report, and make recommendations on policy changes to mitigate the impact of the effective marginal tax rate and of phaseouts in federal benefits on low-income earners and their families.

making work marriage pay act establishes national_commission effective marginal tax rates low income families study report recommendations policy changes mitigate impact effective marginal tax rate federal benefits low income earners families


Summary: Children First Act of 2011 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) exclude child care assistance from the determination of the five-year limit on assistance under TANF, and (2) increase funding for child care. Requires the plans submitted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by eligible states to contain provisions for certification of procedures to ensure that child care providers comply with applicable state or local health and safety standards. Increases from 6 to 13 the maximum age allowed of a child under the care of a single custodial parent or other individual with custody who will not be subject to a reduction or termination of TANF assistance as a result of a refusal of the individual to engage in work. Subjects to the individual and case data reporting requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 any TANF funds expended for child care, whether or not transferred to that Act, and exempts such funds from SSA reporting requirements.

children act amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf social_security_act ssa exclude child care assistance determination year limit assistance tanf increase funding child care requires plans submitted secretary health_and_human_services hhs eligible states contain provisions certification procedures ensure child care providers comply applicable state local health safety standards increases maximum age allowed child care single custodial parent individual custody subject reduction termination tanf assistance result refusal individual engage work subjects individual case data reporting requirements child_care_and_development_block grant act tanf funds expended child care transferred act exempts funds ssa reporting requirements


Summary: Child and Family Services Extension and Enhancement Act - Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise and extend the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Requires each state plan for oversight and coordination of health care services for any child in a foster care placement to include an outline of: (1) the monitoring and treatment of emotional trauma associated with a child's maltreatment and removal from home, and (2) protocols for the appropriate use and monitoring of psychotropic medications. Requires each state plan for child welfare services also to describe state activities to: (1) reduce the length of time children under age 5 are without a permanent family placement, and (2) address the developmental needs of such children who receive Program benefits or services. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Replaces the current requirement for certain action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with one that requires each state to take necessary steps to ensure that the total number of monthly caseworker visits to children in foster care under state responsibility during a fiscal year is at least 90% of the total number of such visits that would occur if each such child were so visited once every month while in such care. Revises and extends through FY2016 the program to promote safe and stable families. Requires the annual compilation of state reports to include the individual state reports and tables that synthesize state information into national totals for each element required to be included in the reports, including planned and actual spending by service category for the program. Requires the Secretary to publish the compilation on the HHS website in a location easily accessible by the public. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by a parent's or caretaker's methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by a parent's or caretaker's substance abuse. Repeals the Secretary's authority to enter a cooperative agreement to conduct a service delivery demonstration project relating to the mentoring of children of prisoners. Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the Secretary to study the recruitment of and support for families caring for children served by any program funded under part E, including foster parents, adoptive parents, and kin guardians.

child family services extension enhancement act_-_amends title child family services social_security_act ssa revise extend stephanie tubbs jones child welfare services program requires state plan oversight coordination health_care services child foster care placement include outline monitoring treatment emotional trauma associated child maltreatment removal home protocols appropriate use monitoring psychotropic medications requires state plan child welfare services describe state activities reduce length time children age permanent family placement address developmental needs children receive program benefits services revises requirements child replaces current requirement certain action secretary health_and_human_services hhs requires state necessary steps ensure total number monthly caseworker visits children foster care state responsibility fiscal year total number visits occur child month care revises extends fy2016 program promote safe stable families requires annual compilation state reports include individual state reports tables synthesize state information national totals element required included reports including planned actual spending service category program requires secretary publish compilation hhs website location easily accessible public revises requirements grants assist children affected parent caretaker methamphetamine substance abuse remove specification methamphetamine apply grant program generally children affected parent caretaker substance abuse repeals secretary authority enter cooperative agreement conduct service delivery demonstration project relating mentoring children prisoners directs secretary order improve data matching designate nonproprietary interoperable standard data elements category information required reported amends ssa title foster care adoption assistance direct secretary study recruitment support families caring children served program funded including foster parents adoptive parents kin guardians


Summary: Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act - Title I: Extension of Child and Family Services Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Requires each state plan for oversight and coordination of health care services for any child in a foster care placement to include an outline of: (1) the monitoring and treatment of emotional trauma associated with a child's maltreatment and removal from home, and (2) protocols for the appropriate use and monitoring of psychotropic medications. Requires each state plan for child welfare services also to describe: (1) state activities to reduce the length of time children under age 5 are without a permanent family; (2) state activities to address the developmental needs of such children who receive Program benefits or services; and (3) the sources used to compile information on child maltreatment deaths which the state agency is required by federal law to report, as well as why the compilation does not include information on such deaths from specified state entities, if it does not, and how the state will include such information. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Replaces the current requirement that the Secretary establish an outline of the steps to be taken to ensure that at least 90% of the children in foster care under a state's responsibility are visited by their caseworkers on a monthly basis. Requires instead that each state take necessary steps to ensure that the total number of monthly caseworker visits to children in foster care under state responsibility during a fiscal year is at least 90% (raised to 95% for FY2015 and thereafter) of the total number of such visits that would occur during the fiscal year if each such child were so visited once every month while in such care. (Sec. 102) Extends through FY2016 the Safe and Stable Families Program. Requires a state Safe and Stable Families Program plan to describe how the state identifies which populations are at the greatest risk of maltreatment and how services are targeted to them. Revises requirements for time-limited family reunification services provided to a child removed from the child's home and placed in a foster family home or a child care institution, and to the child's parents or primary caregiver, in order to facilitate the child's safe, appropriate, and timely reunification with the parents or caregiver. Requires such services to include: (1) peer-to-peer mentoring and support groups for parents and primary caregivers, and (2) services and activities designed to facilitate access to and visitation of children by parents and siblings. Requires the annual compilation of state reports to include the individual state reports and tables that synthesize state information into national totals for each element required to be included in the reports, including planned and actual spending by service category for the program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish the compilation on the HHS website in a location easily accessible by the public. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report annually on: (1) alternative sources of federal funding being employed by states or other entities for the same purposes for which Child and Families Services funding is provided; and (2) the needs of eligible families, including underserved communities, the supports available for caseworkers, the length of the wait time for families to receive substance abuse and other preventive services, the number of families on waiting lists for such services, and the effect of the delay on reunification outcomes. (Sec. 103) Extends through FY2016 specified reservations of funds for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants. Requires monthly caseworker visit grants to be used to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits, with an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by a parent's or caretaker's methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by a parent's or caretaker's substance abuse. Authorizes the Secretary to renew a five-year grant for up to an additional two years. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the grants awarded to regional partnerships. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements for the court improvement program to require grants to the highest state courts to serve the purpose of increasing and improving engagement of the entire family in court processes relating to child welfare, family preservation, family reunification, and adoption. Requires such a court to submit one application, rather than separate applications, for more than one grant. Specifies mandatory allocations of funds for such grants. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. (Sec. 106) Requires state case review systems to assure that each child in foster care under state responsibility who has attained age 16 receives gratis: (1) a copy of any consumer report pertaining to the child each year until the child is discharged from care, and (2) assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. Title II: Child Welfare Demonstration Projects - (Sec. 201) Renews through FY2014 the authority of the Secretary to authorize states to conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B or SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Repeals the requirement for state project applications to consider certain types of proposals. Replaces such requirement with specified conditions for state eligibility to conduct a new demonstration project. Authorizes a state to elect to establish a program to: (1) permit part E foster care maintenance payments to a long-term therapeutic family treatment center on behalf of a child residing in the center, or (2) identify and address domestic violence that endangers children and results in the placement of children in foster care. Defines a long-term therapeutic family treatment center as a state-licensed or -certified program that: (1) enables parents and their children to live together in a safe environment for at least six months; and (2) provides substance abuse treatment services, children's early intervention services, family counseling, medical care, and related services. Sets forth child welfare improvement policies, at least two of which a state must have implemented or planned to implement within a certain period of time. Limits any child welfare demonstration project to five years, unless the Secretary determines that it should be continued. Requires states authorized to conduct a demonstration project to obtain an evaluation of its effectiveness by an independent contractor. Treats as a state any Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium operating a program under SSA title IV part E. Title III: Budget Provisions - Sets forth budget provisions.

child family services improvement innovation_act title extension child family services programs sec amends title child family services social_security_act ssa extend fy2016 authorization appropriations stephanie tubbs jones child welfare services program requires state plan oversight coordination health_care services child foster care placement include outline monitoring treatment emotional trauma associated child maltreatment removal home protocols appropriate use monitoring psychotropic medications requires state plan child welfare services describe state activities reduce length time children age permanent family state activities address developmental needs children receive program benefits services sources compile information child maltreatment deaths state agency required federal law report compilation include information deaths specified state entities state include information revises requirements child replaces current requirement secretary establish outline steps taken ensure children foster care state responsibility monthly basis requires instead state necessary steps ensure total number monthly caseworker visits children foster care state responsibility fiscal year raised fy2015 total number visits occur fiscal year child month care sec extends fy2016 safe stable families program requires state safe stable families program plan describe state identifies populations greatest risk maltreatment services targeted revises requirements time limited family reunification services provided child removed child home placed foster family home child care institution child parents primary caregiver order facilitate child safe appropriate timely reunification parents caregiver requires services include peer peer mentoring support groups parents primary caregivers services activities designed facilitate access visitation children parents siblings requires annual compilation state reports include individual state reports tables synthesize state information national totals element required included reports including planned actual spending service category program requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs publish compilation hhs website location easily accessible public directs comptroller_general gao report annually alternative sources federal funding employed states entities purposes child families services funding provided needs eligible families including underserved communities supports available length wait time families receive substance abuse preventive services number families waiting lists services effect delay reunification outcomes sec extends fy2016 specified reservations funds monthly caseworker visits regional partnership grants requires monthly caseworker visit grants improve quality monthly caseworker visits emphasis improving caseworker decision making safety permanency foster children revises requirements grants assist children affected parent caretaker methamphetamine substance abuse remove specification methamphetamine apply grant program generally children affected parent caretaker substance abuse authorizes secretary renew year grant additional years directs secretary evaluate effectiveness grants awarded regional partnerships sec revises requirements court improvement program require grants highest state courts serve purpose increasing improving engagement entire family court processes relating child welfare family preservation family reunification adoption requires court submit application separate applications grant specifies mandatory allocations funds grants sec directs secretary order improve data matching designate nonproprietary interoperable standard data elements category information required reported sec requires state case review systems assure child foster care state responsibility attained age receives copy consumer report pertaining child year child discharged care assistance interpreting resolving inaccuracies report title child welfare demonstration projects sec renews fy2014 authority secretary authorize states conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely promote objectives ssa title foster care adoption assistance repeals requirement state project applications consider certain types proposals replaces requirement specified conditions state eligibility conduct new demonstration project authorizes state elect establish program permit foster care maintenance payments long term therapeutic family treatment center behalf child residing center identify address domestic violence endangers children results placement children foster care defines long term therapeutic family treatment center state licensed program enables parents children live safe environment months provides substance abuse treatment services children early intervention services family counseling medical care related services sets forth child welfare improvement policies state implemented planned implement certain period time limits child welfare demonstration project years secretary determines continued requires states authorized conduct demonstration project obtain evaluation effectiveness independent contractor treats state indian tribe tribal organization tribal consortium operating program ssa title title iii budget provisions sets forth budget provisions


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Short-Term TANF Extension Act - Continues through December 31, 2011, and make appropriations through the first quarter of FY2012 for, grants to states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa for programs under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Excludes from this extension: (1) supplemental grants for population increases in certain states, or (2) activities related to the Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]) of title IV of the Social Security Act to continue through FY2013 the authority for administrative penalties for a state's failure during the immediately preceding fiscal year to maintain qualified TANF expenditures at the applicable percentage of historic state expenditures (maintenance of effort).

measure amended introduced summary version repeated short term tanf extension act continues december appropriations quarter fy2012 grants states puerto_rico guam virgin_islands american_samoa programs temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act excludes extension supplemental grants population increases certain states activities related contingency fund state welfare programs amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act continue fy2013 authority administrative penalties state failure immediately preceding fiscal year maintain qualified tanf expenditures applicable percentage historic state expenditures maintenance effort


Summary: Tax Relief for Victims of Disasters Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend disaster-related tax provisions relating to the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, losses, and the individual tax exemption to a qualified federally declared disaster individual (defined to mean, with respect to a federally declared disaster after December 31, 2010, and before January 1, 2013, any individual whose principal place of abode was located in the disaster area, who was displaced by the disaster, and who was performing employment services in the disaster area).

tax relief victims disasters act amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend disaster related tax provisions relating child tax credit earned income tax credit losses individual tax exemption qualified federally declared disaster individual defined mean respect federally declared disaster december january individual principal place abode located disaster area displaced disaster performing employment services disaster area


Summary: Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), beginning in FY2013 and for each subsequent fiscal year, to allocate not less than 30 percent of the amount appropriated for the fiscal year for home energy grants to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to provide supplementary funds on the basis of need among such areas.

amends low income home energy assistance_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs beginning fy2013 subsequent fiscal year allocate percent appropriated fiscal year home energy grants commonwealth_of_puerto_rico guam american_samoa virgin_islands commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands provide supplementary funds basis need areas


Summary: Welfare Integrity Act of 2011 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state TANF programs to operate a program to conduct random testing of TANF applicants and recipients for illegal drug use. Requires state TANF programs to deny assistance to individuals who test positive for illegal drugs and individuals convicted of drug-related crimes. Prescribes an administrative penalty for failure to implement illegal drug use testing.

welfare integrity act amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require state tanf programs operate program conduct random testing tanf applicants recipients illegal drug use requires state tanf programs deny assistance individuals test positive illegal drugs individuals convicted drug related crimes prescribes administrative penalty failure implement illegal drug use testing


Summary: Community Agriculture Development and Jobs Act - Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Office of Community Agriculture to: (1) promote agriculture in nontraditional communities (communities or areas with limited or no traditional agricultural production), and (2) improve nutrition in such communities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for initiatives in nontraditional communities to: (1) strengthen local food production, processing, and distribution; (2) create sustainable food systems; (3) encourage food assistance recipients to purchase locally grown or produced foods; (4) convert vacant land to agricultural production; and (5) support education and training. Amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to provide loans, loan guarantees, and grants to expand farmers markets. Gives assistance priority to nontraditional communities. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the seniors farmers market nutrition program. Gives assistance priority to: (1) nontraditional communities, and (2) farmers markets with an operational seniors farmers market program. Amends the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 to require as part of each agriculture census an evaluation of the state of farmers markets in the United States.

community agriculture development jobs_act_-_amends department_of_agriculture_reorganization_act direct secretary agriculture usda establish office community agriculture promote agriculture nontraditional communities communities areas limited traditional agricultural production improve nutrition communities authorizes secretary grants initiatives nontraditional communities strengthen local food production processing distribution create sustainable food systems encourage food assistance recipients purchase locally grown produced foods convert vacant land agricultural production support education training amends farmer consumer direct marketing act direct secretary provide loans loan guarantees grants expand farmers markets gives assistance priority nontraditional communities amends farm_security rural investment act extend seniors farmers market nutrition program gives assistance priority nontraditional communities farmers markets operational seniors farmers market program amends census agriculture act require agriculture census evaluation state farmers markets united_states


Summary: Half in Ten Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Poverty, which shall develop a National Plan or Strategy to reduce the number of persons living in poverty in America in half within 10 years after release of the 2011 Census report on Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010.

half act establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs federal interagency_working_group reducing poverty shall develop national plan strategy reduce number persons living poverty america half years release census report income poverty health insurance coverage united_states


Summary: Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act of 2012 or WIN for Children and Families Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a state to which a state family assistance grant is made to maintain policies and practices necessary to prevent the use of state TANF assistance in any electronic benefit transfer transaction in a liquor store, casino or gambling establishment, or strip club. Defines "electronic benefit transfer transaction" as the use of a credit or debit card service, automated teller machine (ATM), point-of-sale terminal, or access to an online system for the withdrawal of funds or the processing of a payment for merchandise or a service. Establishes administrative penalties for states which have not reported on their implementation of or enforced such policies and practices.

welfare integrity children families act win children families act_-_amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require state state family assistance grant maintain policies practices necessary prevent use state tanf assistance electronic benefit transfer transaction store casino gambling establishment strip club defines electronic benefit transfer transaction use credit debit card service automated teller machine atm point sale terminal access online system withdrawal funds processing payment merchandise service establishes administrative penalties states reported implementation enforced policies practices


Summary: Rewriting to Improve and Secure an Exit Out of Poverty Act or RISE Out of Poverty Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Act) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state TANF plans to address whether and how states will give priority to providing assistance in areas with the greatest need. Extends the TANF program. Establishes matching grants to the states for subsidized employment. Sets a flat minimum participation rate of 50% with respect to all families residing in a state that include a work-eligible individual. Revises participation requirements. Gives TANF recipients the option to have trained personnel assess certain barriers to employment. Revises the contents of individual responsibility plans. Authorizes a state to develop a modified employability plan for a TANF recipient with, or caring for a family member with, a disability. Prohibits a state from imposing a lifetime sanction or full-family sanction on assistance to any individual or family on the basis of a family member's failure to comply with a program requirement. Prohibits sanctioning individuals for failure to engage in work if the failure results from the inability to secure child care or after-school arrangements for a child under age 13. Prohibits imposing a limit of less than 60 months on duration of TANF assistance. Makes the durational limit inapplicable during a recession. Requires that states establish personnel standards through a merit-based system in the administration of TANF programs. Bans state use of federal TANF funds to replace state or local spending for non-qualified state expenditures. Requires TANF assistance to meet basic family economic needs. Makes reducing child poverty a purpose of the TANF program. Requires that states adopt standards and procedures to address domestic and sexual violence suffered by TANF recipients. Requires a state to guarantee child care services to TANF recipients employed or participating in a work activity. Eliminates the ban on providing assistance to families not assigning certain support rights to the state. Gives states the option to extend TANF eligibility to children through age 21. Prohibits considering financial aid tied to education of a child in determining eligibility for or the amount of TANF. Eliminates bars to TANF assistance for persons convicted of drug felonies, unwed teen parents not in school, and teens not in an adult-supervised living arrangement.

improve secure exit poverty act rise poverty act_-_amends temporary_assistance needy families act tanf title social_security_act require state tanf plans address states priority providing assistance areas greatest need extends tanf program establishes matching grants states subsidized employment sets flat minimum participation rate respect families residing state include work eligible individual revises participation requirements gives tanf recipients option trained personnel assess certain barriers employment revises contents individual responsibility plans authorizes state develop modified employability plan tanf recipient caring family member disability prohibits state imposing lifetime sanction family sanction assistance individual family basis family member failure comply program requirement prohibits sanctioning individuals failure engage work failure results inability secure child care school arrangements child age prohibits imposing limit months duration tanf assistance makes limit inapplicable recession requires states establish personnel standards merit based system administration tanf programs bans state use federal tanf funds replace state local spending non qualified state expenditures requires tanf assistance meet basic family economic needs makes reducing child poverty purpose tanf program requires states adopt standards procedures address domestic sexual violence suffered tanf recipients requires state guarantee child care services tanf recipients employed participating work activity eliminates ban providing assistance families assigning certain support rights state gives states option extend tanf eligibility children age prohibits considering financial aid tied education child determining eligibility tanf eliminates bars tanf assistance persons convicted drug felonies unwed teen parents school teens adult supervised living arrangement


Summary: Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to revise the formula for a state's allotment percentage for low-income home energy assistance to make it the percentage the state would have received under such Act as originally enacted in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.

amends low income home energy assistance_act revise formula state allotment percentage low income home energy assistance percentage state received act originally enacted omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act


Summary: Stopping Needless Additional Performance Bonuses (SNAP) Act of 2011 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly known as the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to repeal the authority to make performance-based bonus payments to states under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly food stamps).

stopping additional performance bonuses snap act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 known food_stamp_act repeal authority performance based bonus payments states supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamps


Summary: Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV to extend the TANF program through FY2012. Directs the Secretary of HHS to designate standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported under TANF. Requires states to maintain policies and practices necessary to prevent the use of state TANF assistance in any transaction in any: (1) liquor store; (2) casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment; or (3) retail establishment which provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. Prescribes an administrative penalty for states which failure to enforce such requirement.

welfare integrity data improvement act_-_amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf ssa title extend tanf program fy2012 directs secretary hhs designate standard data elements category information required reported tanf requires states maintain policies practices necessary prevent use state tanf assistance transaction store casino gambling casino gaming establishment retail establishment provides adult oriented entertainment perform state entertainment prescribes administrative penalty states failure enforce requirement


Summary: Putting Drug Free Families First Act of 2011 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require states to test applicants for and recipients of assistance under state TANF programs for illegal drug use. Prohibits a state from providing TANF assistance to individuals who test positive for an illegal drug. Prescribes an administrative penalty for failure to implement illegal drug use testing.

putting drug free families act amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act require states test applicants recipients assistance state tanf programs illegal drug use prohibits state providing tanf assistance individuals test positive illegal drug prescribes administrative penalty failure implement illegal drug use testing


Summary: Energy Assistance for American Families Act - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for FY2013-FY2016. Permits a state to use any allotment from such appropriations to assist households whose income does not exceed 75% of the state median income.

energy assistance american families act_-_amends low income home energy assistance_act authorize appropriations fy2013 fy2016 permits state use allotment appropriations assist households income exceed state median income


Summary: Coordination of Pro Bono Medically Recommended Dental Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities to maximize the number of eligible low-income individuals receiving dental care. Requires an entity to use amounts received under a grant or contract to fund the employment costs of a program to: (1) coordinate the provision of free, medically recommended dental care to eligible low-income individuals by volunteer dentists in a manner consistent with state licensing laws; and (2) verify the medical, dental, and financial needs of individuals who may be eligible for such dental services. Requires an eligible: (1) entity to be tax exempt and provide for the participation of eligible individuals in a free dental services program; and (2) individual to be entitled to benefits or be enrolled under Medicare, Medicaid, or a state plan or waiver under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP).

coordination pro bono medically recommended dental care act_-_amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs award competitive grants enter contracts eligible entities maximize number eligible low income individuals receiving dental care requires entity use amounts received grant contract fund employment costs program coordinate provision free medically recommended dental care eligible low income individuals volunteer dentists manner consistent state licensing laws verify medical dental financial needs individuals eligible dental services requires eligible entity tax exempt provide participation eligible individuals free dental services program individual entitled benefits enrolled medicare medicaid state plan waiver state children health insurance program chip known schip


Summary: Puerto Rico Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Restoration Act of 2012 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly known as the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to: (1) include Puerto Rico in the definition of state for purposes of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly food stamp) eligibility, and (2) remove Puerto Rico from the consolidated block grant program upon the effective date of the amendments made by this Act. Provides for the application by, and approval of, retail food stores in Puerto Rico for program participation.

puerto_rico supplemental nutrition assistance program restoration act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 known food_stamp_act include puerto_rico definition state purposes supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamp eligibility remove puerto_rico consolidated block grant program effective date amendments act provides application approval retail food stores puerto_rico program participation


Summary: Enhancing Nutrition Services to the Elderly and Disabled Act of 2012 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly known as the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to include as a "retail food store" under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) a public or private nonprofit food purchasing and delivery service that: (1) serves individuals who are unable to shop for food and who are at least 60 years old or physically or mentally handicapped or otherwise disabled, and (2) notifies the participating household at the time of order that any delivery fee cannot be paid with SNAP benefits.

enhancing nutrition services elderly disabled act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 known food_stamp_act include retail food store supplemental nutrition assistance program snap food stamps public private nonprofit food purchasing delivery service serves individuals unable shop food years old physically mentally handicapped disabled notifies participating household time order delivery fee paid snap benefits


Summary: Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise Act or the Life Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to carry out a national program to conduct and support activities regarding individuals who are overweight or obese in order to make progress toward the goal of significantly reducing obesity in the United States. Requires such activities to include: (1) training health professionals, (2) educating the public, and (3) developing and demonstrating intervention strategies for use at worksites and in community settings.

lifelong improvements food exercise act life act_-_amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc carry national program conduct support activities individuals overweight obese order progress goal significantly reducing obesity united_states requires activities include training health professionals educating public developing demonstrating intervention strategies use worksites community settings


Summary: School Lunch Improvements for Children's Education Act or SLICE Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an interim or final rule regarding the school lunch and child nutrition programs that: (1) requires the crediting of tomato paste and puree as a vegetable serving based on the volume of tomato paste or puree served, (2) implements science-based sodium reduction targets, and (3) establishes a whole grain requirement.

school lunch improvements children education act act_-_authorizes secretary agriculture implement interim final rule school lunch child nutrition programs requires crediting vegetable serving based volume served implements science based sodium reduction targets establishes grain requirement


Summary: Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the National Taxpayer Advocate, to publish a summary statement of taxpayer rights and obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to develop, expand, or continue volunteer income tax assistance programs to assist low-income taxpayers. Allows tax preparation program grant recipients to use grant funds to provide services related to financial literacy, asset development, and the establishment of savings accounts. Increases the grant funding for low-income taxpayer clinics. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations for the regulation of tax return preparers not otherwise regulated and to regulate the conduct of enrolled agents in their practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) require the annual registration of refund delivery product facilitators; and (3) furnish to the public the identity of any person who is an enrolled agent, attorney, or certified public accountant on file with the IRS, who is a tax return preparer, or who is registered as a refund delivery product facilitator. Applies the penalty for understatements of taxpayer liability by tax return preparers to tax submissions other than tax returns or claims for refunds. Prohibits the Secretary from filing a notice of lien with respect to any taxpayer unless: (1) the lien attaches to distrainable property, (2) the Secretary determines that the benefit to the government of filing outweighs the harm to the taxpayer and that the filing will not jeopardize the taxpayer's ability to comply with the internal revenue laws and to continue to secure funding to maintain business operations, (3) the Secretary notifies the taxpayer that the Secretary has determined to file such notice, and (4) the taxpayer is afforded an opportunity to appeal that determination. Requires the Secretary to consider specified factors in making such determination, including the amount due, the value of the taxpayer's equity in or rights to property, the taxpayer's compliance history, and the effect of the lien filing on the taxpayer's ability to obtain financing, generate future income, and pay current and future tax liabilities. Prohibits persons licensed to practice before the Department of the Treasury from directly or indirectly offering or providing audit insurance. Authorizes the National Taxpayer Advocate to issue Taxpayer Advocate directives for granting relief to taxpayers. Expresses the sense of Congress that the IRS should take specified steps within two years to improve service to taxpayers. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award demonstration project grants to provide accounts in federally insured depository institutions to taxpayers who do not currently have an account with a financial institution; (2) study the feasibility of, and establish a pilot program on, delivering tax refunds on debit cards or other electronic means for taxpayers who do not have access to financial accounts or institutions; (3) identify legislative and administrative changes that would enable the IRS to receive and process information reporting documents before it processes tax returns; and (4) assess the effectiveness of collection alternatives, especially offers in compromise, on long-term tax compliance. Requires de novo review in U.S. Tax Court of any determination by the IRS with respect to a claim for equitable innocent spouse relief.

taxpayer bill rights act amends_the_internal_revenue_code require secretary treasury consultation national_taxpayer_advocate publish summary statement taxpayer rights obligations authorizes secretary grants develop expand continue volunteer income tax assistance programs assist low income taxpayers allows tax preparation program grant recipients use grant funds provide services related financial literacy asset development establishment savings_accounts increases grant funding low income taxpayer clinics requires secretary prescribe regulations regulation tax return preparers regulated regulate conduct enrolled agents practice internal_revenue_service irs require annual registration refund delivery product facilitators furnish public identity person enrolled agent attorney certified public accountant file irs tax return preparer registered refund delivery product facilitator applies penalty understatements taxpayer liability tax return preparers tax submissions tax returns claims refunds prohibits secretary filing notice lien respect taxpayer lien property secretary determines benefit government filing outweighs harm taxpayer filing jeopardize taxpayer ability comply internal_revenue laws continue secure funding maintain business operations secretary notifies taxpayer secretary determined file notice taxpayer afforded opportunity appeal determination requires secretary consider specified factors making determination including value taxpayer equity rights property taxpayer compliance history effect lien filing taxpayer ability obtain financing generate future income pay current future tax liabilities prohibits persons licensed practice department_of_the_treasury directly indirectly offering providing audit insurance authorizes national_taxpayer_advocate issue taxpayer advocate directives granting relief taxpayers expresses sense congress irs specified steps years improve service taxpayers authorizes secretary award demonstration project grants provide accounts federally insured depository institutions taxpayers currently account financial institution study feasibility establish pilot program delivering tax refunds debit cards electronic means taxpayers access financial accounts institutions identify legislative administrative changes enable irs receive process information reporting documents processes tax returns assess effectiveness collection alternatives especially offers compromise long term tax compliance requires novo review tax_court determination irs respect claim equitable innocent spouse relief


Summary: Preserving Work Requirements for Welfare Programs Act of 2012 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from finalizing, implementing, enforcing, or otherwise taking any action to give effect to the Information Memorandum dated July 12, 2012 (Transmittal No. TANF-ACF-IM-2012-03), or to any administrative action relating to the same subject matter or that reflects the same or similar policies. Prohibits the Secretary also from authorizing, approving, modifying, or extending any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project under the Social Security Act (SSA) that: (1) waives compliance with mandatory work requirements of SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF), or (2) authorizes an expenditure not otherwise allowable under a state TANF program with respect to compliance with such work requirements. Rescinds and nullifies any waiver relating to the subject matter of the Information Memorandum granted before the enactment of this Act.

preserving work requirements welfare programs act prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs finalizing implementing enforcing taking action effect information memorandum dated july transmittal tanf administrative action relating subject matter reflects similar policies prohibits secretary authorizing approving modifying extending experimental pilot demonstration project social_security_act ssa waives compliance mandatory work requirements ssa title temporary_assistance needy families tanf authorizes expenditure allowable state tanf program respect compliance work requirements rescinds nullifies waiver relating subject matter information memorandum granted enactment act


Summary: SNAP Fraud Prevention Act of 2012 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the payment of a deposit fee in excess of any state fee reimbursement to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with SNAP benefits.

snap fraud prevention act amends food_and_nutrition_act_of_2008 prohibit payment deposit fee excess state fee reimbursement recipients supplemental nutrition assistance snap known food stamp program return contain food purchased snap benefits


Summary: No Hungry Kids Act - Nullifies the rule published by the Department of Agriculture on January 26, 2012, establishing nutrition standards for the school lunch and breakfast programs. (This rule is summarized as requiring most schools to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat fluid milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat and trans fat in meals; and meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements.) Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture's minimum nutritional requirements for school lunches from being construed as establishing a calorie maximum for individual school lunches or prohibiting a child from eating a lunch provided by the child's parent or legal guardian.

kids act nullifies rule published department_of_agriculture january establishing nutrition standards school lunch breakfast programs rule requiring schools increase availability fruits vegetables grains fat free low fat fluid milk school meals reduce levels sodium saturated fat trans fat meals meet nutrition needs school children requirements amends richard national school lunch act prohibit secretary agriculture minimum nutritional requirements school lunches construed establishing maximum individual school lunches prohibiting child eating lunch provided child parent legal guardian


Summary: Capitalizing Workforce Development Act of 2012 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to support the purchase, renovation, construction, or lease and improvement of real property to be used by qualified self-sustaining job programs that provide job training, job placement, or other employment-related services to individuals with employment challenges.

workforce development act amends temporary_assistance needy families tanf title social_security_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs award competitive grants support purchase renovation construction lease improvement real property qualified self sustaining job programs provide job training job placement employment related services individuals employment challenges


Summary: State Nutrition Assistance Flexibility Act of 2012 - States that the purpose of this Act is to provide federal financial assistance to the states in the form of a single grant to allow the states flexibility in providing, and in financing the provision of, supplemental food and nutrition assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide each qualifying state with a specified quarterly grant for each of FY2013-FY2022. Requires a state to certify that such supplemental food and nutrition assistance will include specified work and benefits use requirements. Authorizes states to: (1) set aside funds to be used during periods of unexpectedly high unemployment or program enrollment, and (2) use up to 30% of funds for other welfare-related programs. Prohibits supplemental food and nutrition assistance from being provided to aliens not residing legally in the United States. Requires annual state audits. Repeals: (1) the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program); (2) the emergency food assistance program; (3) community food projects; (4) the commodity supplemental food program; (5) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (6) the fresh fruit and vegetable program.

state nutrition assistance flexibility act states purpose act provide federal financial assistance states form single grant allow states flexibility providing financing provision supplemental food nutrition assistance directs secretary treasury provide qualifying state specified quarterly grant fy2013 fy2022 requires state certify supplemental food nutrition assistance include specified work benefits use requirements authorizes states set aside funds periods high unemployment program enrollment use funds welfare related programs prohibits supplemental food nutrition assistance provided aliens residing legally united_states requires annual state audits repeals supplemental nutrition assistance program snap known food stamp program emergency food assistance program community food projects commodity supplemental food program senior farmers market nutrition program fresh fruit vegetable program


Summary: Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), from any appropriations for a fiscal year containing a qualifying winter season, to allot to each qualifying state, at least 25% of whose households use heating oil as the primary heating fuel, an amount that is at least the same as that allotted to the state for FY2010. Requires that allotments to states that do not qualify under this Act be ratably reduced if necessary to ensure the allotments to qualifying states. Defines a "qualifying winter season" as one occurring after enactment of this Act for which the projected average price of heating oil is greater than the average price for the winter of 2011-2012.

amends low income home energy assistance_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs appropriations fiscal year containing qualifying winter season allot qualifying state households use heating oil primary heating fuel allotted state fy2010 requires allotments states qualify act ratably reduced necessary ensure allotments qualifying states defines qualifying winter season occurring enactment act projected average price heating oil greater average price winter