WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- A coalition of 10 state Attorneys General is urging the U.S. Department of Labor to reconsider its proposed regulations concerning registered apprenticeship programs. In a recent public comment letter, the Attorneys General highlighted concerns over the agency's plans to rescind equal opportunity provisions that protect against discrimination in these programs. The group expressed apprehension regarding the agency's reliance on a recent Supreme Court ruling pertaining to   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- A coalition of 18 State Attorneys General submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education voicing strong opposition to proposed changes to the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program and the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program. The letter outlines concerns that the DOE's new priorities and requirements may undermine the effective provision of mental health services to students in high-need areas. The coalition's l  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration will provide $1,637,500 in supplemental award funds to 25 recipients of the Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program. Each of the 25 organizations will receive $65,500 in fiscal year 2025. This funding is an extension of the program and will support activities that are in line with its original goals and objectives. The funding will assist in strengthening   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (TNSFR) -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration has published a notice concerning petitions received under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The Program offers a system of compensation for individuals who have been injured by specific childhood vaccines. Individuals who seek compensation must file a petition with the United States Court of Federal Claims and provide a copy to the Secretary of HHS, who deleg  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- The Oregon Council for Behavioral Health, Portland, Oregon, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about proposed changes to payment policies affecting community mental health centers. The OCBH aims to ensure that these changes do not discourage the provision of critical mental health services for individuals with substance use disorders and mental illness. In the letter, OCBH welcomed CMS' focus on the   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- The Oregon Psychological Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed changes to the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The letter details critical concerns pertaining to mental health services and access issues for Medicare beneficiaries in Oregon. In the letter, OPA expressed appreciation for CMS's ongoing efforts to address the mental health crisis and advance equi  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- Our Children's Trust, Eugene, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior raising alarm over proposed revisions to regulations concerning oil and gas leasing on Federal lands. The organization advocates for the health and constitutional rights of children and youth, reminding the agency of its obligation to protect these vulnerable populations. The letter expresses concern that the proposed regulations, which would remove existing   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R46234) on July 16, 2025, entitled "School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs - Background and Funding:" (Continued from part 3 of 4) * * * Summer Food The SFSP and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) provide federal reimbursements for summer meals./170 SFSP is open to school food authorities, local public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations, while SSO is specifically for school   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 -- TriMet, Portland, Oregon, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), expressing its backing for proposed changes to the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) guidance. The agency's recent Notice of Availability of Proposed Policy Guidance for the Capital Investment Grants Program suggests updates that TriMet commends for aiding in the prompt issuance of project ratings and streamlining processes. In its letter, TriMet emphasized the impor  more