Sen. Tina Smith

Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act of 2022 This bill increases the tax deduction for the expenses of eligible educators from $250 to $1,000, An eligible educator is, with respect to any taxable year, an individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.

This resolution expresses support for National Public Health Week and recognizes the role of public health in preventing infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19.

This resolution recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar Estrada Chavez. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to commemorate his legacy and to always remember his rallying cry, "Si, se puede!" (which means "Yes, we can!").

Maddy summarySRES 565 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Representative Don Young (R-AK), who served 49 years in the U.S. House of Representatives - the longest tenure of any Alaska representative and the 45th Dean of the House. The resolution commemorates his life, service, and legacy, including his work on landmark legislation like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline authorization and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It contains no policy changes or new laws; instead, it directs the Senate to mourn his passing, honor his bipartisan service, and transmit a copy to his family. This is a purely symbolic resolution with no direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Support Kids Not Red Tape Act of 2022 This bill extends and modifies the authority of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements related to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. Current law authorizes USDA to waive certain requirements, such as those related to nutritional content and congregate feeding, for the purpose of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this bill, USDA shall have authority through FY2023 to grant such a waiver, with no waiver having effect past FY2023. Currently, USDA's authority to grant a waiver expires on June 30, 2022, with no waiver having effect past the 2021-2022 school year. If a state elects to receive a waiver that modifies the operation of a school breakfast or lunch program for the 2022-2023 school year, the state must provide a transition plan to USDA. USDA must provide technical assistance to help school food authorities and states meet nutritional standards and resume regular meal program operations for the 2023-2024 school year. While a waiver is in effect during the 2022-2023 school year, the state subject to the waiver must provide technical assistance in lieu of fiscal action for meal pattern violations due to supply chain disruptions. The bill also appropriates funds as necessary to carry out this bill's activities.

CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act This bill allows tribes and tribal organizations to apply directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program funds. Currently, only states and certain local entities may apply for PHEP funds to respond to public health emergencies, such as COVID-19. The CDC must award at least 10 cooperative agreements to tribal applicants. Additionally, the CDC must consult with tribes and tribal organizations to ensure the PHEP program enables these entities to respond to public health emergencies. The CDC may make certain modifications to the program after the consultation.

This resolution designates March 24, 2022, as National Women in Agriculture Day. It also recognizes the important role of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, mentors, and more

Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act This bill prohibits the exclusion of individuals from jury service on the basis of their disability. Further, the bill prohibits the disqualification of individuals from jury service who fail to meet certain qualifications (e.g., adequate proficiency in English) on the basis of their disability.

Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2022 This bill establishes a grant program to fund demonstration projects to provide mental health services to medically underserved individuals in rural areas or in the farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Specifically, the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to public or nonprofit telemental health provider networks to deliver, and evaluate the impact of, home-based telemental services for such individuals. The office must coordinate activities with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture.

Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements in Public Health Act or the Improving DATA in Public Health Act This bill addresses the collection and reporting of public health data with a particular focus on electronic health information. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must designate data and technology standards for public health data systems no later than two years after enactment of this act. These standards must, among other requirements, align with standards designated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). In addition, the ONC must study matters concerning the use of standards for certain laboratory information. Further, the CDC may require, subject to some limits, additional reporting of public health and health care data by health care providers, health departments, and other entities for public health surveillance. Additionally, the bill addresses agreements regarding access to, exchange of, and use of public health data, including for public health preparedness and response activities. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop or update interagency agreements while the CDC and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may develop and update agreements with health departments and other nonfederal entities. The bill also requires HHS to award grants and other support for developing and disseminating best practices to collect electronic health information. Entities eligible for the awards include state, tribal, and local governments; health care providers; and nonprofits.