Maddy summaryThe CARE for Student Mental Health Act aims to address the student mental health crisis by increasing the number and diversity of school-based mental health services providers. The bill provides grants to colleges and universities to create training programs for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, with priority given to minority-serving institutions. It also provides grants to high-need school districts to recruit, hire, and retain mental health professionals, targeting specific staff-to-student ratios (such as 1 counselor per 250 students). The legislation includes reporting requirements to track progress on staffing ratios, diversity metrics, and service effectiveness. This bill directly affects educational institutions and school districts, particularly those serving communities with the greatest mental health service needs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts veterans' disability and survivor benefits to match the cost-of-living increase for Social Security beneficiaries. Effective December 1, 2024, it requires the VA to raise payments for disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (for spouses and children), and clothing allowances by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA announced for that year. These adjustments directly affect veterans receiving disability compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114, veterans with dependents under § 1115, surviving spouses under § 1311, and children under §§ 1313-1314. The bill ensures veterans' benefits rise automatically with the Social Security COLA, without requiring new legislative action each year.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 21, 2024, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors, highlighting their role in farming operations, agricultural sales (accounting for 36% of U.S. farm sales in 2022), and workforce development. The resolution encourages all citizens to acknowledge women's impact on the agricultural industry and support their participation in the field through initiatives like mentorship and education. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations but aims to raise awareness of women's roles in agriculture.
Maddy summarySRES 567 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing the serious issue of healthcare worker burnout in the U.S. and designating March 18, 2024, as the first "Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness." It does not create new laws or funding but highlights statistics showing 50% of healthcare workers reported burnout in 2020, along with high rates of depression, violence, and intent to leave the field. The resolution calls for raising public awareness and encouraging action across sectors - including government, healthcare systems, and employers - to support worker well-being and improve patient care. It aligns with existing federal initiatives like the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act.
Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2024 amends the Horse Protection Act to strengthen protections against "soring" - the deliberate infliction of pain on horses to exaggerate their gait, primarily affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at shows, exhibitions, or sales. Key provisions include defining prohibited "action devices" (like certain boots or weighted shoes), implementing stricter disqualification periods for sore horses (180 days, then 1 year, then 3 years), requiring licensed, conflict-free inspectors, and increasing penalties for violations (fines up to $5,000 per offense and up to 3 years in prison). The bill directly affects event organizers, inspectors, competitors, and horse owners by mandating new inspection protocols and enforcement. It focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent animal cruelty in the horse show industry.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2024, recognizing the contributions of social workers across the United States. It acknowledges their roles in addressing mental health, social justice, veterans' support, disaster response, and community well-being without creating new laws or affecting specific groups. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not involve policy changes or funding. It was introduced by Senators Stabenow and Sinema and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Maddy summarySRES 597 is a Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. It formally celebrates their historical and ongoing achievements in fields like military service, business ownership, healthcare, science, arts, and civil rights, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution highlights specific examples, such as their roles in the military (including veterans and pioneers like Minnie Spotted Wolf), economic contributions (e.g., over 160,000 businesses owned by Native women), and cultural preservation efforts. As a symbolic gesture, it does not provide funding or mandate action but aims to honor these women's impact on U.S. society.
Maddy summaryThe Telehealth Modernization Act makes permanent Medicare's temporary telehealth coverage rules that were set to expire in 2024, ensuring continued access for beneficiaries. It expands eligibility for healthcare providers who can offer telehealth services under Medicare, allowing the Secretary to add more professions (like nurse practitioners or therapists) after stakeholder consultation. The bill also changes payment rules for community health centers and rural clinics, treating telehealth services provided after 2025 as if delivered in person for billing purposes. Additionally, it permanently allows audio-only telehealth visits for Medicare coverage, removing previous restrictions.
Maddy summaryS 3970 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to repay active-duty service members for contributions they made toward their Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits. It amends 38 U.S.C. §3327(f)(3) to establish a repayment process, effective August 1, 2023. The bill also adjusts a date in the housing loan fee table (38 U.S.C. §3729(b)(2)), changing it from November 14, 2031, to November 28, 2031. This directly affects current service members who paid into their education benefits and veterans applying for home loans under the housing program.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a pilot program allowing the Veterans Benefits Administration to use contracted physicians (rather than VA employees) to conduct disability examinations for veterans applying for benefits. It requires these contract physicians to hold current state licenses and meet specific qualifications, while funding the program through existing VA benefit accounts. The bill terminates the previous temporary 1996 pilot program and mandates a report to Congress within three years on how the new system affects exam costs, speed, and quality. This change directly impacts veterans seeking disability benefits by altering how their medical evaluations are administered.