EFFORTS CONTINUE TO INCLUDE CHILD SUPPORT FUNDING BEFORE 2010 ENDS

On September 30, 2010, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to allow the federal government to continue to operate after October 1, 2010.

Despite a bi-partisan effort aimed at including full child support funding, the CR did not appropriate any 'new' funding for programs slated to expire on September 30, including extending the ability to use performance incentives as match for additional federal child support dollars. The CR also failed to include funding for such programs as TANF emergency grants and other programs that benefit poor families. The child nutrition reauthorization also failed to pass in the waning hours.

We will continue our efforts to maintain child support funding in anticipation of the lame duck session. After we discuss strategy with our child support champions on Capitol Hill, we will update you on how you can assist further in maintaining the funding.

Earlier in September, Senate Finance Chairman Baucus (D-MT) included the provision in one of his key pieces of legislation before the recess. Senator Cornyn (R-TX) has been invaluable in raising the issue with Finance Committee Ranking Minority Member Grassley (R-IA), and NCSEA staff were in constant communication with Senator Rockefeller's staff until Wednesday night when the issue could not move any farther in the legislative process.
Those in Congress working on this issue are committed to finding the appropriate vehicle for at least a one-year extension for federal funding. Congress is aware that they can pass a bill retroactive to October 1, 2010, and states can claim the match at that time. This same mechanism was used in the last extension.

We also want you to be aware that the Senate gave "advice and consent" to ratify the Hague Convention on International Recovery of Child Support and Family Maintenance. This not only shows bi-partisan support for the program but, once signed by the President, will also make the United States the first country to ratify the Convention.
While our work continues to ensure full funding, we should acknowledge the strong, bi-partisan support of the Congress and the tremendous support we've received from organizations across the country. 

Your letters and calls have made the issue more than a national policy debate -- they have literally brought the message "home" and that, ultimately, is the most important piece of information your members of Congress want and need. We will build on that message in the coming weeks before the lame duck session begins on November 15.

If you have any questions about NCSEA legislative issues, please contact Colleen Eubanks at ColleenEubanks@ncsea.org