October 2018 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
Fall weather has finally arrived, and with it, increased and new funding for several programs and initiatives around the state.
- Livingston’s University Charter School Earns $1.7M grant: The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University Charter School in Livingston a five-year grant worth at least $1.7 million as part of a program to support and increase the number of high-quality charter schools nationwide. The grant is funded through the department’s Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) National Dissemination competitive grants competition. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby said in a statement released by his office, “The grant for West Alabama’s University Charter School will help give students the opportunity to excel academically while also building character and responsibility.” He added that the program will have a major impact on the development and progress of students in the Black Belt, preparing them for future professional success.
- Alabama DHR Raises Low-Income Childcare Subsidies: The Alabama Department of Human Resources has increased the subsidies that help low-income families obtain childcare services, thanks to a $40.7 million boost in federal funding provided by the Omnibus bill signed earlier this year by President Trump. The new rates will vary depending on the childcare market. The department conducted a market survey last year to determine costs by region. DHR spent $98 million on child care subsidies in fiscal year 2018 and plans to spend up to $112 million in fiscal year 2019. There are approximately 31,000 children in Alabama receiving subsidies for childcare.
- Gov. Ivey Awards $1.89M to Aid Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Victims: Governor Ivey recently announced awards of $1.89 million in grants to support organizations and programs that help victims of domestic violence and elder abuse throughout the state. She announced a grant awarded to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division provides in-home services and temporary placement options for victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The grant sources are the U.S. Department of Justice and the Domestic Violence Trust Fund.
