FHA announces new Single Family Title II Forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Loan Limits for 2022

FHA announces new Single Family Title II Forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Loan Limits for 2022 | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] press release dated: December 1, 2021)

Washington - - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Tuesday announced new loan limits for calendar year 2022 for its Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) Mortgage (HECM) insurance programs. Loan limits for most of the country will increase in the coming year resulting from robust house price appreciation, which is factored into the statutorily mandated calculations FHA uses as part of its methodology for determining the limits each year. The new loan limits are effective for FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2022.

• Read FHA’s Mortgagee Letter on 2022 Forward Mortgage

...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Surface Transportation Owners and Operators | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: December 2, 2021)

Washington - - DHS’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced two new Security Directives and additional guidance for voluntary measures to strengthen cybersecurity across the transportation sector in response to the ongoing cybersecurity threat to surface transportation systems and associated infrastructure. These actions are among several steps DHS is taking to increase the cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure. “These new cybersecurity requirements and recommendations will help keep the traveling public safe and protect our critical infrastructure from evolving threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “DHS will continue working with our partner...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statement on GPO Printing and Mailing delay | site |



A statement on GPO printing and mailing delay



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs [VA] press release dated: November 30, 2021)

A statement on GPO printing and mailing delay

Washington - - Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet required deadlines via written correspondence with VA. In response to the mailing delays and to protect the best interest of claimants, the Veterans Benefits Administration is extending their response period by 90-calendar days for claimants with letters dated between July 13, 20...

Federal Reserve Board approves Fee Schedule for Federal Reserve Bank Priced Services | site | (Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: December 1, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced the approval of fee schedules, effective January 3, 2022, for payment services the Federal Reserve Banks provide to depository institutions, known as priced services. Overall, the Reserve Banks estimate that the price changes will result in a 3.7 percent average price increase. Increases in the fee schedule for 2022 are generally similar to previous years, except 2021 where fees other than the Check Services Participation Fee remained flat. The 2022 fee schedule for each of the priced services is available on the Federal Reserve Banks' financial services website at FRBservices.org®. The Reserve Banks project that they will recover 97.1 percent of their priced services costs in 2022. While the Reserve Banks do not expect to ful...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Autism Prevalence Higher in CDC’s ADDM Network |site|



Improvements being made in identifying children with autism early


(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release dated: December 2, 2021) One in 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder according to an analysis of 2018 data published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries. This is higher than the previous estimate published in March 2020, which found a prevalence of 1 in 54 (1.9%) 8-year-old children. The 2018 data come from 11 communities in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network. A second report on children born in 2014 (4-year-old children) in the same 11 communities shows progress in the early identification of children with autism. These children were 50%...

Biden-Harris Administration Begins Distributing American Rescue Plan Rural Funding to Support Providers Impacted by Pandemic site



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: November 23, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), began distributing $7.5 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments to providers and suppliers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing much-needed relief to rural providers who historically operate on thin margins and have had their financial challenges further exacerbated during the pandemic. The average payment being announced today is approximately $170,700, with payments ranging from $500 to approximately $43 million...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service offers How-To Videos to help Taxpayers apply for Offers in Compromise and avoid Scams site



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: November 17, 2021)

Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today unveiled a new how-to video series enabling taxpayers to avoid potential scams by considering and applying for an Offer in Compromise (OIC) themselves and avoid paying excessive fees to companies advertising outlandish claims. "We encourage eligible taxpayers in real financial distress to consider looking into an Offer in Compromise to resolve their tax issues," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "People also need to use caution with the program. Some companies routinely overstate how they can help with this program and clear up people's back taxes for pennies on the dollar. A quick visit to IRS.gov can provide important information to help people with this p...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Launches Innovative Hiring Program to Recruit and Retain World-Class Cyber Talent site


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: November 15, 2021) Washington - - Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the Cybersecurity Talent Management System (CTMS), a new personnel system that will enable DHS to more effectively recruit, develop, and retain our Nation’s top cybersecurity professionals. CTMS will enable DHS to fill mission-critical cybersecurity positions by screening applicants based on demonstrated competencies, competitively compensating employees, and reducing the time it takes to be hired into the Department. Employees hired through this system will join the new DHS Cybersecurity Service, the Nation’s preeminent federal cybersecurity team working to protect U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people from cybersecurity threats, and increase nationwide ...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona, U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh, Swiss President Parmelin Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the United States site


Coincides with National Apprenticeship Week


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: November 18, 2021) Washington - - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, and Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to expand apprenticeships among Swiss companies and Swiss-invested companies in the United States, and to promote job creation in both countries. Swiss companies actively invest in U.S. manufacturing and directly support more than 500,000 U.S. jobs, with an average annual salary of $101,800. The signing took place at the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building as the...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awards $20 Million for Eviction Protection and Diversion site




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] press release dated: November 23, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Tuesday announced $20 million in inaugural grants from its Eviction Protection Grant Program, the first of its kind for the Department. These grants will be awarded to legal service providers to assist in providing legal assistance to low-income tenants at risk of or subject to eviction. The Eviction Protection Grant Program is part of HUD’s continued work, as part of a whole of government approach, to support families recovering from the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. HUD has selected and offered grants to 10 organizations from across the country to support their ability to expand resolution options for clients at ...

Federal Communications Commission Inspector General Issues Advisory regarding EBB Enrollment Fraud site



(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: November 22, 2021) Washington, November 22, 2021 – In an Advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school. The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools. OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to im...

Statement from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Canada’s Suspension of Potatoes from Prince Edward Island, Canada, to the United States |site



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture press release dated: November 22, 2021) Washington, Nov. 22, 2021 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commends Canada for implementing the necessary plant health (phytosanitary) measures to safeguard against the transmission of potato wart disease from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, to the United States. “I appreciate Canada’s action to suspend the movement of all potatoes from Prince Edward Island to the United States,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Our risk assessment demonstrated that this action is necessary to protect U.S. potato producers from possible exposure to the Federally designated select agent Synchytrium endobioticum, commonly known as potato wart. We look forward to working with the Can...

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: November 19, 2021)

Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen sent a letter to all members of Congressional leadership regarding the debt issuance suspension period (DISP).

The full text of the letter is also available below. The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Madam Speaker: On October 18, I informed you that I had determined that a debt issuance suspension period (DISP) would continue through December 3, 2021 with respect to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF). I am writing to notify you, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 8348(l)(2), of my determination that, by reason of the statutory debt limit, I will be unable to fully invest the portion of the CSR...

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Randal K. Quarles submits Resignation as a Member of the Federal Reserve Board, effective at the end of December | site |


(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: November 8, 2021) Randal K. Quarles submitted his resignation Monday as a member of the Federal Reserve Board, effective at the end of December. He served as the Board's first Vice Chair for Supervision and has been a member of the Board since October 13, 2017. As Vice Chair for Supervision, he oversaw the supervision and regulation of financial firms in the Board's jurisdiction. He served simultaneously as Chair of the Financial Stability Board, or FSB, an international body established by the G20 to ensure the resilience of the global financial system. His three-year term as FSB Chair ends on December 2. In both positions, he played a central role in ensuring the safe operation of both the domestic and international financia...

U.S. Department of Education Announces Recognition Status of Nine Accrediting Agencies | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: October 28, 2021)

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Senior Department Official (SDO) informed nine accreditors about the status of their recognition. The following agencies were approved for renewal of recognition for five years:

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
• American Bar Association (ABA).
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
• American Osteopathic Association (AOACOCA).
• American Psychological Association (APACOA).

Additionally, the SDO notified the following agencies that within 12 months, they must come into compliance with the specific criteria outlined in the SDO’s letter and submit a compliance report to the Department. If recognition is renewed following a decision on the compliance report, the...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission updates Electronic Filing Requirements | site |



SEC says "Amendments Will Help Modernize Manner in Which Information Is Submitted to Commission"


(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: November 4, 2021) Washington D.C., Nov. 4, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today published proposed amendments to update electronic filing requirements. The SEC currently permits and sometimes requires certain forms to be filed or submitted in paper format. The proposed rule and form amendments would require certain forms to be filed or submitted electronically. The proposed amendments also would make technical amendments to certain forms to require structured data reporting and remove outdated references. The amendments are intended to promote efficiency, transparency, and operational resiliency by modernizing the manner ...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development releases more than $13 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to assist Victims of Housing Discrimination related to the Coronavirus Pandemic | site |



Funds will support the efforts of fair housing enforcement organizations


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: November 3, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it is providing $13.6 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to enable 51 HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) agencies to conduct a range of fair housing enforcement and education and outreach activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the activities that will be conducted by the organizations is addressing discriminatory practices in underserved communities. “Discriminatory policies have no place in a nation...

Federal Communications Commission commits over $421 Million in additional Funding through Emergency Connectivity Fund Program | site |



New Funding Wave Brings Total Commitments to Over $3 Billion, Connecting Over 10 Million Students


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: November 8, 2021)

Washington, November 8, 2021 - - The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it will commit over $421 million in the latest round of Emergency Connectivity Fund announcements, bringing total program commitments to over $3.05 billion. The funding is supporting schools and libraries in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework and virtual learning, as schools and libraries continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Far too many students lack the co...

U.S. Small Business Administrator Guzman Announces the Addition of Five New Regional Innovation Clusters | site |




Newly-designated Clusters Collectively Awarded $1.5M to Support Small Business Growth and Drive Innovation in Local Economies


(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration press release dated: November 6, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the addition of five new Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) to the portfolio of communities the agency supports through the program. RICs are geographically-concentrated networking hubs of small businesses, suppliers, service providers, and related institutions that work together to maximize resources, compete on larger scales, and drive innovation and job creation. “Our nation’s innovators are critical to our economic recovery as they create jobs and strengthen our...

A Coordinated Strategy to Advance Racial Equity at Treasury | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: October 25, 2021)

A Coordinated Strategy to Advance Racial Equity at Treasury


October 25, 2021

By Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo

President Biden has made clear since Day One that advancing racial equity is not just a moral priority for our country—it is also critical to our economic success. Taking steps to unlock the unrealized potential of underserved communities makes our economy stronger and benefits all Americans. This is one reason why the Department of the Treasury is focused on advancing racial equity. This informed our decision to create a dedicated Office of Recovery Programs and has flowed through the policy and operational decisions we’ve made to implement the historic American...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues A New Memo to Terminate Migrant Protection Protocols | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: October 29, 2021)

Washington - - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today issued a new memorandum announcing and explaining his decision to terminate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program. “This Administration is tackling longstanding problems that have plagued our immigration system for decades in order to achieve needed systemic change. MPP does not help meet this goal,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “MPP had endemic flaws, imposed unjustifiable human costs, pulled resources and personnel away from other priority efforts, and did not address the root causes of irregular migration. MPP not only undercuts the Administration’s ability to implement critically needed and foundational changes to the immigration...

In Search of Answers | link |

Video sources: Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxGDjrKPRWk&t=43s ) and Team Taylor Environmental Grant
...

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums | site |



Federal Benefits Open Season begins November 8


(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: September 29, 2021)

Washington, DC - - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today the 2022 plans and premiums for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). OPM manages the health insurance enrollment for 8.2 million people, making the FEHB program the largest employer-sponsored program in the world. In the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM and the federal benefits carriers have worked closely to negotiate benefits and rates for the 2022 plan year. OPM continues to focus on offering quality health, dental, and vision benefits that are affordable to the...

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] offers Top Safety Tips for Early Holiday Shoppers Amid Reports of Expected Toy Shortage | site |



2020 Data Show 9 Deaths and Nearly 150,000 ER-Treated Injuries with Children’s Toys


(Information contained in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] press release dated: September 28, 2021)

Washington, D.C. - - Toy manufacturers are warning of potential supply-chain delays and global shipping issues due to COVID-19. Concerns about a possible toy shortage this holiday, are prompting many Americans to start their holiday shopping early.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing its holiday toy buying tips early this year, urging shoppers to review these safety tips BEFORE hitting the stores in person, or shopping online.

A new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that in 2020, there were nine deaths...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers from Canada and Mexico to Enter U.S. at Land Borders and Ferry Crossings | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: October 12, 2021) Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will amend Title 19 regulations to allow non-essential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States via land and ferry ports of entry (POEs) across the U.S. border. “In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter t...

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Completes Sixty-Day Assessment of Order under 42 U.S.C. 265 | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: October 2, 2021) On August 2, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, and associated implementing regulations, that temporarily suspended the right to introduce certain noncitizens into the United States based on the Director’s determination that introduction of such noncitizens, regardless of their country of origin, migrating through Canada and Mexico into the United States creates a serious danger of the introduction of COVID-19 into the United States, and the danger is so increased by the introduction of such noncitizens that a temporary suspension is necessary to protect the public health. Unaccompanied noncitizen ...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service launches new Webpage to assist Taxpayers with Refunds subject to Joint Committee on Taxation Review | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 22, 2021)

Washington - - The IRS today introduced a new webpage that provides information to taxpayers whose large refunds are subject to further review by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT or Joint Committee). By law, when taxpayers claim a federal tax refund or credit of more than $2 million ($5 million for a C corporation), the IRS must review the refund or credit and provide a report to the JCT, a non-partisan committee of the U.S. Congress. Refunds subject to this review are known as “Joint Committee Refund Cases.” Taxpayers can now find answers to most questions about Joint Committee case reviews and links to additional resources at ...

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Announces New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Milestone
| site |



In Less Than Two Months, One Million Borrowers Apply for Direct Forgiveness through Agency’s PPP Portal 

Administrator Guzman highlights new Direct Forgiveness Portal and other innovations as critical to accelerating reviews and approvals


(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration press release dated: September 22, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reached a major milestone today as its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal recorded its one millionth PPP loan forgiveness application for borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less. “We are committed to delivering against the promise of forgiveness for our eligible PPP borrowers. Our innovative direct forgiveness portal is helping our PPP borrowe...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’s Meeting with Haitian Ambassador to the United States Edmond | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: September 29, 2021) Washington - - Yesterday, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas met with Haitian Ambassador to the United States Bocchit Edmond to discuss our nations’ continued cooperation. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with Ambassador Edmond about our shared commitment to ensuring that Haitian migrants are treated with dignity and respect,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “I look forward to continuing to work with the government of Haiti and other partners throughout the hemisphere as we work toward safe, orderly, and humane management of migration in the region.” Secretary Mayorkas thanked the Government of Haiti for supporting the safe return and re-integration of Haitian nationals...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Intent to Establish an Equity Commission, Solicits Nominations for Membership | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture press release dated: September 24, 2021)

Washington, September 24, 2021 - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will establish an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The Notice represents an important step towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to "address historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector… [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs." “USDA is committed to advancing equity throughout our Departm...

U.S. Department of Transportation Fines United Airlines for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: September 24, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined United Airlines $1.9 million for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. This is the largest fine issued by the Department for tarmac delay violations. An extensive investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that between December 2015 and February 2021, United allowed twenty domestic flights and five international flights at various airports throughout the United States to remain on the tarmac for a lengthy period of time without providing passengers an opportuni...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Webcast Host for alleged Role in Market Manipulation Scheme | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: October 1, 2021) Washington, D.C., Oct. 1, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Mark Melnick, the host of a stock trading webcast, for spreading more than 100 false rumors about public companies in order to generate illicit profits. The SEC previously charged Barton Ross for his role in this scheme. According to the complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on September 30, 2021, Melnick received advance notice of companies about which another scheme participant planned to spread false rumors, and then shared the companies’ names with subscribers to his online trading room. Melnick advised the subscribers that he had taken positions in the ...

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, September 21-22, 2021 | site |




(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: October 13, 2021)

The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday released the attached minutes of the Committee meeting held on September 21–22, 2021.

The minutes for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee ordinarily are made available three weeks after the day of the policy decision and subsequently are published in the Board’s Annual Report. The descriptions of economic and financial conditions contained in these minutes are based solely on the information that was available to the Committee at the time of the meeting.

FOMC minutes can be viewed on the Board’s website at http://www.federalreserve.gov/moneta...ccalendars.htm Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee September 21–22, 2...

Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee release Economic Projections from the September 21-22 FOMC Meeting | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021)

The attached tables and charts released on Wednesday summarize the economic projections made by Federal Open Market Committee participants in conjunction with the September 21-22 meeting.

Projections | Accessible Materials...

Remarks of Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to the 10th Americas Spectrum Management Conference | site |



(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] speech release dated: October 12, 2021)

Remarks of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to the 10th Americas Spectrum Management Conference

October 12, 2021

Good morning! It’s great to join you for the tenth Americas Spectrum Management Conference. That’s a big milestone, especially because with wireless, there just seems to be something about the power of ten. Every ten years a new wireless technology changes everything—from first generation analog networks all the way up to today’s fifth generation broadband networks. So ten is a big deal and a good time to think about what comes next.

Now this is my first time addressing this conference as Acting Chairwoman, and...

Starting Oct. 28, new $67 User Fee applies to Estate Tax Closing Letters | site |



IRS reminds executors of free transcript option


(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 27, 2021)

Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service announced today that starting Oct. 28, a new $67 user fee will apply to any estate that requests a closing letter for its federal estate tax return.

The new user fee was authorized under final regulations, TD 9957, available today in the Federal Register. Closing letter requests must be made using Pay.gov. The IRS will provide further procedural details before the user fee goes into effect. By law, federal agencies are required to charge a user fee to cover the cost of providing certain services to the public that confer a special benefit to the recipient. Moreover, agencies must review these fees every two years to determine whether the...

Remarks by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at the Countdown Summit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release remarks dated: October 12, 2021)

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at the Countdown Summit

October 12, 2021

As prepared for delivery: Hello, everyone. I’m Janet Yellen, the United States Treasury Secretary. I want to thank Vice President Gore for the invitation and for his many years of leadership on this issue. We’re now three weeks out on the road to Glasgow, and it’s a road crowded with many different travelers. A generation ago, the road, so to speak, was a much lonelier place, deserted by comparison. There was a cohort of environmental activists and government officials, like Vice President Gore, who cared deeply about climate change, but it was nothing like the broad cross-se...

Social Security Announces 5.9 Percent Benefit Increase for 2022 | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Social Security Administration press release dated: October 13, 2021) Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the incre...

Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months, but the rise in COVID-19 cases has slowed their recovery. Inflation is elevated, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course o...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue Rule Protecting Tenants facing Evictions for Non-payment of Rent in HUD-assisted Properties | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: October 6, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will publish a rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from HUD-subsidized public housing and certain properties with project-based rental assistance without providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance. The interim rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 7, provides that when there is a national emergency-such as the COVID-19 pandemic-and federal money is allocated to help tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, the HUD Secreta...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service announces 2022 Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Grants | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: October 12, 2021) Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service recently awarded over $41 million in Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants to organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation. This year, the IRS awarded grants to 34 TCE and 300 VITA applicants. The IRS received 379 applications requesting over $70 million. The TCE program, established in 1978, provides free tax counseling and federal return preparation to individuals who are age 60 or older. Volunteers receive training and technical assistance to provide assistance at community locations across the nation. The VITA program, created in 1969, assists underserved communities, such as low- and moder...

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination | site |



African American Worker Endured Co-Worker’s Repeated Use of Racial Slur, Federal Agency Charges



(Information contained in U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] press release dated: October 8, 2021) Tacoma, Wash. - - Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (KFHPW) violated federal law when it tolerated repeated use of a racial slur over the objections of an African American employee at its Tacoma Medical Center, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit. According to the EEOC’s suit, for several months, Darlene Hayden, an African American laboratory assistant, endured a co-worker’s use of racial slurs. On the first occasion, Hayden informed her non-Black co-worker that the term, a version of the N-word, was offensive and discriminatory, and the co-worker apologized. However, when the co-wo...

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to CEOs and Business Leaders at the White House on Debt Limit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release remarks dated: October 6, 2021)

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to CEOs and Business Leaders at the White House on Debt Limit

October 6, 2021

As prepared for delivery I want to thank business and community leaders for joining us here today. I wish we could be meeting to discuss another topic, like finding solutions to climate change or how to better invest in the future of our economy. But the urgency of the debt limit situation demands immediate attention. I want to be clear about my position. First, this is an urgent matter which must be resolved immediately. Treasury is on the cusp of exhausting its extraordinary measures if Congress has not acted to raise or suspe...

Oct. 15 Deadline approaches for Taxpayers who Requested Extensions to File 2020 Tax Returns | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 16, 2021)

Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers about the upcoming October 15 due date to file 2020 tax returns. People who asked for an extension should file on or before the extension deadline to avoid the penalty for filing late. Electronic filing options, such as IRS Free File, are still available.

Although October 15 is the last day for most people to file, some taxpayers may have more time. They include:

• Members of the military and others serving in a combat zone. They typically have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.
• Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions. For details, see

...

U.S. Department of Education Announces 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: September 21, 2021)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona will make the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip, where he will visit an awardee school, Walter R. Sundling Jr. High School, in Palatine, Illinois. "This year's cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," said Secretary Cardona. "I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe wh...

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: September 8, 2021)


September 8, 2021 - -Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen sent a letter to Congressional leadership regarding the debt limit.

The full text of the letter and also available below.

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:

I am writing to follow up on my previous letters regarding the debt limit and to provide additional information regarding the Treasury Department’s ability to continue to finance the government in the absence of Congressional action to address the debt limit. After th...

FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel announces Members of Revitalized Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council | site |



Restructured Membership Adds New Federal Expertise, Public Interest Participation, and Diversity to Focus on 5G Network Security and Reliability


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 14, 2021)

Washington, September 14, 2021 - - FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the appointment of members to the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council. The recently reestablished CSRIC will focus primarily on improving 5G network security and hold its first public meeting on September 22. “The FCC’s CSRIC is one of the nation’s most impactful cybersecurity partnerships,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “But in recent years this public-private collaboration has faced criticism t...

New Resource Details Evidence-Based Strategies to Address Impact of Lost Instructional Time by Using American Rescue Plan Funding | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Students across the country continue to return to in-person learning after more than a year of varied access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed. For example, some estimates show that 3 million students have either been consistently absent from or have not been actively participating in remote learning since the beginning of the pandemic. Today, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) released “Strategies for Using American Rescue Plan Funding to Address the Impact of Lost Instructional Time,” a resource to support educators as they implement, refine, and work to continuously improve their strategies for supporting students. We know that across the country...

Secretary of the Treasury Yellen, Attorney General Garland and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Fudge Sent Letter to Governors, Mayors and State Courts Urging Use of Emergency Rental Assistance Over Eviction | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 27, 2021)

Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen, Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Merrick B. Garland, and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge sent a letter to state and local government leaders addressing the eviction moratorium.

The full text of the letter is available here and below. Governors, Mayors, County Executives, and Chief Justices/State Court Administrators: We are writing to request your urgent help preventing unnecessary evictions during the pandemic. Our bottom line is this: No one should ...