Washington, D.C - On July 27, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, a member of the Ways and Means “Work and Welfare” Subcommittee, introduced legislation, H.R. 4933, the Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children (OSMDC) Act, which would create a new demonstration project within the Health Professions Opportunity Grant Program (HPOG) to allow the use of program funds to support education and job training as doulas and in midwifery. HPOG supports education and job training for Temporary Assistance to Needy Family (TANF) recipients in occupations in the health care field that pay well and are in high demand. In contrast to similar programs, HPOG provides a mix of support services, career coaching, and job placement concurrently to individuals who often struggle in other training programs. Between 2015 and 2020, HPOG has served about 26,881 people in 21 states including five tribal organizations.
Congresswoman Moore’s legislation is part of a package of bills spearheaded by “Work and Welfare” Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny Davis and the Democratic members of the Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee.
“Since I came to Congress, I have been fighting to increase access to good paying jobs for all Americans. Expanding HPOG is an opportunity to support new career pathways for TANF recipients, truly helping give them a ladder out of poverty as doulas and midwives. These maternal health professionals are desperately needed as part of our fight to address America’s maternal health crisis, which is disproportionately impacting communities of color.
With this win-win proposal, we strengthen our maternal health workforce while creating opportunities in good paying professions that will help fight poverty.”
Original source can be found here.
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