The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3759, the “Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act of 2017,” authored by Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.). This bill calls for a national strategy to support the more than 40 million Americans who help loved ones live independently at home.
The RAISE Family Caregivers Act creates an advisory council within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to identify recommended actions that Federal, State, and local governments, communities, health care providers, long-term services and supports providers, and others are taking, or may take, to recognize and support family caregivers. The recommendations coming from the advisory council will promote modern policies to help caregivers stay in the workforce or minimize the financial strain caregivers experience when they must leave the workforce.
Upon passage of this bill, Rep. Harper said, “The passage of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act is a huge step for caregivers across the country. This bill gives hope and comfort to the large number of family caregivers across the country who are often struggling to look after their loved ones – whether a special needs child, a loved one with traumatic brain injury, or a parent or spouse. I want to thank Rep. Kathy Castor for her work on this important issue and I look forward to continuing to support family caregivers.”
Congressman Greg Harper Press Release
12/19/17
Magnolia Tribune
