Bill Overview
Title: Helping HANDS for Families Act
Description: This bill allows states and tribes to use funds to provide an online portal to facilitate the provision of community support for families and children under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant program.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Families and children in need of community support
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill targets families and children, specifically aiming to support them through community services.
- The bill utilizes existing programs like the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant.
- State and tribal governments are involved in deploying these community support services.
- It focuses on providing an online portal for the dissemination of these services, indicating a potential reach to those with internet access.
Reasoning
- The distribution of the population targeted by the policy encompasses a wide range of family demographics, including single-parent households, low-income families, and tribal community members.
- The program's online portal focus means that individuals without internet access might not fully benefit, highlighting a digital divide concern among economically disadvantaged or rural families.
- The policy's funding limitations mean it may not reach every family in need, prompting the selection of a representative sample of families with varying degrees of impact.
- Not every family might choose to engage with the program due to personal preferences or restrictions, which would mean a lack of impact for those individuals.
- Local variation in childcare and family support needs can lead to different levels of importance placed on such a program, potentially influencing the well-being outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (New York)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the online portal can be a good resource, especially as a single mom trying to balance work and children.
- Access to community services will definitely add convenience and reduce some of my stress if done right.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
IT Specialist (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We might not really use the portal directly, as we already have access to most things we need for our kids.
- Still, it’s good to know this kind of support is there for others who might need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Worker (Arizona)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An online service could expand our reach and improve how we support families in our community.
- It’s critical that tribal needs are addressed uniquely within this platform.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retail Worker (Texas)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Currently, this doesn’t impact me directly, but it's good to see support channels opening up for families in need.
- I hope similar resources come up for young adults without children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Freelancer (Florida)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It might be helpful if we can use the portal after our baby is born, especially when moving.
- Access to support even when traveling can ease stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Homemaker (Ohio)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An online portal isn't accessible for us with poor internet.
- I hope they consider expanding rural internet as part of such initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Corporate Executive (Georgia)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our family might not see much change from this.
- I think it’s crucial for lower-income families and could benefit friends who need more support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Agricultural Worker (Nebraska)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive step for community-driven solutions.
- Access to coordinated services could be good for young families here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Michigan)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’d use it to explore local activities for my grandchildren.
- The online component is flexible for planning group visits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Pennsylvania)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Currently, I don’t believe this would affect me.
- It seems more for families or older individuals, but is good to see community efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $19000000)
Year 3: $17000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $18000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $21000000)
Year 10: $19000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $22000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $23000000)
Key Considerations
- The development of the online portal must align with existing IT infrastructure of states and tribes.
- Data privacy and protection will be critical in the handling of sensitive family information.
- Long-term operational costs may vary based on the rate of technological advances and increased user base.