Good Evening Folks, I hope this message finds you well and off to a smooth start this Academic Year. For those of you who may not know me, my name is Eric Pratt and I am the MEEOA Government Relations Chair. I am writing to give a bit of an update on recent government happenings. This notification will be slightly focused on *SSS programs* and *new directors* and I will try to keep everyone up to date in that realm as I learn anything new, as I am sure people are concerned about the amount of information we know regarding the upcoming grant competition. - Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its Labor Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations bill, level funding TRIO at $1.06 Billion. This comes as no surprise, as this has occurred in years prior. Most importantly, the language in this bill states that the "Committee does not support the FY2020 budget proposal to transform TRIO into a single State formula grant." This is great news! The bill also directs the Department of Ed to move any unused monies in TRIO toward providing inflationary increases in existing awards and increasing the number and size of the grants awarded in the upcoming SSS grant competition. - The outlook on the bill is unclear. However, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) to flat fund all government programs through November 21, in order to buy more time or to determine differences in their respective funding bills. Senate is expected to approve this, this week. - The Senate's action on the LHHS allows the Department of Ed to *move forward with the SSS grant competition*. The Department expects *to release the final application in late October or early November*. COE hopes to release details soon regarding the third proposal writing workshop. - The Department of Ed is currently accepting comments on draft APRs for UB/UBMS and McNair. These comments are due by October 1. - Lastly, I would just like to call some attention to some online trainings coming up for new directors. The board recognizes that we have a handful of new directors of programs this year in Maine, taking on already established programs around the state. We welcome you and are here to support you on this new endeavor! COE has shared information on a course that could be worth your while so I will paste the information about it and how to register below! Never hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all from us as a board! - "*October 14-23 How to Be a New Director in an Established Program - New Directors in a Program that has at least been in existence since 2008.* This course considers what elements new directors should examine in leading an already established project. Over the course of the ten days, program directors will examine the governing documents that guide your program, understanding the goals of your program and services written by your agency to complete and methods to engage both internal and external program stakeholders*."* For more information or to register, click here <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?OLWETBVAVSWFQZR>. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or comments for me here in the Government Relations Department! Be well, Eric -- *Eric Pratt* Pronouns: He|Him|His Academic Counselor MEEOA Government Relations Chair Upward Bound | University of Maine at Farmington 252 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 C: 207.314.5499 | W: 207.778.7279 Toll Free: 1.888.237.1667 www.upwardbound.umf.maine.edu