Crime bill only pass

In 1994, Congress failed to enact a host of legislative measures which would have had both positive and negative impact upon camp. Much momentum was lost in mid-term election political wrangling over policy. The Republicans recaptured the Senate and the House, which radically changes the balance of power, and the focus of future ACA legislative efforts.

FICA

Despite a concerted effort to attach the FICA initiative to pending FICA legislation, the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees showed unusual discipline in keeping the two available measures free of extraneous provisions. ACA was accompanied by a host of other interests seeking a legislative vehicle. The several-month conference delay in passing the Nanny Bill was a direct result of members' interest in attaching provisions. In the end, the decision was made to keep the bill clean, and it was reported out of the conference without amendment.

SUCCEED

The SUCCEED initiative has generated considerable interest within the administration, and has brought camps and camp issues to the attention of Secretary Cisneros and Deputy U.S. Attorney Gorelick. Funding mechanisms have become the issue. The HUD re-authorization bill, H.R. 5245, which would have set aside discretionary funds for SUCCEED, did not pass the Congress. That bill will be revived early next year.

In the interim, ACA has been strongly encouraged to approach HUD housing authorities directly, and seek joint grant opportunities. We have been advised that over $250 million will become available late this year to housing authorities nationwide, and that a SUCCEED type program would qualify for many of the different grant programs already authorized. ACA is in the process of identifying viable grant opportunities.

Crime Bill

One of the few major achievements of Congress in 1994 was the Crime Bill which authorized local community grants for crime prevention, and amended last year's federal legislation requiring background checks on child care workers. The amendment places a $34 cap on fees for checks on volunteers. There is no cap on paid employees.

At a recent meeting of the Child Sexual Abuse Task Force, it was agreed that ACA would draft proposed legislation, for review by the Task Force, to temporarily exempt seasonal employees from background checks. Such legislation would provide an exemption, until such time as the Attorney General certifies that systems are in place throughout the country, which will provide a reasonable assurance that background check results are available to employers before completion of the term of employment.

Clean Water

The Clean Water Re-authorization Bill did not pass. The bill would have loosened standards for small systems, and provided revolving loan authority for states to assist small systems with low interest loans. That bill will be revived next year.

Future regulations are likely to require surface water filtration to one micron for cryptosporidium, disinfection of deep ground water, and testing and treatment for arsenic, radon, and chlorine byproducts.

Public Lands

The National Park Service and Forest Service control access to public lands utilized by many camps. Legislation which would have increased fees at National Parks did not pass the Congress. ACA is receiving reports that the Forest Service is closing access to many areas, particularly in the West, claiming overuse. ACA is contacting the Forest Service to obtain more information and assess impact of these decisions.

Earlier this year, the Park Service and Forest Service expressed an interest in standardizing permits and rules of access.

Coast Guard

H.R. 4422, the Coast Guard re-authorization bill, did not pass, and will be re-addressed next year. Included was the text of H.R. 3786, requiring children to use personal flotation devices on certain small recreational vessels while underway.

Health Care

National Health Care legislation fell to the wayside as Congress was unable to forge a majority position on any issue. Mrs. Clinton has vowed to continue the fight, though there appears to be less enthusiasm on Capitol Hill. Any effort at another try would likely envision a long term phase in benefits, commencing with children.

None of the major plans under consideration would have required employer contributions for full-time student employees covered under their parents' plan(s). Teachers employed by camps would have been able to choose either school or camp coverage.

COPYRIGHT 1995 American Camping Association
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group