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H.R.4498 / 103rd Congress

Job Start for America Act of 1994

Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 25, 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: AFDC Amendments Title II: Housing Amendments Title III: Food Stamp Amendment Title IV: Head Start Amendment Title V: Effective Date Job Start for America Act of 1994 - Title I: AFDC Amendments - Amends part A of title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require each State agency to provide to the caretaker relative of each first phase family (as defined by this Act) vouchers entitling any child care provider meeting applicable State and local standards to State payments equal to the provider's cost of providing child care with respect to the family. (Sec. 101) Provides for continuance of AFDC benefits for first phase and second phase families (as defined by this Act) for: (1) two years after the principal earner parent becomes gainfully employed; or (2) six months after the family income exceeds 300 percent of the poverty line. Disregards the assets of a spouse who marries an AFDC recipient for the first six months after the wedding. (Sec. 103) Increases from $1,000 (or any State-determined lower amount) to $2,500 the eligibility resource threshold for receipt of AFDC benefits. (Sec. 104) Requires a State plan to provide that a State agency shall provide job training and job search counseling to all AFDC recipients, including educational activities, job skills training, job readiness activities, job development, and job placement. Sets priorities for provision of job training and job search counseling, first to all first phase families, then to all second phase families, then to any family neither one nor the other. (Sec. 105) Defines: (1) first phase family as one whose principal earner parent has never been gainfully employed for three or more months (whether or not consecutive); and (2) second phase family as one whose principal earner parent has graduated from secondary school or received a high school equivalency certificate, but has never been gainfully employed. (Sec. 106) Repeals: (1) part F of SSA title IV (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Programs); and (2) requirements for treating families differently based on the number of parents in the home. Title II: Housing Amendments - Prohibits for a 24-month period any rent increase for a qualified dwelling unit because of increased income due to employment with respect to a family: (1) whose income increases as a result of the employment of a family member who was previously unemployed; and (2) who was receiving AFDC payments immediately before such employment. Title III: Food Stamp Amendment - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude for food stamp eligibility purposes all earned income of a household that includes a member who is employed and who in the most recent two-year period participated fully in a State job training and job search counseling program under this Act, unless the household's aggregate income exceeds the poverty line by more than 300 percent. Title IV: Head Start Amendment - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for full-day and full-year services. Title V: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2] · D–HI

Committees

  • Education and Workforce Committee
  • Financial Services Committee
  • Ways and Means Committee
  • Agriculture Committee
56 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary and Vocational Education.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education and Training.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development.

  5. Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.

  6. Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations and Nutrition.

  7. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  8. Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Banking, Finance + Urban Affrs.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4498 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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