A Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is a special deal between a prosecutor and a company (or sometimes an individual) facing criminal charges, usually for things like fraud, bribery, or other economic crimes. Instead of going straight to trial, the prosecutor agrees to put the case on hold for a set period. In exchange, the company ...
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal tax relief program designed to alleviate financial burdens for families raising dependent children. Established to reduce child poverty and support household economic stability, the CTC provides partial refundability, enabling low- and middle-income families to offset tax liabilities or receive direct payments. Its structure balances immediate financial assistance ...
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), later renamed the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a federal-state partnership providing health coverage to uninsured children in families with incomes exceeding Medicaid thresholds but insufficient to afford private insurance. Established under the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, CHIP bridges gaps in healthcare access for vulnerable populations, combining ...
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the guardian of student privacy in the U.S. education system. Enacted in 1974, this federal law ensures that students (and their parents, for minors) have control over who gets to see their educational records. Whether you’re in kindergarten or college, FERPA’s got your back- but it ...
The False Claims Act (FCA) is a powerful federal law that helps the U.S. government fight fraud and recover money lost to false or fraudulent claims. Originally passed in 1863 during the Civil War-earning the nickname “Lincoln’s Law”-the FCA was designed to stop contractors from cheating the government, but today it covers a wide range ...
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the principle that everyone should have a fair shot at getting, keeping, and advancing in a job, based solely on their abilities and merit-not on personal characteristics like race, gender, age, religion, or disability. At its core, EEO is about making sure that employment decisions-hiring, promotions, pay, training, and even ...
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) is a landmark U.S. law passed in 1974 to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at credit-whether you’re applying for a loan, credit card, mortgage, or any other kind of credit. The ECOA’s main mission is to stop lenders from discriminating against you based on personal traits that ...
When you’re young, figuring out your future can feel overwhelming, especially if college isn’t the right fit or money is tight. That’s where Job Corps comes in. It’s a free education and job training program designed to help young people gain the skills, credentials, and confidence they need to launch a successful career. Run by ...
When farmers and landowners want to conserve natural resources while improving productivity, Conservation Loans and Loan Guarantee Programs offer a financial helping hand. These USDA-backed programs support people who are ready to make eco-friendly improvements but need access to affordable financing to make it happen. Let’s unpack what this means in plain, practical terms. What ...
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Grants Program is a federally funded initiative designed to enhance literacy, workforce readiness, and civic engagement among adults lacking foundational academic skills or high school credentials. Administered through state agencies, these grants support localized educational services that empower individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency, transition to postsecondary opportunities, and participate fully ...