March 12, 2026
Mr. Lawler introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, to establish a program under which the Secretary will award grants to nonprofit organizations to carry out programs and activities intended to promote caregiver wellness, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act
.
Sec. 2. Dream Grants
(a) In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living (in this section referred to as the Secretary
), shall establish a program under which the Secretary will award grants to nonprofit organizations to carry out programs and activities intended to promote caregiver wellness, including by—
(1)
strengthening caregiver retention and reducing burnout;
(2)
improving mental health and wellness for caregivers;
(3)
building a caregiver support network;
(4)
strengthening community cohesion among caregivers and grant recipients; and
(5)
sustaining the importance of layered, flexible, and sustainable caregiver supports that adapt to changing caregiver needs over time.
(b) Application
A nonprofit organization seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(c) Use of funds
A nonprofit organization that receives a grant under this section may use funds received through the grant to provide caregivers with—
(1)
meals;
(2)
transportation to and from their place of work;
(3)
mental health services (including post-traumatic stress disorder services and supports);
(4)
holistic wellness programs; and
(5)
any other services determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(d) Reports
Beginning not later than 90 days after the last day of the first year in which grants are awarded under this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report containing specifying—
(1)
how each recipient used funds received through the grant;
(2)
the populations served by each recipient using such grant funds; and
(3)
any measurable outcomes achieved with respect to caregiver wellness and retention as a result of the award of such grants.
(e) Caregiver defined
In this section, the term caregiver means an individual who provides compensated or compensated care to a senior, an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability, or an individual with a chronic illness who needs supportive services.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.