[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5994]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 3380--THE GUARDIANSHIP ASSISTANCE PROMOTION AND KINSHIP SUPPORT 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to acknowledge and honor the 294,969 California 
grandparents as well as 2.4 million grandparents around the Nation who 
act as primary guardians to grandchildren that are unable to live with 
their parents. As a result of the service and efforts of these 
individuals, many children around California and the country are able 
to live with relatives and stay out of the foster care system.
  According to the Census of 2000, 6.8 percent of California's children 
are living in grandparent-headed households as well as an additional 
3.5 percent living in households headed by other non-parent relatives. 
I commend the efforts these relatives take in providing a safe and 
familiar living environment for these children.
  However, now more than ever, I also recognize the financial hardships 
and personal sacrifices faced by these guardians. As a cosponsor of 
H.R. 3380, The Guardianship Assistance Promotion and Kinship Support 
Act, I am committed to working toward a solution that will help to 
alleviate these financial burdens placed on guardians and give them 
access to Federal funds that they deserve.
  Today, on behalf of the constituents of the 16th District of 
California, I extend my deepest appreciation to these exceptional 
guardians. It is an honor to have many of these individuals in my own 
district whose care and commitment to vulnerable children help to build 
a better future for them.

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