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Summary of PRWORA Reinterpretation
APHSA hosted a briefing call with state and local leaders to discuss the July 14 reinterpretation of what is considered a "federal public benefit" by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. The discussion focused on how the updated interpretation affects child welfare, early childhood, mental health, and general health programs now subject to PRWORA restrictions. To support members in navigating these changes, APHSA has developed a summary outlining the expanded interpretation’s impact on HHS programs.
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H.R.1 Resources and Implementation
H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” was signed into law on July 4, finalizing a process that included major changes to human services programs. Key provisions affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by introducing a state benefit cost share, reducing federal administrative funding, altering work requirements, and eliminating SNAP Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) funding. Significant changes to Medicaid were also made, including new work requirements. Read our final summary of the bill for an analysis of its implications for human services.
APHSA will support members through implementation with ongoing technical assistance and collaboration opportunities. We are also launching new peer learning communities to support states in implementing key provisions of H.R.1. Open to state agency staff, these groups—focused on SNAP error rates, work requirements, and IT systems—will offer space for cross-state learning, problem-solving, and surfacing shared needs and insights to inform the administration, Congress, and other key partners. Sign up today to get involved. We will also be working closely with our local member leaders and agencies to identify support strategies.
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New Benefit Cliff Resource Hub
Explore our new Benefit Cliff Resource Hub. It includes up-to-date research and an interactive dashboard tool that demonstrates policy changes implemented by states that can reduce the effects of benefit cliffs—policy barriers that can discourage families from increasing earnings due to the sudden and unexpected loss of public assistance. Covering key federal benefits programs, the dashboard showcases state-level policy changes, current practices (as of April 2025), and observed outcomes. Users can explore interactive visuals, detailed state profiles, and a curated library of resources from national partners to support policy innovation and family economic mobility. Explore the Benefit Cliff Resource Hub today!
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APHSA Response to FNS' System of Records Notice
APHSA has published a response to the Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS') System of Records Notice, which announces the creation of a new federal database containing data on SNAP participants and applicants, intended to support program integrity. The APHSA response focuses on state implementation concerns around administrative burden, potential duplicate purposes, and necessary legal clarity for state liability.
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APHSA Comment on Federal Proposed Rescission of SNAP Final Rule
APHSA has submitted a comment letter in response to the proposed rescission of the December 2023 Final Rule regarding civil rights data collection in SNAP. In the letter, we emphasize support for eliminating visual observation due to its inaccuracy and impracticality in today's application processes. However, the letter also expresses concern that removing this method without offering clear alternatives has created implementation challenges for state agencies. To strengthen the current rule, we urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to:
- Develop clear and consistent guidance;
- Establish an “unknown” demographic category; and
- Direct agencies to indicate the source of reported demographic data.
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New Language Justice Course on THRIVE
THRIVE, the APHSA Learning Management System (LMS), has launched a new course, “Introduction to Language Justice in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” The course highlights the vital role of language access in delivering human services. Participants will identify common challenges faced by agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs) when implementing language access strategies, while also exploring effective approaches to improving SNAP outreach and enrollment for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities.
**You must be logged in to THRIVE LMS to view or enroll in this course.**
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APHSA in Denmark at European Social Services Conference
APHSA continues to strengthen our partnership with the European Social Network, recently joining our sister organization in Denmark for the European Social Services Conference. At the event, Sheila Poole, APHSA’s Vice President of Membership and Policy, moderated a session featuring Grace Hou-Ovnik, APHSA Board Chair and Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services in Illinois, and Kim Johnson, Vice Chair of APHSA’s Leadership Council and Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency.
Together, they explored how human services leaders across diverse global contexts are driving meaningful, measurable outcomes. Deputy Governor Hou-Ovnik also took the main stage to contribute to a crucial discussion on the importance of fostering human connection to enhance individual and community well-being.
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Uniting Leaders Across 23 States
Last month, we held the 2025 APHSA National Leadership Academy. The event gathered 25 leaders from 23 states for a powerful two-day, in-person session in Philadelphia. Leaders explored their individual and collective strengths, shared values, and visions for the future through deeply engaging sessions and honest dialogue. The event allowed leaders from various areas of human services to learn from one another, strengthen connections, and recommit to leading with purpose and impact in their communities. We look forward to sharing the 2026 National Leadership Academy application this fall!
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APHSA Presents SNAP Briefing to House Agriculture Committee Members
Chloe Green, Manager of Food and Nutrition Services at APHSA, briefed Majority Members of the House Agriculture Committee on SNAP Quality Control (QC) and core SNAP policy topics. Her presentation explained the purpose of SNAP Quality Control as a tool for ensuring program accuracy, while outlining how the Payment Error Rate (PER) is calculated, identifying common types of errors that affect it, and highlighting recent trends driving increases. Chloe’s overview of SNAP policy basics covered the program’s history, administrative structure, and eligibility requirements. Her overview also highlighted supportive initiatives such as SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) and SNAP Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed).
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APHSA at the National Forum on Education Policy
Christine Johnson, Assistant Director of Policy at APHSA, and Emily Adams, our Policy Associate of Child Care & Early Childhood Programs, attended the National Forum on Education Policy—strengthening our collaboration with the Education Commission of the States (ECS). This event was an amazing opportunity to deepen our partnerships across the early childhood education community and hear from APHSA state members Elizabeth Groginsky, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The members spoke during a session titled, "Building Early Childhood Education Systems for Families and Schools."
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APHSA and Nava PBC to Support the Development of AI Tools
APHSA is collaborating with Nava PBC to develop and test open-source, AI-powered tools that support state implementation of H.R. 1. As part of this initiative, we’re forming an advisory group of state agency staff from across the country to help guide product development and ensure it meets real-world needs. If your state is interested in participating, please email Marci McCoy-Roth, Chief Impact and Innovation Officer at APHSA, to learn more.
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APHSA and Partners Provide State Policy Insights
Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations at APHSA, presented at United Way Worldwide's Advocacy Forum & Capitol Hill Day in Arlington, VA. During her session, "Getting to Know State Policymakers," she was joined by Brittney Roy-Morales, Program Director of Health for the National Governors Association, Brian Sigritz, Director of State Fiscal Studies for the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO), Brian Wanko, Senior Director, Budgets & Revenue for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Shamoiya Washington, Director of State Policy and Advocacy for United Way Worldwide. They provided attendees with a better understanding of state policymakers’ roles, authorities, and policy levers. They also discussed best practices for engaging with states around human services matters in the current political climate.
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APHSA Connects with County Leaders at NACo Annual Conference
Kimberly James, Assistant Director of Technical Assistance at APHSA, and Lexie Kuznick, our Director of Policy and Government Relations, represented the association at the 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference & Exposition. They connected with county leaders and partners to discuss the implementation of H.R.1 and other timely developments shaping the future of human services. The event also featured remarks from Andrew Gradison, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), highlighting federal priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
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Collaborating On AI Frameworks That Support Communities
Marci McCoy-Roth, Chief Impact and Innovation Officer at APHSA, recently attended the Center for Civic Futures’ annual flagship gathering in Oklahoma City, which brought together state and local agencies from 27 states as well as policy leaders, technologists, and researchers. The convening focused on harnessing AI to improve public service delivery, with key themes including access, transparent governance, and innovation-driven modernization. Marci and others collaborated on frameworks to build public trust and accelerate the use of AI applications that deliver measurable outcomes for communities.
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PBIF is Awarding Grants
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF) is awarding grants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million to advance AI solutions that directly enhance how state, local, and tribal administered public benefit programs—such as SNAP and Medicaid—are delivered. A program of the Center for Civic Futures, PBIF is seeking bold ideas that reduce administrative burden, improve system performance, and enable people to access services through solutions ready to pilot and implement within the next 12 months. Applications are open now through August 15—apply today.
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Registration for All Remaining 2025 APHSA Conferences Are Open
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Economic Mobility & Well-Being (EMWB) Conference (August 24–27): Held in Minneapolis, MN, this conference focuses on advancing policies and practices that promote economic mobility and well-being, offering a platform for collaboration and innovation in human services.
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IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Education Conference & Expo (September 14–17): Held in Reno, NV, this is the premier event for exploring the latest technology trends and innovations in human services IT, bringing together professionals to share solutions and strategies.
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National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Education Conference (October 5–8): Held in Norfolk, VA, this conference supports workforce development professionals by providing training, tools, and peer learning opportunities to enhance staff development.
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Public Human Services Attorneys (PHSA) Education Conference (October 19–22): Held in Reno, NV, we're hosting legal professionals within human services in a conference that covers legal trends, policy updates, and best practices in public sector law.
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| July 30, 1:30-3:00 PM: Join us for July's NSDTA Showcase Series webinar, Doubling Down on Impact - Leading Through a Lens of Belonging! This dynamic leadership workshop will be focused on building a culture of belonging to boost team performance and impact. Participants will gain practical tools to create environments where everyone feels valued and motivated. Through honest conversations about power and privilege, you'll leave with actionable strategies to strengthen team cohesion and attract top talent. |
| Aug 19, 2:00-3:00 PM: Learn how to create psychological safety in the workplace by attending the APHSA webinar, "Workforce First Aid - Elevating the Human Touch." Participants will explore how to create and implement wellness strategies that promote a trauma-informed, healing-centered work environment. Walk away energized and equipped with a plan to build a culture of trust and support that boosts employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. | | MOVING HUMAN SERVICES FORWARD | | Khristian Monterroso-Ramirez was recently promoted to Senior Associate for the Data & Technology Innovation here at APHSA. He now leads technical assistance and partnership strategies for the Aligned Customer-Centered Ecosystem of Services & Supports (ACCESS) and Phase 2 Data SAIL (State Action and Innovation Labs), while also supporting cross-program policy efforts. In the past, he coordinated national collaboration across APHSA’s economic mobility and well-being project portfolio. To learn more about APHSA technology initiatives, feel free to email Khristian today! | | |
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Interested in getting involved at APHSA? Click here to learn more about our affinity groups and peer communities, or reach out to our membership team at memberservice@aphsa.org.
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