It was a busy week in Washington. APHSA has been actively engaged with leaders of our member agencies around current national policy and how it impacts their agencies and the communities they serve. Continue below for a quick recap. | |
In his first executive action in his new term, President Trump rescinded 78 executive orders (EOs) that were implemented by the Biden Administration and has implemented many new EOs. For an analysis of the EOs impacting human services, please see our overview with special thanks to the National Association of County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA).
On January 20, the Trump Administration ordered federal agencies to freeze regulatory actions in order to pause and enable review of recent regulatory activity as agencies transition to new leadership.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Matthew Vaeth issued a memo on January 27 directing federal agencies to temporarily pause "all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance." OMB followed up with guidance on the pause. On January 28, a federal judge issued an administrative stay until at least February 3 after an emergency court hearing requested by a group of non-profit organizations. Twenty-two states and Washington DC have also filed a lawsuit regarding the funding freeze. On January 29, OMB rescinded the January 27 memo stating, “OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded.”
Also this week, the Payment Management Services Website was unavailable at times over the course of a few days, however, its functionality has reportedly been restored.
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HHS Memo Pauses External Communications until February 1
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Secretary issued a memo last week that directed all departmental offices to refrain from publishing any Federal Register documents, regulatory guidance, notices, official correspondence with public officials, grant announcements, social media posts, website updates, press releases, or listserv communications until they have been reviewed by a Presidential appointee. Departmental offices have also been instructed to refrain from public speaking engagements. The memo stipulates that offices should notify the Executive Secretary promptly if any “documents or communications should not be subject to these directives because they are required by statute or litigation” or if they “affect critical health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security functions of the department.”
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Jennifer Tiller Appointed as Senior Advisor in FNS
Jennifer Tiller has been appointed as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She previously served as the Deputy Staff Director for the House Committee on Agriculture.
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Moving Human Services Upstream | |
NAIAC Releases Draft Report on AI Innovation and Competitiveness
The National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC) has released a draft of its latest report, which focuses on enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and competitiveness in the United States. It outlines strategic recommendations for federal policies, research initiatives, and workforce development. Key areas covered include ethical AI practices, public-private partnerships, and investment in AI education and infrastructure.
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Advancing Social and Economic Mobility | |
Department of Education Clarifies FERPA and Summer EBT Data Sharing
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) Student Privacy Policy Office has clarified that state educational agencies (SEAs) and school food authorities (SFAs) can share student data with the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) agencies without the need for obtaining prior parental consent. This disclosure is required by the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and ensures eligible children are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT. While the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) generally mandates consent, the NSLA's provisions take precedence to facilitate program implementation.
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GAO Report on Strengthening the TANF Program
Last July, HHS completed its first Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) fraud risk assessment using its Fraud Risk Assessment Portal. It identified and assessed 21 fraud risks and categorized these into nine broad categories. This week, the Government Accountability Office released a follow up report providing recommendations to HHS, including to develop clear guidance and standard procedures for regular risk assessments, communicate with state and local stakeholders, and improve the Fraud Risk Assessment Portal design.
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ASPE Report Explores Barriers to Work for Benefit Recipients
The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) released a report entitled “Understanding Economic Risk for Low-Income Families: Economic Security, Program Benefits, and Decisions about Work.” The report explores the challenges that recipients face when considering whether to take a new job opportunity that will increase their income. The project carried out a discrete choice experiment to better understand how people who receive federal benefits weigh the potential risks and tradeoffs of additional earnings.
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Strengthening the Human Services Sector | |
Government Service Delivery Improvement Act
The Government Service Delivery Improvement Act, which was recently signed into law, mandates that each executive branch agency designate or appoint a senior official responsible for improving service delivery. The goal is to ensure that government services are more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly—benefiting individuals, businesses, and organizations nationwide. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required to designate a Federal Government Service Delivery Lead to coordinate these efforts across all agencies.
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Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports to Reduce Child Hunger Case Study
The second case study from the second cohort of Coordinating SNAP & Nutrition Supports (CSNS), a program funded by Share Our Strength, No Kid Hungry, and administered by APHSA, is now available. This case study details the CSNS pilot project in North Carolina as it tackles co-enrollment gaps between SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Medicaid. To overcome this challenge, they’re working to strengthening school partnerships, health system referrals, and digital application tools.
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APHSA National Human Services Summit 2025 - Call for Proposals Now Open
We are seeking proposals for the APHSA National Human Services Summit in Philadelphia, PA June 1-4. Submissions should highlight innovative policy, practice, and system approaches; elevate the important work of the human services sector; and showcase leadership strategies that foster a sense of resilience, workforce well-being, and productive collaboration.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 28, 2025
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APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today
APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the Human Services sector. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates searching for careers and job seekers will find a number of opportunities throughout the country.
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