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H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” was signed into law on July 4, finalizing a process that includes 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 in the process of launching new peer learning communities on SNAP error rates and work requirements. Please contact Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations at APHSA, to be included in those two new learning communities or for additional support requests.
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FY 2026 Appropriations Update
Agriculture Committees
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved their respective Agriculture bills on June 23 and July 10, both maintaining full funding for SNAP and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). However, the full House and Senate have yet to vote on the bills. APHSA has heard questions from members about additional funding being appropriated for SNAP-Ed, and the bills do include an appropriation of $998,000. This funding may be used to provide nutrition education services to state agencies and Tribes participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). It should be noted that this appropriation remains consistent with prior year budget packages and we do not interpret it as directly related to the recent changes to SNAP-Ed.
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Labor–HHS–Education Committees
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) appropriations bill is actively moving through the legislative process. The text of the bill is expected to be made public ahead of the scheduled markups later this month. This bill, if passed, will determine funding levels for a wide range of federal programs related to workforce development, public health, education, and social services, and is informed by the Administration's FY 2026 budget request.
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Appropriations Status Table: FY 2026
If appropriations bills are not passed by the start of the federal fiscal year, a continuing resolution will be required to ensure government programs operate at their current funding levels. APHSA will continue to monitor progress and share relevant information. In addition, Congress has provided an online tracker available for those who want to stay updated on the appropriations process.
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USDA Releases Annual SNAP Payment Error Rates for FY 2024
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released the FY 2024 state payment error rates for SNAP, reporting a national error rate of 10.93%. This figure has prompted USDA to require corrective action plans from 44 states. Five states with persistently high error rates—above the national average for two consecutive years—are now in multi-year liability status and face fiscal sanctions.
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USDA Issues Notice on Undocumented Immigrants Receiving SNAP Benefits
USDA issued a notice reaffirming that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal public benefits, including those provided through SNAP. The statement reinforced Executive Order 14218 and Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). It aligns with previous guidance given to state agencies requiring enhanced identity and immigration verification practices to determine eligibility for SNAP. This notice also includes a new Federal Register document that reinterprets some nutrition benefits under PRWORA. While we are still working to analyze the notice, APHSA does not anticipate any direct or immediate impacts to Summer EBT, WIC, or school meals.
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Recategorization Changes Eligibility for Several HHS Programs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the addition of several human services and public health programs to a list of “federal public benefits”—making them unavailable to immigrants who are not qualified under the PRWORA. The significant policy shift is effective immediately but also provides for a 30-day comment period. The extensive list of programs includes Head Start, Health Center Program, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
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Children's Bureau Webinar on New AFCARS Dashboard
Last month, the Children's Bureau hosted a webinar introducing its new Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) dashboard. This tool compiles detailed, case-level data on children served by the foster care system and those adopted with Title IV-E agency involvement. During the session, presenters highlighted updates, demonstrated the dashboard’s capabilities, and provided guidance on how to interpret the data effectively.
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ACF Publishes Memo on the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has released an Information Memorandum outlining key provisions of the newly enacted Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, which reauthorizes and amends Title IV-B of the Social Security Act through FY 2029. The law takes effect October 1 and introduces expanded funding, updated requirements for states and Tribes, and new initiatives to strengthen child welfare services. Some of those initiatives include legal representation, mental health coordination, and support for kinship care. It also mandates reduced administrative burden, improved data transparency, and enhanced compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
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Judge Vaden Sworn in as Deputy Secretary at USDA
This past Monday, Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden was sworn in as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vaden served in the first term of the current administration as USDA General Counsel. A Tennessee native, he was also appointed as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade.
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Registrations for All Remaining 2025 Conferences Are Open
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.
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.
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.
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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WEBINAR: Scaling Child Welfare Workforce Training with AI Technology
Join APHSA's Strategic Industry Partner, Lyssn, as they address the critical challenge of scaling and maintaining high quality training for child welfare workers. Discover how technology can drive continuous quality improvement by:
- Ensuring consistency and standardization of training content
- Enhancing the diversity and quality control of practice vignettes
- Providing real-time, actionable feedback
- Strengthening supervisory support mechanisms that promote impactful supervision
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore practical, tech-driven solutions that support workforce excellence!
July 16, 12:30-1:30 PM
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WEBINAR: Doubling Down on Impact - Leading Through a Lens of Belonging
Join us for July's National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Showcase Series! 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.
July 30, 1:30-3:00 PM
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WEBINAR: Workforce First Aid - Elevating the Human Touch
Learn how to elevate the human touch in human services by attending this APHSA webinar. Participants will explore how to create psychological safety in the workplace 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.
Aug 19, 2:00-3:30 PM
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