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April 24, 2026

Hello,

APHSA’s latest resource, State Approaches to PER Reduction and H.R. 1 Implementation, highlights how states are working to improve payment accuracy while implementing new federal requirements enacted under H.R. 1. Featuring examples of state approaches in action, it offers a timely look at the scale and complexity of efforts underway nationwide. Explore the resource here to see how states are advancing program integrity and ensuring compliance with H.R. 1 in real time.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE to submit your nominations for this year's APHSA National Human Services Summit Awards! Each year, APHSA recognizes individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the human services sector. This is your last day to submit nominations for the following:

• APHSA Innovation Award
• APHSA Excellence Award for State and Local Members
• Jerry W. Friedman Human Services Impact Award

Top Headline

Senate Releases Anti-Fraud Bill Package

This week, the Senate released a bill package focused on fraud in state programs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child care, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare. The bill did not include provisions directly related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Child care provisions in this bill include payment for attendance and not enrollment, clarifies that prospective payments are not required, and requires providers to retain records for 7 years for auditing purposes.

TANF related provisions include requiring states to report on improper payments for state funded programs, prohibits supplantation of funds, and directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to issue a proposed rule with new data exchange standards. Additionally, the bill includes data reporting and alignment provisions included in the Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025 (H.R. 3156) on work participation and outcomes.

Other relevant provisions include allowing access to the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) database by the Treasury, directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop guidance on how states must return overpayments, and rescinding any unspent COVID funds.

Legislative Updates

House Oversight Committee to Consider Program Fraud Prevention and Improper Payment Legislation

The House Oversight Committee is scheduled to mark up a package of legislative proposals focused on program fraud prevention and improper payment reduction on Wednesday, April 29. The markup agenda includes multiple bills addressing topics such as payment verification, data sharing, workforce training, and oversight and accountability measures. Visit the Oversight Committee page for information on how to stream the markup and access summaries of the bills under consideration.

Senate Passes Budget Resolution

Congress began the budget reconciliation process this week to address the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate approved a budget resolution on Thursday, April 23, advancing a funding package of approximately $70 billion to support DHS agencies. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration where a vote could occur as early as next week. 

At this time, the resolution does not have notable direct impacts on human services programs; however, APHSA will continue to monitor developments as the reconciliation process moves forward.

Administrative Updates

ACF Streamlines Process to Add Home Visiting Models to IV-E Prevention Plans

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has issued a Dear Colleague Letter introducing new tools to help states and tribes more quickly amend their Title IV-E Prevention Program plans. Building on recent efforts to expand access to effective prevention services, ACF released pre-approved model language and requirements for well-supported home visiting programs. This approach is designed to fast-track plan amendments, reduce administrative burden, and support more timely integration of evidence-based services

2026 Summer EBT Benefit Levels Released

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has published the 2026 Summer EBT benefit levels, which are reviewed annually based on the Thrifty Food Plan. Benefits remain $120 per child in the contiguous 48 states and DC, while Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories will see slight increases.

USDA Seeks Comment on SNAP-Ed Reporting Requirements

The USDA has submitted a SNAP-Ed reporting and recordkeeping request to OMB for review. The notice seeks input on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the data collection. H.R. 1 amended the Food and Nutrition Act to end required funding of SNAP-Ed beginning FY 2026, though current reporting requirements remain in effect. Comments are due by May 20, 2026.

APHSA Events

Human-Centered Income Verifications Improve Programs and Build Trust

Presented by Argyle, APHSA Strategic Industry Partner

April 29 | 1:00pm ET

Join industry experts, including former CIO of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Alicia Rouault, for a discussion on how consent-based verification models are helping agencies modernize eligibility processes, strengthen program integrity, and reduce reliance on legacy verification vendors. Panelists will discuss implementation considerations, operational lessons learned, and the potential for meaningful cost savings as agencies adopt more flexible and client-authorized verification approaches.

Beyond the Mission Statement: Measuring and Shaping Organizational Culture

NSDTA Showcase Series

April 30 | 2:00pm ET

Culture is often cited as the key to successful transformation, but how do you move from a vague concept to a measurable, manageable driver of change? In this interactive National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Showcase Series session, we will move beyond aspirational statements to explore organizational culture as a tangible asset that can be intentionally shaped to achieve specific outcomes such as the successful implementation of Evidence-Based Practices.

Child Care and TANF Administration: Working in a Changing Landscape

Presented by Public Consulting Group (PCG), APHSA Strategic Industry Partner

May 7 | 2:00pm ET

Federal child care and TANF policies are evolving quickly, creating new responsibilities and opportunities for state administrators. This session will bring Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and TANF leaders together to examine the most significant shifts shaping the human services sector—including the extended CCDF waiver period, 2026 PDG B‑5 state activities, and the heightened national focus on child care subsidy integrity and fraud prevention.

EMWB Impact Award for Excellence in Human Services Nominations Now Open

Each year at the Economic Mobility and Well-Being (EMWB) Conference, we recognize state and local human services agencies that make a meaningful, measurable difference in their communities with the EMWB Impact Award for Excellence in Human Services. Be sure to submit your nomination(s) by Friday, June 12.

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