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July 25, 2025

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.

APHSA has published a response to the Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS) System of Records Notice, which announced the creation of a new federal database containing data on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (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.

We're excited to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be joining this year’s Economic Mobility & Well-Being (EMWB) Conference in Minneapolis! Department representatives will be speaking in several sessions including those focused on SNAP Payment Error Rates, work requirements, SNAP Employment & Training's (SNAP E&T) More Than A Job Campaign, and more. In addition, Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary at the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS), will be providing remarks at the closing session. Register today to join the collaboration and benefit from early bird registration and hotel discounts.

The deadline for the 2025 NSDTA Recognition Awards is August 11. With less than three weeks left, we urge you to submit your nominations today to honor individuals and programs that enhance human services through training and staff development. The awards will be presented at the National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Education Conference October 5-8 in Norfolk VA. Nominations are open to public sector, nonprofit, and higher education professionals in four categories. Learn more and submit today!

Explore two recent posts on APHSA’s blog, The Catalyst. Bernadette Fitzsimons of Cúram highlights in her blog, “Why Digital Accessibility Benefits Everyone,” how accessibility improves user experience and system efficiency. Last week, we published “More with Less? Confronting the New Reality in Public Benefits“ by Matthew Lyons of SteadyIQ. It examines how agencies are adapting to rising demand and limited resources through innovation, collaboration, and technological improvements. Both posts offer practical strategies for building more open and resilient human services systems.

Supporting States in Implementing H.R. 1 (OBBBA)

New APHSA Peer Learning Communities

In response to member feedback, APHSA is launching new peer learning communities to support state agencies in implementing H.R. 1. These communities—focused on SNAP error rates, work requirements, and IT systems—will provide a collaborative space for cross-state learning, shared problem-solving, and identifying common needs and insights to inform the Federal Administration, Congress, and other key partners. Sign up today to help shape national conversations and contribute to practical solutions. We will also be working closely with our local member leaders and agencies to identify support strategies.

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.

Legislation

CBO Estimates Billions in Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (official designation within the report is Public Law 119-21) will reduce federal spending on SNAP by $187 billion and Medicaid by $942 billion over the next decade. Overall, they project a net increase in the budget deficit totaling $3.4 trillion over the 2025-2034 period.

Administration

USDA Announces Major Reorganization

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a significant reorganization of USDA. Details of the reorganization include consolidating functions and relocating select staff from Washington D.C. to five regional hub locations. The cost of USDA’s footprint in the National Capital Region (NCR) was cited as the main reason for the shift.

ACF Requests Feedback on Providing Technical Assistance Related to ICWA

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting public comments on providing technical assistance related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)—especially from State and Tribal agencies, courts, and Tribal organizations and consortia. This initiative aims to reduce burdens in meeting Title IV-B requirements, improve the Court Improvement Program, and expand studies eligible for the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. Human services professionals are invited to review the notice and submit feedback by September 22, 2025.

APHSA Events

Registration for All Remaining 2025 Conferences is 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.

WEBINAR: Doubling Down on Impact - Leading Through a Lens of Belonging

Join us for July's 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

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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