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Last night, the Senate’s revised reconciliation bill language on SNAP benefit cost share passed a second review by the parliamentarian, who had previously ruled that the section violated the Byrd Rule. The updated proposal keeps the cost shift but allows states to choose their Payment Error Rate (PER) from FY 2025 or FY 2026 to calculate their FY 2028 match. Starting FY 2029 and each fiscal year thereafter, the state match will be calculated using the PER that is three fiscal years prior. The language on SNAP has also been updated for immigration-related provisions and changes the new work requirement exception for those who have a dependent child to a child under the age of 14. See a full SNAP analysis in our latest summary.
Several Medicaid sections also failed to pass the Byrd Rule, including the provider tax, but revised language has not yet be released. Senate votes are expected in the coming days with the goal of getting a bill to the President by July 4. For help engaging your Congressional delegation, contact Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations at APHSA.
| | Nominations are now open for the ISM Recognition Awards for Excellence in Human Services Technology. Winners will be celebrated at the IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Education Conference & Expo, September 14-17 in Reno, NV. This year, we’re introducing a new “non-government” category for the Jerry W. Friedman Excellence in Leadership Award. This category allows nominators to recognize the private sector, nonprofits, and academia. The nomination deadline for each of the five awards is July 18, so be sure to submit your nominations today! | | This Week in Washington will be off next week for the July 4th weekend, in line with the congressional calendar. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important changes through our social media (linked above) and Special Updates emails. Have a wonderful Fourth of July! |
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USDA to Establish National SNAP Information Database
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing the creation of a new system of records titled, “National Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Information Database.” This system will be owned, administered, and secured by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and will consolidate data from various sources to support the Office of Inspector General’s oversight responsibilities. The primary purpose of this system is to validate the accuracy of eligibility determinations. The modified system will be effective on July 23, 2025. Public comments are invited until that date.
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OMB Proposes Use of VA BEP Database Within the Do Not Pay Working System
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed to designate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Enterprise Platform (BEP) database for inclusion in the Do Not Pay Working System—a move authorized by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019. Under this proposal, the BEP database would be used alongside the Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS) to enhance the accuracy of federal payments. Public comments on the proposed designation close on July 9, 2025.
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Matching Program between OCSS and TANF
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) has announced the reestablishment of a matching program with state agencies that administer the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This matching program compares names and Social Security Numbers from TANF records with new hire, quarterly wage, and unemployment insurance data in the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH). The system is meant to verify eligibility, reduce benefit errors, and ensure program integrity. Matching will begin no sooner than July 19, 2025, and run for 18 months, with a possible one-year extension. Public comments will be accepted through July 18, 2025.
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Technical Assistance on State Data Collection - IDEA Data Management Center
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a proposed priority for the IDEA Data Management Center (Center) under the Technical Assistance on State Data Collection program. The Center will support state educational agencies in collecting, reporting, analyzing, and using high-quality data required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The proposed priority outlines the center’s expected activities, including providing technical assistance, developing resources, and facilitating peer learning among states. Public comments on the proposed priority must be submitted by July 25, 2025.
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Children’s Bureau Issues Memo on Supporting America’s Children and Families Act
The Children’s Bureau (CB) issued an Information Memorandum (IM) to announce the enactment of the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, providing details on the new law’s implications. Key provisions include a reauthorization and amendment of Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, which governs child welfare services; the elimination of financial penalties related to caseworker visit performance standards; new flexibilities and funding formulas for tribal programs; and a mandate that agencies address poverty-related neglect and improve coordination with mental health providers.
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USDA Announces New Slate of Political Appointments
USDA has announced its latest slate of presidential appointments including Chris Berardi as the new Senior Legislative Advisor in the Office of Congressional Relations. Berardi previously served as Senior Advisor and Director of Communications for Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, and as Deputy Director of Federal Policy at the Council for a Strong America.
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OCC Regional Office Contacts Now Available
The Office of Child Care (OCC) has released updated contact information for its regional offices following the closure of half its locations earlier this year. This marks the first time the agency has publicly clarified which states are assigned to each of the newly defined regions.
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ISM Fellowship Application is Now Open
The IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Fellowship application is open to state, county, and municipal human services agencies seeking travel assistance to attend the ISM Education Conference & Expo. Priority is given to APHSA dues-paying members, particularly those in leadership roles.
Deadline July 9
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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: 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, 2:00-3:00 PM
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EMWB Conference Registration is Open
Registration is open for this year's Economic Mobility & Well-Being (EMWB) Conference! Being held in Minneapolis, MN, this conference is designed to empower human services leaders, policymakers, and researchers as they work to modernize and improve human services programs across the country. We welcome you to this once-a-year chance to connect, learn, and lead!
August 24–27
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ISM Conference Registration Open
You can now register for the 2025 ISM Education Conference & Expo in Reno, NV! Hosted by APHSA, the event gives participants the opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions poised to transform human services. Register now and don't miss your chance to innovate, elevate, and lead!
September 14-17
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