Yesterday morning, the House of Representatives passed its version of H.R.1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. You can read our summary, which remains largely consistent with our previous analysis, though it includes several key updates related to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you have any questions, please contact Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations at APHSA. | | The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) shared a letter in response to a request by congressional members for an analysis of the distributional effects of the 2025 reconciliation bill. The letter states that decreases in federal spending on Medicaid and SNAP would result in decreased household resources for people in the bottom 10% of income levels in the U.S. CBO also shared a letter specifically about the potential impacts to SNAP, including an estimate that 3.2 million would lose eligibility based on the work requirement changes. In addition, 1.3 million people would have their benefits reduced or eliminated. CBO noted that the cost-share may cause states to cease implementation of the SNAP program in its entirety. | | The Spring 2025 issue of Policy & Practice is now available! As APHSA’s longstanding magazine, Policy & Practice highlights the latest insights, innovations, and thought leadership in human services. To explore the latest issue, "Stronger Families, Better Futures: Pathways and Solutions to Support Thriving Communities," and browse past editions, visit Policy & Practice online. | | We're less than 2 weeks away from the APHSA National Human Services Summit! Registration is still open so don’t miss your chance to join us June 1-4 in Philadelphia to listen, learn, and build strategies for improving the lives of children and families. | | Our latest blog post, “SNAP and Nutrition Supports Alignment,” explores how communities are improving access to nutrition benefits through transformative, community-driven process innovation! The post takes a dive deep into case studies from the CSNS program and spotlight real-world strategies that align SNAP with local supports, reduce administrative burdens, and put people at the center of service delivery. Learn the why and how of pilot programs that are reshaping the way public agencies serve communities! | | This Week in Washington will be off next week in line with the congressional calendar. Keep a look out for us in your inbox on June 6. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important updates through our social media (linked above) and special updates. |
|
ACF Seeking Comments on Reissuing of FRA TANF Pilot Program
In November 2024, the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) authorized a pilot program enabling five states to explore alternative performance and accountability measures in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In March 2025, the Administration ended these initial pilots and announced a new direction focused on promoting work and reducing dependency. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is now seeking comments on a revised version of the pilot program aligned with these updated priorities. Public comments on the reissued proposal are due by June 20, 2025.
| |
FNS Approves First Ever State Waiver to Restrict Soda and Energy Drinks from SNAP
This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved waivers for Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa to restrict certain foods from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning January 1, 2026, the waiver will remove soda and energy drinks in Nebraska, soft drinks and candy in Indiana, and taxable food items including sweetened beverages, snacks and candy in Iowa from being allowable purchases with SNAP dollars.
| |
ACF Releases Instructions on Applying for Court Improvement Program Funds
Last week, ACF released program instruction on eligibility requirements and application procedures for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 State Court Improvement Program (CIP) grant. They also included estimated state allotment totals.
|
|
WEBINAR: Moving Beyond the Classroom to Strengthen Training
The next National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Showcase will help participants move beyond the classroom to enhance training programs, ensuring that trainees can effectively transfer knowledge and skills to on-the-job performance. This webinar will delve into the fundamentals of “transfer of learning,” highlighting proven methods to improve programs, engage learners, and improve overall training outcomes.
June 9, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
| | |
WEBINAR: Designing with the End in Mind
This NSDTA Learning Exchange webinar is designed for instructional designers and training professionals who want to ensure their programs drive real results. This session challenges participants to go beyond content delivery and intentionally plan for what happens after the training ends—using principles of backward design and results-based learning. Join us to explore how you can create training experiences that turn knowledge into action.
June 18, 3:00-4:00 PM ET
| |
2025 EMWB Impact Awards Call for Nominations
Each year at our Economic Mobility & Well-Being (EMWB) Conference, APHSA recognizes three outstanding state or local human services agencies with the Impact Award for Excellence in Human Services. This award honors agencies that have made significant strides in enhancing customer experience, strengthening program outcomes, and driving innovation across SNAP, TANF, and Quality Control within their jurisdictions. To nominate agencies for their contributions to the sector, fill out the nomination form by June 20.
Deadline June 20
| | |
Plan Your Agency's Medicaid Modernization Journey
APHSA's Strategic Industry Partner, Microsoft, is leading a webinar on innovations in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)—modernizing its Medicaid systems modules. AHCCCS and Microsoft will discuss the value of their collaboration, including the delivery of performant & innovative financial claims, member management, provider management, analytics, system integration platform, and call center.
June 24, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
| | |
EMWB Conference Registration is Open
The 2025 EMWB Conference is now open for registration! This annual gathering will take place in Minneapolis, MN and is designed to empower human services leaders, policymakers, and researchers as they work to modernize and improve human services programs. We can’t wait to welcome you to this once-a-year opportunity to connect, innovate, and lead. Register today!
August 24–27
| | If you were forwarded this email sign up here to get the next This Week in Washington newsletter sent directly to your inbox! | | | | |