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We expect the release of additional budget reconciliation bill text on May 12. Below are several key House committees that are scheduled to begin markups on May 13, with significant implications for human services:
- House Ways and Means Committee: Markups may include changes to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG).
- House Energy and Commerce Committee: Will address legislation focused on Medicaid.
- House Agriculture Committee: Will review a package that includes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates as additional details become available.
| | As we close out Public Service Recognition Week, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to federal, state, city, county, and tribal government employees whose essential work and dedication improves health and advances well-being. For all that you do, we are deeply grateful. | | We’re hiring! APHSA’s new Vice President of Professional Services role is designed to lead and grow APHSA’s fee-for-service business lines, including consulting, conferences, events, and training. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leadership position will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to develop innovative services that meet member needs and boost APHSA’s market presence. Apply today or share with your network. | | Check out the latest blog post from Meg Dygert, Senior Policy Associate at APHSA. It highlights the collaborative efforts of APHSA and Chapin Hall to apply economic and concrete supports (ECS) as an upstream measure that keeps families together and prevents child welfare involvement. The post showcases their work to integrate ECS into child welfare policy with the aim of creating a proactive, multi-system strategy that prioritizes family integrity and well-being. Read the full post today! | |
LIHEAP and SSBG Funds Distributed
This week, the Office of Community Services (OSC) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released funds for the SSBG and Consolidated Block Grant (CBG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These funds, available from January 21, 2025, are for grant recipients with complete plans covering October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. States and territories are advised to review the provided materials so they can plan and implement their SSBG-funded programs effectively.
In addition, April saw ACF release over $400 million in regular block grant funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
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ACF Clarifies SSBG Education-Related Funding Uses
OCS has issued an Information Memorandum (IM) to clarify the limitations on using SSBG funds for education-related services. SSBG funds cannot be used for general educational services, such as primary, secondary, or higher education programs. However, these funds can be used for supportive services that complement educational objectives, including school-readiness programs, after-school programs, and workforce training.
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USDA Requires States to Share SNAP Data to Strengthen Program Integrity
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released guidance to ensure that state Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) processors are authorized to share data from SNAP with FNS. This includes personally identifiable information and historical benefit issuance data dating back to January 1, 2020. The collection of this data is meant to enhance federal oversight, support program integrity, and prevent fraud.
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NIH and CMS Partner to Advance Understanding of Autism
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a partnership that will allow NIH to build a vast, real-world data platform for research into “the root causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).” This platform will connect claims data, electronic medical records, and data from consumer wearables. Researchers will focus on:
- Autism diagnosis trends over time
- Health outcomes from specific medical and behavioral interventions
- Access to care and disparities by demographics and geography
- Economic burden on families and the healthcare system
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WEBINAR: Designing with the End in Mind - Helping Instructional Designers Build Training That Sticks
This National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Learning Exchange webinar is for instructional designers and training professionals to ensure their training programs drive results. The session will challenge designers to go beyond content delivery to 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.
May 22, 3:00-4:30PM ET
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WEBINAR: Moving Beyond the Classroom to Strengthen Training
Join us for June’s NSDTA Showcase, where we will help participants move beyond the classroom to strengthen 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,” focusing on methods that have been proven to strengthen training, engage learners, and improve overall training outcomes.
June 9, 2:00-3:00PM ET
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APHSA Summit Award Nominations are Open
Each year at the APHSA National Human Services Summit, we honor individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the human services sector. This year, we are excited to accept nominations in three award categories. Be sure to review the award criteria below and submit your nominations by May 20!
Deadline: May 20
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Early Bird Registration for APHSA Summit
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s APHSA National Human Services Summit, June 1-4 in Philadelphia! The deadline for early bird registration is May 22. Register today and join leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the human services sector as we come together to build strategies for improving the lives of children and families!
Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 22
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