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October 31, 2025

This week, our President and CEO, Reggie Bicha, addressed the current government shutdown in a piece titled, “A Government Shutdown Hurts the Families Who Can Least Afford It.” It calls on lawmakers from both parties to end the shutdown and chart a responsible path forward for funding the programs that allow families to meet their most basic needs. Be sure to read it and share!

Together, with our affinity group, the IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM), APHSA has published a response to the federal Request for Information (RFI) on artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory reform by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Our response underscores the need for responsible and ethical adoption of AI within human services.

It outlines three core priorities we believe will ensure AI enhances service delivery while safeguarding transparency, accountability, and public trust. Read the letter and visit our AI webpage to learn more about APHSA’s recommendations and vision for advancing innovation in human services.

Administration

SNAP Benefits in Question for November

Last week, we shared a letter from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) as well as an FNS memo indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued for November. Today, a U.S. District Judge in Massachusetts has requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decide and report by Monday, November 3 whether it will provide at least reduced SNAP benefits using contingency funds, or full benefits using additional funds. Similarly, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered “the USDA to distribute contingency funds" and report back to the court by noon on Monday.

We are closely watching state and federal actions on SNAP and emergency food assistance supports and will continue to communicate updates as they occur. If you have any questions about how we can support you, please reach out to Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations, or Chloe Green, Assistant Director of Policy.

H.R. 1 Implementation

FNS Releases Guidance on Non-Citizen Changes Following H.R. 1

FNS has released guidance to support state SNAP administrators in implementing SNAP eligibility changes under H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA). These changes relate to non-citizen eligibility and are effective immediately for new applicants. They must also be applied at recertification for existing SNAP households.

Partner Events

Medicaid Community Engagement Verification Solutions: Tech Demo Days

The Center for Health Care Strategies and the Medicaid Innovation Collaborative are inviting states to attend a two-day virtual event where over 30 technology vendors will present solutions to help states implement community engagement requirements. Attendees can look forward to offerings that support verification of eligibility, employment, volunteer hours, and education, as well as streamline beneficiary navigation. This event is open to state and federal agency staff only.

November 7 + 10, 11 am–4 pm ET

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