Check out our latest podcast episode in the Our Dream Deferred: Fulfilling the Nation’s Promise series, featuring a wide-ranging conversation with philosopher, writer, and professor C. Thi Nguyen on filter bubbles, echo chambers, and the power that games can have in our lives. You can find us on your preferred streaming platform by searching for “Our Dream Deferred” or our podcast page.
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Congress Passes Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown
Yesterday, Congress avoided a government shutdown by agreeing on a stopgap spending bill to fund the federal government at current levels through February 18, 2022. The measure additionally extends or funds several human services related policies, including:
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Additional funds for Afghan evacuee resettlement and support services via the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) ($1.3 billion) and care for evacuees on military bases via the Department of Defense (DoD) ($4 billion);
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Extending the temporary increase in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits for fruits and vegetables;
- Extending the waiver for qualifying residents in supportive living facilities for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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Child and Family Well-Being |
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Prevention Services Clearinghouse Public Call for Programs is Open
A public call for program and service recommendations is now open, providing an opportunity for the public to recommend mental health, substance abuse, in-home parent skill-based, and kinship navigator programs and services for systematic review. Additional public calls for recommendations will occur on at least an annual basis. The deadline for submissions is December 21.
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Employment and Economic Well-Being |
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The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released a Request for Information (RFI) regarding standing up a new technical assistance center for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) modernization and delivery. They are interested in information about best practices to consider to support state and local WIC agencies through this center.
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FY 2020 Characteristics and Financial Circumstances of TANF Recipients Data
The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has published the data tables, Characteristics and Financial Circumstances of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Recipients for FY 2020. These tables provide demographic data on adults and children in TANF active families receiving cash assistance and closed cases.
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USDA Accepting Applications for Up to $1.15 Billion in Loans and Grants to Help People in Rural Areas
The Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet. State, local or territory governments, corporations, tribal communities, limited liability companies, and cooperative organizations are eligible to apply through the ReConnect Program.
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Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Seeks Feedback
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has partnered with the Lab at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), along with advice and input from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, to explore opportunities to support integrated, aligned, and holistic case management system(s) and service delivery at the local level. ETA is seeking feedback from front-line staff and participants to understand how the current processes and systems that deliver workforce, education, and human services are serving them, and where they may be falling short. Individuals interested in participating in a conversation on these topics can complete the linked form below for more information.
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Child Tax Credit Convening
The Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships at the National Academy of Public Administration will hold a convening to discuss the Child Tax Credit, in collaboration with APHSA and the National Association of Counties. This discussion will feature representatives from state and local governments as well as nonprofits to discuss collective progress in connecting families with the expanded Child Tax Credit. The convening aims to address what is working well, what challenges lie ahead, and what opportunities exist to increase enrollment among parents of the estimated 4 million children eligible for this benefit in 2022.
Friday, December 10, 1:45 PM EST
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Ability to Benefit Action Lab
Join the National Governors Association in partnership with Education Strategy Group, and with support from the Siemens Foundation, for a virtual Action Lab, focusing on leveraging Ability to Benefit (ATB) to expand access to postsecondary education. ATB can help students without a high school diploma or equivalency qualify for federal financial aid for postsecondary career pathways programs. A formal agenda will be sent to registrants in advance of the meeting. Register by December 6.
Tuesday, December 14, 1:00-4:00 PM EST
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APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today
APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the health and human services (H/HS) field. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates looking for careers in H/HS and job seekers will find a bevy of opportunities throughout the country.
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