February 4, 2022
Greetings!
This is the first week of Black History Month; celebrate with the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture by learning about and uplifting powerful stories of the African American community and their impact on our country, with the theme of Black Health & Wellness.
Save the Date! We are excited to announce the return of our in-person National Health and Human Services Summit, June 12-15, in Arlington, VA. Learn more about the focus areas and session types in our Call for Proposals Guide and be sure to submit your proposals by March 4. See you at the Summit!
A new series of case studies provides an overview of the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports (CSNS) cohort program funded by Share Our Strength | No Kid Hungry, and administered by APHSA. Five states and one county agency are funded through this initiative to streamline equitable access and reduce systemic barriers across nutrition supports.
Join our team—APHSA has two new job openings! We are seeking an Organizational Effectiveness Consultant and an Instructional Designer.
Apply now or share with interested parties in your network.
Child and Family Well-Being
CTC/EITC Day of Action: February 8

The White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) are highlighting efforts from HHS agencies to support individuals and families in accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and free tax preparation outreach, through the April 18 tax filing deadline, in a Call to Action event on February 8. This is an opportunity to highlight HHS agency roles in promoting EITC and CTC outreach. Send descriptions of your state and local efforts to [email protected] by EOD February 4, including your agency’s commitments and planned activities for this filing season.
 
On Tuesday, February 8, the White House and the Treasury will host an event to acknowledge your efforts and announce the actions and commitments to action from agencies and partners.
Final Rule Adopted for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

The Secretary of the Treasury has adopted a final rule that implements the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act. Funds may be used to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, to respond to essential workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers, for the provision of government services, and investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. Provisions of the final rule are effective April 1, 2022.

New Prevention Services Clearinghouse Ratings

The IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, created by the Family First Prevention Services Act, has released three new program ratings. Intercept, a re-review, was rated at the highest level of well-supported; High Fidelity Wraparound/Intensive Care Coordination Using High Fidelity Wraparound, received the lowest program rating of promising; while Lilliput Families Kinship Support Services Program was found to not be eligible for review.
 
CMS Commits Additional Funding to Boost CHIP & Medicaid Enrollment

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced $49.4 million to fund organizations to connect more eligible children, parents, and those who are pregnant to health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Awardees - which include state or local governments, tribal organizations, non-profits and schools - will receive up to $1.5 million over a three-year period.
Employment and Economic Well-Being
White House Guidebook on The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Administration created a guidebook to explain the funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including project milestones and details on funding implementation schedules.
FNS Publishes Chart Documenting State Use of BBCE

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a new informatory chart that documents state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agency usage of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) across the country. BBCE is a policy that permits people to become categorically eligible for SNAP because they qualify for a non-cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefit or a state maintenance of effort (MOE) benefit.
Upcoming Events
Web Event: Rebalancing: Children First - A Consensus Report on Childhood in the United States

Join the American Enterprise Institute for the release of their consensus report on childhood in the United States. This event will feature Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Council of Economic Advisers Chair Cecilia Rouse. Working group co-chairs Michael Strain of AEI, Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern University, and Richard V. Reeves of the Brookings Institution will introduce the consensus report.

Tuesday, February 8, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST
APHSA Webinar Series: Opportunities in SNAP E&T Part I – Introduction and the National Landscape

Join us along with the National Association of Workforce Boards for a two-part webinar series sponsored by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education. The first webinar will use a national perspective to introduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education & Training (SNAP E&T) as part of a broader workforce development ecosystem. Panelists will discuss how providers can integrate SNAP E&T as part of an overall workforce development strategy supported by multiple federal programs and funding streams.

Friday, February 25, 2:00 PM EST
Webinar - Food Insufficiency and Transgender Communities: Innovative Strategies to Improve Access to Food

Join the Williams Institute under the UCLA School of Law for a discussion on food insufficiency among transgender people. Panelists will examine contributing factors and strategies to improve access to food, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), charitable good resources, and Medicaid.
 
Tuesday, March 1, 1:00 PM EST
Webinar - SNAP to Skills: Integrating Effective Workforce Development Services into E&T Programs

Join USDA and the Seattle Jobs Initiative for an overview of workforce develop-ment best practices that, when integrated into States’ SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs, can improve outcomes for both work-ready and higher-barrier Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. Hear from States and providers on how they are taking steps to improve their E&T program quality and what has worked well for them in helping SNAP E&T participants secure skills and employment.

Wednesday, March 2, 1:00 PM EST
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.