The administration recently shared its FY 2026 budget announcing a reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes creating a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) and merging the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Administration of Community Living (ACL) into the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (ACFC). The budget's proposed cuts include eliminating funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Community Services Block Grant, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. It also suggests consolidating 11 workforce programs into the Make America Skilled Again grant. Appropriation hearings to consider the proposals have begun in the House. | | The Senate is currently drafting its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1), which the House passed on May 22. We don’t expect to see any legislative text related to Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for at least another week. Under the Budget Reconciliation process, the Senate can pass the bill with a simple majority. However, if the Senate’s version differs from the House-passed bill, the House will need to vote again or both chambers must negotiate a compromise. For more details, take a look at our latest summary of the bill passed by the House. If you have any questions or would like support in connecting to policymakers, please contact Lexie Kuznick, Director of Policy and Government Relations at APHSA. | |
FNS Launches Website to Track State SNAP Waivers
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new website that allows the public to track approvals of food waivers under SNAP. This launch follows recent approvals granted to Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa, allowing these states to restrict the purchase of certain items—such as sodas and energy drinks—using SNAP benefits.
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Department of Labor Pauses Job Corps Center Operations
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a phased pause in operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers by June 30, 2025. Poor performance and financial instability were cited as the cause. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has said the Department is “ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the program’s possibilities.”
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USDA Announces New Deputy Under Secretary for FNCS
Last week, Patrick Penn was appointed Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) within USDA. Penn previously served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2021 to 2025, where he advocated for changes in the state’s foster care system, social welfare programs, and regulatory policy.
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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
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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
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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 Awards for Excellence in Human Services. This awards honors agencies that have made significant strides in enhancing customer experience, strengthening program outcomes, and driving innovation across SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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
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WEBINAR: Plan Your Agency's Medicaid Modernization Journey
Join APHSA's Strategic Industry Partner, and the state of Arizona as we dive into government healthcare innovation. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is modernizing their Medicaid systems, and during this webinar, AHCCCS and Microsoft will discuss the Arizona Medicaid modernization journey, including their cloud adoption and entry into Artificial Intelligence (AI).
June 24, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
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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
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WEBINAR: AI as an Extra Set of Eyes - Real-Time Reviews and Support for Caseworkers
This upcoming webinar from an APHSA Strategic Industry Partner, RedMane Technology, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support professionals working to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of communities. Participants will learn how AI tools can streamline case management, enhance the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) process, and enhance human judgment rather than seek to replace it. Join this session to explore expert demonstrations, real-world use cases, and insights into how AI can become a valuable ally in human services work.
June 12, 12:00–1:00 PM ET
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