Resources
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Description
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Documenting Pandemic EBT for the 2020–21 School Year
Updated October 2021
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This report co-authored between APHSA and Urban Institute documents state SNAP administrators’ experience with planning for and implementing P-EBT in the 2020-2021 school year. It analyzes the challenges state administrators faced in launching this new program, as well reflects on considerations for the future. |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Waivers and Adaptations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of State Agency Perspective in 2020
Updated 6/1/21
Executive Summary
Full Report
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This report is co-written with researchers from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Health and Social Policy based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The report synthesizes the results from our nationwide online survey with state SNAP administrators that sought to understand the opportunities and challenges to implementing federal waivers during the pandemic.
Executive Summary
Full Report
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American Rescue Plan Provisions to Serve Young Families
Updated 4/22/21
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APHSA has highlighted key provisions of the American Rescue Plan, signed into law on March 11, 2021, that are relevant to young parents with children that will allow public sector leaders to maximize their capacity in serving these young families. Federal provision, highlighted in blue, are followed by recommended steps State and local human service agencies can take to maximize impact for young families. |
The American Rescue Plan -- Key Human Services Provisions
Updated 3/12/21
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The American Rescue Plan was signed into law on March 11, 2021, authorizing $1.9 trillion in funding for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts.
The following provides a summary of key provisions that relate to human services agencies. The legislation covers a wide range of issues related to the COVID-19 response and recovery.
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COVID Response Project: Lessons Learned from State Adaptations and Federal Flexibilities
Updated 2/03/21
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The COVID Response Project was funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to document the real-time impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on state human services agencies and capture state perspectives on lessons learned to guide future federal policymaking and state implementation. The project was completed by APHSA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Regional Operations. |
COVID Emergency Relief Act Summary
Released 12/30/20
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On Monday, December 21st, Congress passed the COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act as part of an appropriations package that funds the federal government through federal fiscal year 2021. The bill was signed into law by the President on December 27th. The over $900 billion COVID-19 relief package covers a wide range of human services and related priorities. APHSA has summarized the relevant provisions that impact human services delivery.
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Comment Letter on Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery
Released 12/28/20
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APHSA has submitted comments in response to the Request for Information on Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery published on November 25, 2020 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The request for information seeks input on the importance of waivers and flexibilities issued by HHS during the public health emergency and their potential need to be continued after the public health emergency. APHSA’s response reflects feedback received from its members responsible for administering human services programs funded through HHS. |
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Continuing Resolution on Coronavirus Appropriations Act
Last Updated 10/12/20
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This summary highlights the Continuing Resolution passed by the Senate and signed into law on September 30. This bill would fund the government through December 11, and extends funding for critical human services programs, including $8 billion in nutrition assistance. Nutrition supports include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). |
APHSA Special Statement: Investing in Human Services for a Strong and Equitable Economic Recovery
Released 9/8/20
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This statement calls upon federal leaders to come together around bipartisan solutions that equip state and local agencies with the tools needed to meet the whole needs of families and communities. |
Letter to Congress: SNAP Policy Solutions and Implementation Considerations
Submitted 8/7/20 |
This letter on SNAP Implementation Considerations outlines priorities and technical considerations for human services agencies in the next COVID relief package. The letter addresses the need to increase the minimum and maximum SNAP benefit levels, to simplify, extend, and expand Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), to provide fiscal relief for both SNAP implementation and P-EBT, and to establish waivers to support SNAP implementation for the duration of the pandemic. |
Changes in State TANF Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Released 8/20
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In partnership with The Urban Institute, APHSA co-produced a brief “Changes in State TANF Policies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”. In this brief, we describe how some state agencies adapted their policies during the early months of the pandemic to meet their states’ and families’ unique situations, needs, and challenges. |
HEALS Act Summary
Released 7/29/20 |
The HEALS Act is the next proposed COVID-19 stimulus package. Significant differences remain between the Senate proposal and previously passed House proposal (HEROES Act) and negotiations are underway to finalize a relief package. This analysis summarizes key provisions of the initial Senate proposal related to human services systems. |
SNAP Administrative Relief
Released 7/27/20 |
Guided by our shared commitment to prioritize the health and well-being of the people and communities affected by the pandemic, this statement urges the USDA to work with states to simplify SNAP recertification procedures and/or extend timelines so states can keep up with the unprecedented volume of cases. |
Policy Levers for State Human Service Agencies in Response to COVID-19
Last updated 5/19/20 |
Includes various policy flexibilities agencies can consider—organized by policy area (SNAP, TANF, Child Care, and Child Welfare) and action needed (federal approval not required, waiver or state plan approval needed, Congressional authorization needed) |
Letter to Congress: Ensuring Access to Child Care in COVID-19 Stimulus Package
Submitted 7/24/20 |
This letter highlights the key policy priorities that child care administrators recognize are needed to ensure the availability of safe and stable care, and to urge Congress to prioritize child care in negotiations for the next stimulus package. The recommendations cover policy issues focused on supporting child care operations, instituting effective health and safety protocols, and supporting the education system and working parents. |
Letter to Congress: Investing in Human Services to Drive Economic Recovery
Submitted 6/3/20 |
Building on our members’ prior recommendations to address rapid response issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to meet urgent community needs and stabilize the underlying human services infrastructure, this letter provides additional recommendations to Congress to adopt specific policies that invest in people and communities to drive an economic resurgence |
Paycheck Protection and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R.266) Summary
Last updated 4/27/20 |
On April 24, The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act was signed into law to increase amounts authorized for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, economic injury disaster loans, and emergency grants under the CARES Act to fund hospitals and healthcare providers for research, testing, and more. This document provides a brief overview |
Letter to Congress: Key Policy Initiatives to Promote Child and Family Well-being
Submitted 4/10/20 |
Based on feedback from our members across the nation, this letter identifies the most urgent legislative tools needed to support human services agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic and its immediate aftermath including investment in the infrastructure needed to create economic opportunity, keeping children safe and mitigating the trauma families are experiencing, ensuring access to basic nutritional supports, and reinforcing the ability of our child care system to provide quality care to families impacted by the pandemic |
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S.3548/H.R.748) Summary
Last updated 3/27/20 |
The CARES Act passed with a 96-0 vote on March 25, after the original bill, which was introduced on March 19, failed in a procedural vote. This is the third coronavirus package that provides economic relief and stimulus to states, service providers, small businesses, and individuals. APHSA has provided a summary of proposed policies and appropriations within the bill that would directly aide state and local human service agency response to emerging needs in their communities |
Letter to Congress: Priority Recommendations to Support Human Services During COVID-19
Submitted 3/25/20 |
Based on feedback from our members across the nation, this letter provides priority recommendations that are vital to support human services agencies and their partners. APHSA will continue to work with Congress in order to delve into more nuanced issues to support the immediate, interim, and long-term needs of communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 |
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R.6201) Summary
Last updated 3/19/20 |
On March 18, the Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which is the second of three COVID-19 bills expected to be passed. This document provides an overview of the bill as it relates to state and local human service agency response to emerging needs in their communities |
The Catalyst: APHSA’s Blog
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Our blog now includes a variety of COVID-19 related topics including the importance of public service during times of crises, resilience, racial equity, and more |