On October 3rd, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a Proposed Rule on the Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances. The regulation would prevent states from establishing utility and housing allowances when determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This provision allows individuals and families who spend more than half their income […]

By Zachary Tashman The Older Americans Act (OAA), first passed in 1965, authorizes a range of services and programs that ensure senior citizens remain independent and able to meaningfully participate in their communities. In 2016, 11.3 million older adults were served by programs authorized under the OAA. These programs include providing seniors with 45.2 million […]

By Marie Camino Last week, following the release of the final Public Charge regulation, Senator Maizie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Protect American Values Act, Senate companion legislation to the No Federal Funds for Public Charge Act (H.R. 3222). The bill would prohibit the government from using federal funds to enforce the Department of Homeland Security’s […]

The new rule, entitled Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would limit Broad Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which allows states to circumvent duplicative application processes by making those who are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or programs that operate on Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funding automatically eligible […]

By Zachary Tashman Bill Details In August, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Baby Box and Maternal Assistance Act (H.R.4201), which aims to remedy high rates of infant mortality in the United States. This legislation would create a grant program that would provide funding for newborn care training to expecting parents, the services of certified […]