NACHSA Key Lead on SSBG Letter: Last week, a broad-based coalition of 65 national organizations sent a letter to Congress supporting the Social Services Block Grant. NACHSA is one of the lead organizations in that effort and is one of the three points of contact for Congressional staff. Hill visits are underway with staff to members serving on the key committees of jurisdiction. A second letter for state and local entities will be circulated soon and will be sent to Capitol Hill later this spring. 

 House and Senate Begin Budget Process: The House and Senate Budget Committees are considering their respective budget resolutions. The budget resolution provides broad outlines of spending and policy proposals for future legislation and is non-binding. As in previous years, the House budget proposes to convert both Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into state block grants and calls for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Those three proposals are estimated to save over $3 trillion in the next ten years -- none of them will be enacted into law. 

 Across Capitol Hill, the Senate budget also contains a similar proposal to block grant Medicaid, but would protect low-income older Americans and persons with disabilities. It also would repeal the ACA. 

 A New York Times article comparing the two budgets may be read here. 

Trafficking Bill Stalled: Senate debate on a sex trafficking bill has entered its second week due to Democratic objections over an abortion rider which was attached to the measure. The underlying bipartisan bill, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178), would provide competitive grant funding to state and local entities to enhance collaboration and provide services to youth trafficking victims.