April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning social advocacy issues. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Legislative Updates

Bill to expand Medicaid home and community-based services and direct care workforce support introduced

H.R. 8540 was introduced to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act, expanding access to home and community-based services under Medicaid and establishing grant programs for direct care workforce development and family caregiver support. The bill was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolution introduced to protect the civil and human rights of unhoused individuals and set goal to end crisis by 2029

H.Res. 1249 calls for the United States to end the unhoused crisis by 2029, upholding housing, health care, education, and social service rights for unhoused persons. The resolution was referred to the Committees on Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Judiciary, Agriculture, and Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to support community-based health coverage programs for small business workers

H.R. 8585 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to community-based coverage entities to operate programs offering health coverage and integrated services to qualifying individuals and small businesses, aiming to enhance long-term economic self-sufficiency and employment. The measure was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to strengthen recruitment and retention in rural health center workforce

H.R. 8629 would enhance efforts to recruit, train, and retain health center staff in rural and underserved communities, aiming to improve access and outcomes in those areas. The bill was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to enhance collaboration between State child welfare and juvenile justice systems

H.R. 8547 seeks to account for the age of certain incarcerated juveniles, amending Title 18 and Title IV of the Social Security Act for competitive grants to bolster cooperation between child welfare and juvenile justice agencies. Latest action included referral to the Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

New York announces $3 million in grants for Long Island aquaculture businesses

Governor Hochul awarded $3 million to 14 Long Island aquaculture businesses through the Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program, aimed at supporting upgrades and expanding local seafood production.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas expands disaster declaration to Palo Pinto County after severe storms

Governor Abbott amended the state's disaster declaration to include Palo Pinto County, increasing resources for severe weather relief and damage assessments.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Connecticut's FY 2027 budget bill moves forward with key social program investments

Governor Lamont presented the 2027 budget adjustment bill, featuring increased spending on early childhood education, affordable housing, mental health, and child welfare programs.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

Indiana increases child protections with new DCS oversight law

Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1257, enhancing legislative oversight and reporting requirements for the Department of Child Services to improve prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New Mexico launches public dashboard to monitor progress on water security plan

Governor Lujan Grisham introduced an online dashboard to track New Mexico's progress against long-term water shortages, focusing on conservation, new water sources, and infrastructure upgrades.

Sources: www.governor.state.nm.us

What We're Reading This Week

• Kennedy's US advisory board puts focus on 'profound autism', improved medical care: A presidential advisory board discusses nationwide policy options for supporting individuals with profound autism.
• A Supreme Court justice’s personal ties to Haiti highlight stakes in asylum case: Personal background shapes perspectives as the Supreme Court hears arguments in a high-profile asylum case involving Haiti.
• Schwab Affiliate Halts Customer Donations to Southern Poverty Law Center: Schwab Charitable suspends pass-through donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center, citing internal policy reviews.
• Supreme Court sides with crisis pregnancy centers in subpoena battle: The Supreme Court rules in favor of crisis pregnancy centers resisting state subpoenas in New Jersey.

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