Emerging Strategies in Addressing Poverty: Discussions of Key Issues, Policies Affecting Poverty and Well-Being in Rural America

County human services directors are racing to lower SNAP Payment Error Rates, implementing significant eligibility changes and preparing for reduced federal support while building entirely new systems and processes to implement Medicaid work requirements.

On July 24, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will relocate thousands of federal employees, restructure regional offices and consolidate administrative services and operations. The changes are expected to reduce USDA’s footprint in Washington, D.C. and shift more personnel to regional hubs across the country. 

On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.