Human Services & Education Policy Steering Committee
About the Committee
All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education.
Policy Platform & Resolutions 2025-2026
Every county in the U.S. administers and funds part of the cost of strengthening communities and protecting and enhancing families. The NACo Human Services & Education Steering Committee exists to support counties in this work.
Featured Initiative
Early Childhood Development Initiative
Counties play a crucial role in fostering communities that support positive outcomes for young children. Resources and peer learning opportunities are available to help counties advance programs and policies for children from birth to age three.
Resource
County Policy Priorities for Transforming the Child Welfare System
National Association of Counties Launches Initiative to Strengthen County Human Services Systems
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces the launch of the Transforming Human Services Initiative, a new effort to help counties modernize benefits administration, integrate service delivery systems and strengthen county capacity to fulfill our responsibility as America’s safety net for children and families.
National Association of Counties Reinforces Intergovernmental Partnership in Response to State of the Union Address
The National Association of Counties (NACo) responded to President Trump’s State of the Union address with a statement from Executive Director Matthew Chase.
HHS Secretary Kennedy touts fixes for obesity, chronic illness, mental health issues
Counties can help improve health outcomes by prioritizing prevention over treatment, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told NACo Legislative Conference attendees.
Congress seeking ‘common-sense solutions’ to unmet mental health needs
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.): “Right now, it is too difficult to access providers … and get mental health care in a facility that is the right size and also the appropriate acuity level to meet patients’ needs.”
House Agriculture Committee chairman targets Easter farm bill passage
House Agriculture Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.): “Let’s face it — the 2018 policy was really great for 2018, but it’s no match for the challenges of 2026.”
Resource
The County Human Services and Education Landscape
Human Services & Education Policy Briefs
Committee Chair
View all committee members here.
Hon. Shannon Jones
Committee Contact
Emma Conover
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