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
U.S. Department of the Interior issues new NEPA regulations recognizing local governments as cooperating agencies
On February 23, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule updating the Department’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; P.L. 91-190). In a step forward for counties, the final rule reinstates provisions that name local government agencies as cooperating agencies during the NEPA environmental review process.
House Agriculture Committee advances 2026 Farm Bill
On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Congress reintroduces bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026
This winter, lawmakers in the House and Senate reintroduced the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026 (S. 3903, H.R. 7748) , building on prior efforts to strengthen federal rail safety standards following the high-profile 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Treasury proposes new privacy act records system for SLFRF and other federal assistance program data
Treasury proposes new database for the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).
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
Join a NACo Committee
Join a committee and make a difference. Learn more about getting involved with NACo.