As the world changes, so does our progress toward a hopeful, inclusive community. Read about recent updates to issues affecting caregivers, disability rights, early care and education, healthcare, and veterans and military families. You are our biggest advocate for change, and we need your help today!
White House Imposes Political Test on Federal Grants
A proposed rule by the Office of Management and Budget could apply Executive Order restrictions on federal grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other previously identified policies.
Easterseals is working with the nonprofit community to oppose attempts to politicize the important community services that Easterseals DC MD VA provides every day.
The opportunity to submit a public comment in OPPOSITION of this proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” is open until July 13, 2026.
Medicaid Work Requirements Become More Restrictive
On June 3, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule outlining how states should implement upcoming work requirements for the Medicaid expansion population. While the rule includes some important flexibilities and protections for caregivers in 2027, it also makes it harder to claim those protections.
Notably, the rule’s more restrictive definition requires that an individual not only has a condition that limits the ability to work, but also demonstrates a functional limitation that prevents working. This more restrictive standard is likely to result in additional coverage losses.
Many of the people Easterseals DC MD VA serves will be automatically exempt from these requirements, but it will be critical to ensure states properly apply those exemptions. Read Easterseals’ official statement on the Interim Final Rule Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements.
The opportunity to submit a public comment in OPPOSITION of this proposed rule, “Medicaid Program: Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals,” is open until July 31, 2026.
Stand Up for Veteran Mental Health
The Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement & Recovery (RECOVER) Act (H.R. 2283) — introduced by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL) in March 2025 — aims to expand and enhance mental health services for veterans. The bill would create a $20 million, three-year pilot program to distribute grants of up to $1.5 million to non-profit outpatient mental health facilities, such as the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals. On May 14, the bill passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee markup with bipartisan support and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Easterseals DC MD VA submitted a statement for the record in support of the RECOVER Act during Committee deliberations.
Contact your U.S. House representative to VOTE FOR the RECOVER Act.
