CBPP Comprehensive Reports and Blog Posts

WIC: A Powerful Source of Support to Overcome Breastfeeding Challenges

Ashley Blair — 2026-11-09T13:12:41

WIC has supported me through one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of motherhood: breastfeeding. On the day my daughter was born, I thought breastfeeding would come naturally — but it hurt, and I didn’t know what to do. Through WIC, I received hands-on, compassionate care from a medical professional, who came to my home to help me learn how to nurse my baby. That support changed everything. Being connected to WIC makes me feel part of a community that truly cares for my well-being and the well-being of my children. While much about parenthood is wonderful, it also comes with its

SNAP Helps 1.2 Million Veterans With Low Incomes

Luis Nuñez, Lina Verghese — 2026-11-09T11:39:26

Nearly 1.2 million veterans lived in households that participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) between 2022 and 2024. [1] Veterans in every state — who may be unemployed, working in low-paying jobs, or have disabilities — use SNAP to supplement their low incomes to put food on the table for themselves and their families. (See Table 1 for state-by-state estimates.) Yet the harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law eliminated the work requirement exemption for veterans, which research consistently shows cuts many people off SNAP without

In Case You Missed It...

CBPP — 2026-11-06T15:53:59

This week at CBPP, much of our analysis focused on state revenue ballot measures. But first, here’s a recap of our work on housing and climate. On housing, Anna Bailey and Allie Gardner explained that among other efforts by the Trump Administration to threaten disabled people’s ability to live in integrated community-based settings, the Department of Justice will no longer enforce critical protections for the rights of people with disabilities. On climate, Mikaela Tajo highlighted a report by the Government Accountability Office that confirms the Environmental Protection Agency’s illegal

Executive Action Watch

2026-11-05T13:30:00

The Trump Administration has unleashed a flurry of measures to radically reshape the federal government. Many of these moves are overtly unlawful, and others will reduce and weaken key services to people across the U.S.

Colorado, Washington, and California Voters Raise, Protect Funding for Critical Public Services; Other States Make Fiscal Problems Worse

Meg Wiehe — 2026-11-04T17:27:35

Colorado, Washington, and California voters yesterday raised and protected taxes on the wealthy — casting ballots in favor of taxes that fund K-12 public education, community colleges, child care, and other priorities.

In Case You Missed It...

CBPP — 2026-10-30T15:54:59

This week at CBPP, we focused on health. On health, Claire Heyison explained that Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollees will face higher health insurance premiums and more eligibility restrictions during this year’s open enrollment period. Nicole Rapfogel and Sarah Lueck warned that consumers should be wary of subpar health products, which lack benefits and consumer protections standard in ACA plans. Maani Stewart explained how data sharing between states’ SNAP and Medicaid programs could reduce coverage losses and administrative burdens from the 2025 reconciliation law’s Medicaid

This Open Enrollment Period, ACA Marketplace Enrollees Face Higher Premiums, More Eligibility Restrictions

Claire Heyison — 2026-10-27T16:06:43

Everyone’s situation is unique, and people should visit HealthCare.gov or their state-based marketplace to compare plans and see if they qualify for financial help.

Health Coverage Consumers Should Be Wary of Subpar Products

Nicole Rapfogel, Sarah Lueck — 2026-10-26T12:48:44

Open enrollment for marketplace plans for 2027 health coverage is approaching — beginning November 1 in most states — and millions of people will be looking for health coverage. Facing significant affordability changes and, in many cases, paying more for less generous coverage, some may turn to subpar health products offered outside the marketplace, or companies may target them with aggressive marketing for such products. But these subpar products lack benefits and consumer protections that are standard in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Subpar products lack benefits and consumer protections

Accessing SNAP Data Can Reduce Coverage Losses and Administrative Burdens From Medicaid Work Requirement

Maani Stewart — 2026-10-26T10:22:18

Effective data sharing between programs will help streamline verification processes and ensure that eligible people can keep their health coverage without interruption.

SNAP Tracker: People Are Losing Food Assistance as the Harmful 2025 Republican Reconciliation Law Is Implemented

Dottie Rosenbaum, Joseph Llobrera, Catlin Nchako, Luis Nuñez — 2026-10-23T23:50:00

SNAP participation nationwide fell by 5.5 million people (13 percent) between the law’s July 2025 enactment and July 2026, based on the latest month of data.