CBPP Comprehensive Reports and Blog Posts

In Case You Missed It...

CBPP — 2026-10-16T15:30:00

This week at CBPP, we focused on health, food assistance, and state budgets and taxes. On food assistance, Joseph Llobrera and Catlin Nchako pointed out that number of people receiving SNAP food assistance is at its lowest point in 17 years, despite the lack of economic improvement and high food prices. On health, Claire Heyison explained that the White House’s plan to send one-time cash payments to a small subset of Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollees falls short of addressing the massive coverage losses and increased premiums due to Republican health policies. On state budgets and

SNAP Participation Has Dropped to Its Lowest Point in 17 Years, Even Though Economic Conditions Haven’t Improved

Joseph Llobrera, Catlin Nchako — 2026-10-14T14:33:31

The number of people receiving SNAP food assistance has declined sharply in recent months, even though there is no sign that the decline is due primarily to an improving economy.

Executive Action Watch

2026-10-14T13:30:00

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.

How State Budgets Work

2026-10-13T08:00:00

State budget decisions matter to all of us. They shape the quality of life for families and communities across the nation ― they decide the fate of investments in roads, schools, health care, public transportation, clean air and water, and much more. Every year, state policymakers make critical choices about how to provide these public services and how to ensure that states have adequate revenues to fund them. A state’s budget shows policymakers’ priorities and plays a crucial role in creating opportunities for families and communities to thrive. For state budgets to truly serve all residents

States Are Rushing to Respond As Congress’ SNAP Cost Shift Approaches. Are They Ready?

Peyton McConnell, Emmie DiCicco, Ed Bolen — 2026-10-09T17:18:43

The harmful 2025 Republican reconciliation law will require most states starting in October 2027 to pay a portion of SNAP benefit costs for the first time in the program’s history. If Congress fails to delay this cost shift to state budgets, states unable or unwilling to pay the costs will be forced to end SNAP entirely.

In Case You Missed It...

CBPP — 2026-10-09T14:00:00

This week at CBPP, we focused on governance, state budgets and taxes, and food assistance. On governance, Sam Berger, Jacob Leibenluft, and Devin O’Connor explained that Congress can restore funding it authorized for 11 programs that the Trump Administration has illegally withheld and enact guardrails to prevent the Administration from illegally withholding funds in the future. On state budgets and taxes, Wesley Tharpe explained that Washington’s millionaires’ tax, which is facing a repeal effort, supports vital investment and makes the tax code fairer. On food assistance, Peyton McConnell

WIC Can Be Strengthened to Improve Pregnancy-Related Health

Lina Verghese, Luis Nuñez — 2026-10-09T09:55:00

WIC's recurring, structured appointments create sustained touchpoints for identifying emerging health concerns throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Administration Again Illegally Impounds Federal Funds

Sam Berger, Jacob Leibenluft, Devin O’Connor — 2026-10-07T17:02:40

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), members of Congress from both parties, and the courts have all agreed the Administration’s actions are illegal. Yet the Administration’s actions have become even more brazen.

Millionaires’ Tax Before Washington Voters Supports Vital Investments, Makes Tax Code Fairer

Wesley Tharpe — 2026-10-06T09:11:35

On November 3, voters in Washington State will decide whether to protect landmark legislation enacted in March that will generate billions in new annual revenue for schools, child care, and other priorities while also helping balance out the state’s highly unbalanced tax system. If the repeal effort fails, Washington will remain among the growing list of states approving targeted tax increases on wealthy filers to help support the people’s needs. The tax plan pairs a targeted tax increase on millionaires with expanded tax benefits for families and small businesses. Its key components include

A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits

2026-10-06T08:00:00

A summary of SNAP eligibility and benefit calculation rules that are in effect for federal fiscal year 2026, which began in October 2025.