Nov 17 Newsletter — OY Federal Updates
The federal is back open after a 43-day long shutdown to begin Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26)- the longest in history, followed by the 35-day shutdown during the first Trump Administration. Earlier this week the Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) that then quickly passed the House and was signed into law by the President.
Key pieces include:
This CR extends current funding levels (FY25 levels) through January 30, 2026.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies were a major point of contention between parties that prevented funding bills from passing before the end of the fiscal year. This CR requires a vote by the Senate on subsidy extensions by December 12th. The bill does not require a vote from the House.
The Reductions in Force (RIFs) that took place through mass firings at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) are cancelled until January 30th. These RIFs were also stopped by courts during the shutdown.
Back pay will be provided for federal employees.
The Senate is aiming to introduce full FY26 funding packages beginning this week, including the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) appropriations bill. The Labor-HHS-Ed text is expected to be part of a package of appropriations bills that will include: Defense; Commerce, Science, Justice, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Update
Finding My Voice: What the OYCL Program Taught Me About Advocacy and Connection
At the end of July, the Forum for Youth Investment’s Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison cohort traveled to DC to meet their members of Congress and directly engage in advocacy.
Hear from program member Jasalyn Franco about her experience.
From Saint Louis to Capitol Hill, I’m Raising My Voice for Change
Precious Barry describes her participation in the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Program in Washington, D.C., where she met with legislators, learned about power and community organizing, and represented young people from often-overlooked neighborhoods. She returns home energized and determined to ensure that youth voices are not just heard but centered in policy decisions.
Resource Center
Why New SNAP Work Requirements Undermine Workers and States
The National Skills Coalition (NSC) writes about the new federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the “Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) that was passed earlier this year. This article discusses how the work requirements are actually barriers to workers finding and keeping good jobs, and will ultimately block people from food assistance during the process.
Economic Bill of RYTS (Real Youth Troubles & Solutions)
MyPath's Youth Economic Bill of RYTS (Real Youth Troubles and Solutions) is a document created by and for youth that identifies the most pressing financial issues young people around the country face and offers policy-based youth-centered solutions. The current version was created in 2019 and reflects the needs of youth navigating a global pandemic. The current 2025-2026 POWER Leaders cohort is working to 'refresh' the document to reflect the current realities and needs of young people. As the group creates a first draft, we want to gather input from as many voices and policy perspectives as possible. We invite you to review the current Bill of RYTS and share your feedback- what feels most relevant, what may be missing, and what should be reconsidered as we shape the next iteration of this important youth-centered policy tool.
Career Pathways to Success
The Anne E. Casey Foundation invests in efforts to equip OY with the skills, credentials, and experiences needed to prepare for placement in their first job, gain experience, and grow their careers. This report highlights key strategies that Casey and its partners have implemented to help young people navigate transitions from school to work.
A Message from The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team
This blog from The Corps Network (TCN) will be updated in real time to share new information about the government shutdown, impacts on programs, and what to expect next.
Please fill out this action alert from Young Invincibles to tell Congress to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.
What You Need to Know About a Federal Government Shutdown
The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) outlines how a government shutdown will impact youth homelessness programs and shares links to additional resources on the shutdown.
Monthly Opportunity Youth Policy Stakeholders Meeting
For all those with important perspectives to share and a willingness to engage in federal advocacy and implementation, but for whom weekly meetings would be overkill, we will host monthly meetings that cover the content from both meetings above (advocacy and implementation), briefing participants on key developments, soliciting views and priorities, and providing meaningful opportunities to engage. These meetings are designed particularly for organizations whose work is not primarily federal advocacy, but whose voices are critical to ensure federal efforts meet their needs, for example, Aspen Opportunity Youth Forum sites, LEAP sites, and NLC Reengagement Network participants.
Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at 4pm (EST). Register here.
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