[Comm-partners] Federal Government Updates February 2026

[D5 Communications]

[Our Government | The White House]Federal Government Updates February 2026


  *   NeedFood.Oregon.gov<https://NeedFood.Oregon.gov> is being updated with all the latest food resources for people on or off SNAP. This food resource is also available in Spanish.



  *   On Jan. 30, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order establishing a new Interagency Council for Immigrant and Refugee Coordination to ensure state agencies are aligned, responsive and consistent in supporting immigrant and refugee communities amid escalating and abusive federal immigration enforcement tactics that are destabilizing Oregon communities and spreading fear among families across the state.

     *   You can read and share the Governors press release here<https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/governor-kotek-seeks-to-strengthen-statewide-response-to-increased-federal-actions>.



  *   The Oregon Health Authority has provided updated information regarding OHP data privacy.

     *   Frequently asked questions about the federal government's sharing of personal information:

        *   English<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le-1086100c.pdf>
        *   Spanish<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/ls-1086100c.pdf>

     *   What you need to know about the federal government's sharing of personal information:

        *   English<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le-1086100b.pdf>
        *   Spanish<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/ls-1086100b.pdf>

     *   Talking Points for Community Partners:

        *   English<https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Tools/CP-Talking-Points-EN.pdf>
        *   Spanish<https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Tools/CP-Talking-Points-ES.pdf>

     *   Please bookmark these resources because the links will stay the same even if we update them. They will be available in other languages as soon as possible.


To Be Aware

  *   Work and Activity rules reminder:

     *   People who do not meet new work rules in the initial six counties could see their benefits end as early as January (Benton, Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties)
     *   People affected by the HR1 work and activity rule changes in the rest of Oregon, could begin to lose SNAP benefits as early as April 2026 if they do not meet the work requirements. This was first expected to happen in March 2026. However, because of ongoing court action, states were allowed to count December as a "good cause" month instead of a time-limit month. This means December will not count toward the three-month time limit.

        *   Reminder: Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman, Wheeler counties have a new exemption, and they are not subject to work and activity requirements.



  *   The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new public charge rule<https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/19/2025-20278/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility> that would replace the current rule from 2022. The public charge rule has not changed. Families can keep using medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits without new immigration consequences.
     *   Most ODHS programs do not count toward public charge. Only two ODHS programs count today: Medicaid-funded long-term care in a nursing home and monthly cash through TANF. This has not changed.


Resources

  *   The ODHS website<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/federal-updates.aspx> has been updated with the most recent news and information about federal changes. The website is available in English<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/federal-updates.aspx> and Spanish.<https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/federal-updates.aspx#espanol>
  *   Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) warmly invite you to a webinar series that will provide an opportunity to connect with us and receive updates about federal changes impacting Oregon.

     *   Tuesday, 10 to 11 a.m. Pacific Time:
           *   Mar 24, 2026
           *   May 19, 2026
           *   Jul 28, 2026
           *   Sep 22, 2026
           *   Nov 17, 2026
     *   Registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-Q6HyPQoR76PxkMFSXcQ2Q#/registration



Please reach out with any questions. Thank you for all that you do!





Ashley Holding She/Her/Hers
D5 Program Analyst/Community Partnership Coordinator
Oregon Department of Human Services
Self Sufficiency Program (SSP)
101 30th St, Springfield, OR 97478
Call or Text: 971-388-9077

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