A congressional staffer updated the commission on July 9 about several federal issues affecting Chaffee County, including potential Medicaid and SNAP changes, delayed education grants and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding.

“ The congresswoman did vote against HR 1,” the staffer Jay said, summarizing the congresswoman’s recent positions and that her office is monitoring federal changes that could affect local programs.

Jay said the congresswoman hosted a Medicaid roundtable with rural hospitals, special districts and state officials to discuss the impact of proposed changes to Medicaid recertification and administrative rules. He summarized state‑level estimates that administrative burdens associated with increased recertifications could raise costs by roughly $57,000,000; Jay said counties could see increased responsibilities passed down from the state.

The staffer also said some 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) after‑school grant funds had not been released by the U.S. Department of Education, which could force districts to consider staffing reductions for after‑school programs. He noted several districts in nearby counties had reported significant declines in enrolled clients after changes to Medicaid recertification during the COVID period and warned that comparable effects could appear under federal changes.

On Secure Rural Schools funding, the staffer said the county had received a portion of anticipated SRS funds (roughly 25–30% according to local discussion) and that staff would inquire whether additional disbursements are forthcoming.

Jay said the congresswoman joined letters seeking Department of Education information about unreleased funds and had supported war‑powers resolutions following military actions in the Middle East. He also said the congresswoman continues to support public‑lands protections and is working on resource advisory council processes with BLM staff.

No county action was taken as a result of the briefing. Commissioners asked the staffer to follow up with more detailed figures on SRS disbursements and any federal decisions that would determine how states and counties shoulder increased administrative costs.