Attorney General Nessel Releases Statement on Agreement to Temporarily Pause Federal Restrictions on Public Benefit Programs

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today released the following statement after the federal government agreed to temporarily pause implementation of harmful new restrictions on access to public benefit programs:  

“While this change in agency policy remains deeply concerning, this agreement with the federal government ensures that critical public benefits programs – including Title X and mental health services – remain available to Michigan residents. It is my hope that this signals a step back from the administration’s harmful and illegal federal actions, but I remain committed to challenging any unlawful attempts to strip support from people when they need it most.” 

Earlier this week, Attorney General Nessel and 20 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit opposing the federal government's attempt to change how eligibility for federally supported services is interpreted under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). Now, the U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor have agreed not to enforce the challenged policy changes in the plaintiff states until at least September 3, 2025. The agreement also confirms that no one will face penalties or enforcement for any actions taken in line with the old PRWORA rules during this same period.