Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson break down the week in health politics: surprise primary results across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota show healthcare access becoming a defining issue for Democratic candidates even as national narratives miss what’s actually happening on the ground.
Then, eight red states move to skip a federal grace period and impose harsher Medicaid work-reporting requirements, despite data showing most recipients already work. We explain how this seems to be more about paperwork and reporting requirements rather than WORK requirements
Plus: Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche is confirmed as Attorney General with the help of Senator Bill Cassidy, and the FDA approves flavored nicotine pouches like “Rich Berry” amid new scrutiny over tobacco industry political donations.
For our interview, we welcome back Yolanda Jacobs, president of AFGE Local 2883, which is the union representing workers at the CDC. She returns to give an unflinching, on-the-ground account of what CDC employees have endured over the past year. It was one year ago that the agency endured a shooting that killed officer David Rose. Jacobs shares her thoughts on RFK Jr.’s first campus visit since the tragedy, the widespread reductions in force, denied disability accommodations, and a workforce she describes as being in a “death spiral.”
LINKS
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Medicare for All webpage
William Lawrence speaking the day after he won his primary
Will Lawrence’s platform webpage
Francesca Hong’s policy webpage
David Crowley’s positions webpage
Peggy Flanagan’s priorities webpage
POLITICO: The Trump admin offered sick Medicaid patients a 1-year lifeline. These red states are rejecting it.
Foundation for Government Accountability: How CMS Can Block States From Abusing Exemptions To Medicaid Work Requirements
KFF Health News: Understanding the Intersection of Medicaid and Work: An Update
Center for Reproductive Rights: Senate Confirms Anti-Abortion Extremist for Attorney General
The Guardian: Judge reprimands Trump lawyer but holds off on gag order ruling
Justice Connection: Fact Sheet on Todd Blanche’s Devastating Leadership at the Justice Department
New York City Bar: Opposition to Todd Blanche Nomination for U.S. Attorney General
The Hill: FDA approves some flavored vapes after reports of Trump pressure
NPR: Nicotine pouches can be marketed as ‘lower risk’ than cigarettes. Is that dangerous?
STAT: Senate inquiry suggests Trump administration softened kratom and tobacco policies in quid pro quo
AFGE Local 2883 on Instagram
MedPage Today: I Thought the CDC Shooting Was Rock Bottom. We’re Still Sinking.
CNN: One year after shooting, CDC workers say they still feel like targets
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