Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Trump wrecking ball just keeps swinging
https://digbysblog.net/2020/01/the-trump-wrecking-ball-just-keeps-swinging/?fbclid=IwAR2771pYzREdsB9FFhqFUAkcITr4yc1UD4RFOO4x16yBvxtIByvh8NZu3pYThe Trump wrecking ball just keeps swinging
Published by digby on January 31, 2020
Oh look, even as hes being impeached for cheating in his upcoming election campaign, Trumps minions are hard at work destroying health care:
The Trump administration is back with a new initiative that could make it harder for some low-income Americans to get health care.
Officials on Thursday told states that they can request major changes in the operation and funding of their Medicaid programs. Under the new arrangement, the outlines of which were first reported by Politico over the weekend, states would have more leeway to modify benefits and eligibility standards for some parts of the population.
In return, states would have to accept a more limited commitment of funds from the federal government.
Officials on Thursday told states that they can request major changes in the operation and funding of their Medicaid programs. Under the new arrangement, the outlines of which were first reported by Politico over the weekend, states would have more leeway to modify benefits and eligibility standards for some parts of the population.
In return, states would have to accept a more limited commitment of funds from the federal government.
In other words, if a state agrees to take less money they will have the right to punish their own citizens more freely. Youd think no state would want to do that. But, of course, many of them are run by Republicans so yes, they will likely be thrilled at the prospect of denying health care to people. Ever since Medicare was first enacted theyve been hysterical on the subject.
This new financing option is a variation on whats known as a block grant, which would end the federal governments open-ended promise to finance Medicaid coverage for whoever needs it, however much it costs. Republicans have historically promoted block grants as a way to limit or reduce Medicaid spending, and many experts believe such proposals would lead to cuts in enrollment or benefits that would harm beneficiaries.
That potential has stirred up opposition and helps explain why Medicaid block grants have never gotten the support they needed to get through Congress.
With this new initiative, the Trump administration is trying to get around that political problem by using its executive authority to let states change Medicaid financing on their own. Its the same approach that the administration has used to limit or scale back other politically sensitive programs, like food assistance, that serve low-income Americans.
That potential has stirred up opposition and helps explain why Medicaid block grants have never gotten the support they needed to get through Congress.
With this new initiative, the Trump administration is trying to get around that political problem by using its executive authority to let states change Medicaid financing on their own. Its the same approach that the administration has used to limit or scale back other politically sensitive programs, like food assistance, that serve low-income Americans.
Oh, and heres another one:
The Trump administration on Thursday moved to drop the threat of punishment to oil and gas companies, construction crews and other organizations that kill birds incidentally, arguing that businesses that accidentally kill birds ought to be able to operate without fear of prosecution.
Conservation groups said the proposed new regulation from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates under the Department of Interior, would substantially weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and put millions of birds in danger. The threat of fines and prosecution has, for decades, helped prod industries to take steps to protect birds, like affixing red lights on communication towers, they say.
Conservation groups said the proposed new regulation from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates under the Department of Interior, would substantially weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and put millions of birds in danger. The threat of fines and prosecution has, for decades, helped prod industries to take steps to protect birds, like affixing red lights on communication towers, they say.
This is the same president who claims to be against wind power because it kills birds.
They are working overtime now to destroy as much government protection for humans and animals as they possibly can. And its picking up speed.
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
5 replies, 1053 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (14)
ReplyReply to this post
5 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Trump wrecking ball just keeps swinging (Original Post)
babylonsister
Feb 2020
OP
and had he been convicted and removed, the wrecking ball would have passed to Pence
wishstar
Feb 2020
#3
2naSalit
(86,636 posts)1. K&R
dalton99a
(81,513 posts)2. The sadistic cruelty, arson and vandalism must continue
wishstar
(5,269 posts)3. and had he been convicted and removed, the wrecking ball would have passed to Pence
so regardless of impeachment outcome we were going to be screwed for this year.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)4. So the Orange Anus wants
folks to choose up sides as to where they live just for the sake of Medical Insurance coverage. Interesting how that is about to work. Blue States win,Red States will loose.
Just had a discussion will our neighbor this morning about her Brother In Law whom moved from Arizona to Nevada in order to receive Stage 4 Cancer care because Arizona cut back on Medicare Medicaid services for him and others in the same Medical boat.
BTW,all mentioned folks are or were mega MAGA's. Amazing how Humble people become when their belief system takes a direct hit.
moondust
(19,985 posts)5. K/R