Latest news with #ValArkoosh
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: State officials highlight vital role SNAP plays in supporting the economy
Jun. 22—WILKES-BARRE — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined leadership from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Central PA Food Bank this week to discuss the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The discussions come amid federal proposals that would take food assistance away from at least 140,000 Pennsylvanians and significantly alter the program, costing the state over $1 billion more annually and jeopardizing the program's sustainability. Governor Josh Shapiro has made clear that Pennsylvania cannot backfill these costs. While SNAP helps nearly two million people in all communities of our Commonwealth purchase food for themselves and their families, SNAP participation rates are higher in rural areas than in urban or suburban areas. Children and older adults represent more than half of Pennsylvanians helped by the SNAP program, and the program also allows lower-income working families and people with disabilities to keep food on their tables. "SNAP helps people meet one of our most essential needs — allowing them to participate fully in work and school and live healthier," said Arkoosh. "Should these proposals to change SNAP become law, vulnerable children, people with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and many others would see their access to food at risk and will further destabilize our agricultural economy and workforce during a tumultuous time." Every month, SNAP brings more than $365 million in cash benefits that can only be used on food — supporting local businesses, food producers, and Pennsylvania's agricultural economy. "Farmers receive nearly a quarter of every dollar Pennsylvania families spend on groceries, whether those dollars are from SNAP or any other source," Redding said. "Most of Pennsylvania's 48,800 farms are family-run. Losing SNAP dollars would hit Pennsylvania's farm families as well as the families of the 12,000 people working in the grocery industry whose jobs are directly supported by monthly SNAP spending." Congress is currently in the midst of a budget reconciliation process that is seeking to make major cuts to federal programs — primarily Medicaid and SNAP. The bill still needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law, so there are currently no changes to SNAP. Rep. Meuser co-sponsors SAFE Cities Act U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H.R. 3894 — the Stop Anarchists From Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act — this week. The legislation would ensure federal resources support jurisdictions that maintain law and order and take reasonable steps to protect their residents. The SAFE Cities Act directs the Attorney General to identify "anarchist jurisdictions" — defined as state or local governments that prevent law enforcement from restoring order, reject federal assistance, defund or disempower their police, or otherwise fail to respond to widespread violence and property destruction. Jurisdictions identified as such would face restrictions on certain categories of federal funding. The legislation codifies a Presidential Memorandum issued by President Trump during his first term to restrict federal funding from jurisdictions that tolerate lawlessness and undermine public safety. Meuser said this legislation was introduced following recent incidents in Los Angeles where protests against federal immigration enforcement escalated into violent riots. Demonstrators attacked federal law enforcement officers with rocks and Molotov cocktails, vandalized federal buildings, set vehicles ablaze and attempted to obstruct immigration enforcement efforts. To restore order in Los Angeles, Meuser said President Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops. Despite these efforts to restore public safety, California Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit to end the federalization of the National Guard. "The SAFE Cities Act is a crucial piece of legislation that puts the safety and security of our communities first," said Rep. Meuser. "We cannot allow public safety to take a backseat to political ideology. This bill ensures federal support goes to communities that protect their citizens, support their law enforcement, and take appropriate action in the face of violence. Our constituents — and the law enforcement officers who serve them — deserve no less." This bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Bipartisan resolution condemns antisemitic violence U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, introduced S. Res. 288 this week. The bipartisan resolution condemns the horrific rise in violent antisemitic attacks across the country. Citing the attempted murder in Boulder, Colorado, the arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's residence, and the tragic murder of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capitol Jewish Museum, Sen. McCormick and Sen. Fetterman, along with 34 of their colleagues, remain unified in denouncing anti-Jewish hatred. "Antisemitism has no place is America," said McCormick. "Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish community has faced unprecedented and persistent antisemitic hate and violence. This hatred cannot stand. Living in Squirrel Hill, right around the corner from the site of the devastating Tree of Life Synagogue attack in 2018, really brings this issue home for me. Protecting my friends and neighbors, and all Jewish people across the country, must be a national priority." "Amid a despicable rise in antisemitism, we are starkly reminded that silence is complicity," said Fetterman. "These appalling attacks on our Jewish communities are not isolated events. After 11 lives were stolen at the Tree of Life massacre in 2018, I've felt an even stronger moral obligation to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and stand united against hate." U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) introduced the House of Representatives companion to this resolution. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Federal budget bill could strip 300K Pennsylvanians of Medicaid coverage, push rural hospitals to the brink
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at HARRISBURG — President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful' budget bill could have a disastrous effect on the health of rural Pennsylvanians and the operations of the hospitals and other medical centers that care for them. The federal budget proposal, which passed the U.S. House by a one-vote margin in May, calls for nearly $800 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. It also includes a new 80-hour-per-month work or service requirement for Medicaid recipients between the ages of 19 and 64 who aren't caregivers or who have disabilities. Among other changes, the bill would require verification of coverage eligibility every six months rather than annually. While supporters of the budget bill argue that it will slow spending and safeguard government programs, critics say the cuts and new requirements will create more paperwork for states and make it harder to access essential care. Opponents also argue the changes would push struggling rural hospitals and other providers to the brink, and force them to scale back services or close entirely. More than 3 million people in Pennsylvania — 23% — are covered by Medicaid, according to data from the state Department of Human Services, which administers the program. The agency estimates that more than 300,000 would lose Medicaid coverage under the proposal. Val Arkoosh, secretary of the department, said the bill would not only hurt those losing coverage but 'all of us who would face the real-life consequences of crowded emergency departments, increases in the cost of health insurance, and the catastrophic effects on economies and health systems in rural areas.' More than 737,000 Medicaid recipients live in rural counties, where residents are typically older and more reliant on government-funded insurance programs. Such programs reimburse at lower rates compared to private insurance companies and haven't kept up with inflation. Cameron County Commissioner James Moate, a Republican, said the Medicaid reimbursement rate should have never been less than 100%. 'That's why we have struggling hospitals,' he told Spotlight PA. On average, Pennsylvania hospitals absorb a loss of 18 cents on the dollar for care provided to Medicaid patients, said Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, which represents more than 230 hospitals statewide. In rural communities, the average loss is 26 cents on the dollar, she added in a May statement. 'Medicaid plays a vital role in the health of rural residents, and it is important to preserve this funding so that families can continue to access the care they need for healthier lives,' said Douglas Winner, chief financial officer for Penn Highlands Healthcare, a nonprofit system with nine hospitals in rural counties. Penn Highlands President and CEO Steve Fontaine has told lawmakers that consolidating with other health systems and expanding into new areas has helped facilities survive. This strategy, which has helped Penn Highlands diversify its patient and insurance bases, is why the system expanded into Centre County, where resident numbers are expected to grow, he told lawmakers last year. Still, the health system has shuttered services and reported operating losses over the past year. Winner said Penn Highlands is 'greatly concerned' about the proposed Medicaid cuts. 'Rural hospitals have experienced substantial cost increases for labor, drugs, and supplies,' he said in a statement. 'Coupled with decreasing volumes, inadequate reimbursement rates, and ongoing staffing shortages — recruitment and retention — we are struggling financially.' Advocates worry the cuts in the federal budget will force rural hospitals to slash services even more or close altogether. And once facilities end a service or shut down, they rarely reopen, Stallings told Spotlight PA. Community health centers could also be strained. These facilities, also known as federally qualified health centers, provide services regardless of someone's ability to pay and primarily see patients who use Medicaid and PENNIE, the state's Affordable Care Act marketplace. More uninsured people will likely lead to an increase in uncompensated care, said Eric Kiehl, director of policy and partnership for the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers. And these facilities are already strapped for resources, he told Spotlight PA. A surge in demand could cause these health centers to shutter core services — such as medical, dental, or behavioral health — reduce hours, or close, Kiehl said. Pennsylvania's U.S. House delegation voted along party lines on the federal budget bill, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the proposal. Medicaid spending totaled roughly $44 billion in fiscal year 2023. The federal government provided almost $28 billion of those dollars. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has said the state won't be able to make up those dollars to support the Medicaid program. In a statement, Shapiro said he hopes 'common sense and a concern for the people of Pennsylvania' will prevail in the U.S. Senate, where Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick disagree on aspects of the bill. McCormick did not respond to a request for comment for this story. He has expressed support for the budget bill, which he says will reduce and slow government spending. During a Fox News forum, McCormick said he isn't advocating for taking benefits from 'vulnerable people' but is trying to ensure 'people for whom the program was designed' benefit. Fetterman called the plan 'a bad bill,' telling Spotlight PA in a statement: 'Republicans want to put more money in the pockets of the ultra-rich at the expense of hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who will lose access to Medicaid if this disastrous bill is passed.' and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Legislative roundup: DHS highlights vital role of Medicaid in supporting economy
Jun. 8—Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley this week discussed the importance of Medicaid in providing health care coverage to millions of Pennsylvanians amid proposed federal cuts to the program — which would kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their health insurance. More than three million Pennsylvanians — or 1 in 4 people — get their health care coverage through Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania. With this coverage, Pennsylvanians can see a doctor, fill prescriptions and access preventive services like health screenings. This coverage is vital to helping people stay healthy, take care of their families and contribute to our economy. "All of us know someone — whether its ourselves, a friend, loved one, or a neighbor — who Medicaid has helped," Arkoosh said. "But no matter how you personally get your health care coverage, Medicaid is vital to protecting the health of your community. Congressional Republicans' proposed cuts to Medicaid would be devastating not only for those who would lose their health coverage, but for all of us who would face the real life consequences of crowded emergency departments, increases in the cost of health insurance, and the catastrophic effects on economies and health systems in rural areas." More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to Medicaid due to: —New eligibility requirements. —Increased bureaucratic paperwork because of proposed six-month re-determinations, whether eligibility is determined every six months instead of every year. —New work reporting requirements, which will require more staff and new IT infrastructure. The bill also proposes other federal cuts that will further destabilize our health care infrastructure and threaten the closure of hospitals, especially in our rural communities. Half of Pennsylvania's 65 hospitals serving rural communities operate at a deficit, struggling to survive, and relying significantly on Medicaid to cover the cost of providing care. "The Congressional Republicans' bill would have devastating consequences for Pennsylvanians. From unaffordable health care costs to a higher number of uninsured individuals seeking uncompensated care through our hospital systems, this bill should concern every one of us." said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. As of today, Congressional Republicans' bill needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law. There are no changes to Medicaid. Lawrence confirmed as Pa.'s Consumer Advocate Attorney General Dave Sunday this week announced that the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Darryl Lawrence to serve as Pennsylvania's Consumer Advocate. Lawrence has been serving as interim Consumer Advocate since Feb. 4, where he has been representing Commonwealth consumers in public utility service quality and pricing matters. Lawrence has been with the Office of Consumer Advocate since June 2005 and previously held the position of Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate for the office. "I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed my appointment of Darryl Lawrence as Pennsylvania's Consumer Advocate, and am confident that Darryl will serve Pennsylvanians well in that capacity," Sunday said. "Darryl dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of Pennsylvanians who may not have a voice in the regulatory, judicial, and legislative processes attached to public utilities. He has proven himself as an experienced, tough, fair, and honest advocate." The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate was established by the General Assembly in 1976 to serve as the legal representative for all utility ratepayers in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is housed in the Office of Attorney General, but functions independently. The Office of Consumer Advocate has discretion and authority to intervene in litigation on its own behalf, and has actively participated in matters before the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and in state and federal courts. Public utilities include electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecom companies under either Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction. PUC Chairman confirmed for second term The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission this week thanked the State Senate for unanimously confirming the reappointment of Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank to a second term as Commissioner and expressed appreciation to Governor Josh Shapiro for submitting the nomination. Chairman DeFrank was confirmed on June 4, by the Senate and will continue serving as chairman of the commission. His new term extends through April 1, 2030. "I'm honored by the confidence shown by Governor Shapiro and the Senate," DeFrank said. "At a time of fast-moving change across our energy and utility systems — from rising demand and extreme weather to cyber-security and infrastructure modernization — the Commission's mission remains clear: ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable service for every Pennsylvanian." DeFrank was sworn in immediately following his confirmation. NIL legislation to protect student athletes to be introduced Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, this week announced they will soon introduce legislation to provide protections for student-athletes receiving compensation for the use their name, image and likeness (NIL). While a case wending through federal courts will likely expand the NIL universe, no state legal structure exists. This leaves compensated student-athletes vulnerable to poor financial decisions and without recourse if they should become injured during their career. "NIL is one of the most dynamic and evolving spaces in the national sports market that has become a life-changing positive for many student-athletes and families," Topper said. "As the NIL landscape continues to advance at the federal level, it is appropriate for state legal supplements to ensure student-athletes are protected at a vulnerable time in their lives." "Our legislation will ensure that students have the financial education and protection available to safeguard their NIL assets while giving them the opportunity to save NIL earnings should they become injured or otherwise incapable of pursuing their athletic career." According to the recently filed co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of formal legislation, the Topper-Stambaugh NIL proposal would require institutions of higher education to offer all student-athletes the option to place a portion of their revenue sharing or NIL earnings into trust accounts. The institutions may partner with established financial firms experienced in educational trust management to minimize administrative overhead. The accounts would have the following features: —Funds become fully accessible upon graduation or departure from the university. —Limited hardship withdrawals permitted with appropriate oversight. —Professional investment management with transparent reporting. —Opt-in structure that preserves athlete autonomy while encouraging responsible financial planning. In addition, colleges and universities would be mandated to provide financial literacy education and resources to their student-athletes. "In the new 'Wild, Wild West' of collegiate athletics that NIL has spawned, helping protect student-athletes from financial harm or exploitation is a solid first step states should take," Stambaugh said. "As the landscape surrounding NIL evolves, Pennsylvania will be studying changes and enacting policies to ensure our colleges and universities can remain competitive." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's how the proposed federal Medicaid cuts could impact Pennsylvania
(WHTM) — Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid would force Pennsylvania to make tough choices. If the cuts happen, Pennsylvania could lose $1.7 billion a year for Medicaid. At that point, the Commonwealth would have to either take away coverage, reduce services, and/or drastically increase state spending. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Here's the part that I think is really important for folks to understand, because a lot of times someone will say to me, 'Well, I don't get Medicaid, I don't get my health care through Medicaid, so why does this matter to me?' We live in a healthcare ecosystem, and there are multiple pieces along the way of how people are covered,' said Dr. Val Arkoosh, the Secretary of the PA Department of Human Services. The bill would also make it tougher to qualify for PENNIE, shorten the enrollment period, and end automatic enrollment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Pennsylvania food banks worry about SNAP cuts in federal government's proposed budget bill
Food banks fear that if the budget bill heading to the U.S. Senate gets passed, thousands of people in Pennsylvania will go hungry. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians put food on the table. "For every meal the food bank provides, SNAP provides nine meals," said Jennifer Miller, CEO of the Westmoreland Food Bank. Leaders from the Westmoreland Food Bank and Feed Pennsylvania came together with the secretaries of the Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services and Agriculture to discuss how proposed federal changes would impact the most vulnerable in the state. They said the House-passed reconciliation bill would cut nearly $300 billion from the SNAP program through 2034. "We have existing work requirements in SNAP, but this bill would make them more strict. And as a result, we believe at least 140,000 Pennsylvanians could lose access to food assistance that helps people be healthy enough to go to work in the first place," Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said. Food banks fear they will see substantially more people lining up for food. "We are not equipped to absorb the massive demand that would result from reduced access to federal nutrition programs. Food banks cannot replace the scale, the reach and the stability of the SNAP program," Miller said. "If enacted, these cuts would eliminate more meals per year distributed by the entire charitable food network in this country," said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said losing SNAP dollars would also hit farm families. "Roughly 25 cents of every grocery dollar spent goes straight back to the farm, 25 cents for every dollar for food purchased at the grocery store," Redding said. Arkoosh said the proposed cuts would cost the state over $1 billion more annually. "The result would be devastating for Pennsylvania families and for our economy," Arkoosh said. Many believe the fight is not over, though. "You all have a role in contacting your senators, your congressperson, letting them know how this impacts our commnity, our neighbors, our friends," Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas said.
