U.S. Census data out this week show gains in health care coverage in West Virginia since the passage of Obamacare have stalled. Despite the state’s positive job growth in 2018, the was no reduction in the number of uninsured West Virginians. With an estimated 114,000 West Virginians without health coverage, it is imperative that policymakers work toward expanding access to health insurance coverage instead of policies like Medicaid work reporting requirements that will grow the number of uninsured.
Read more in this week’s Charleston Gazette-Mail.
This week Ted presented to the League of Women Voters in Jefferson County. His presentation explored the challenges West Virginia’s economy faces, what has been driving recent economic growth, and how to chart a sustainable economic future that results in more shared prosperity.
Check out his presentation here.
Please take a moment to comment on a proposed change to a key SNAP (food stamps) rule which, if implemented, would take away basic food assistance from an estimated 3.1 million people, mainly working families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
SNAP helps struggling West Virginia families put food on the table for their kids. Please comment today!
Comments due September 23.
One report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that 1 in 5 older consumers had been contacted by a debt collector, many of whom used abusive practices. Many collectors attempt to collect on the debt of a deceased partner or to illegally garnish government benefits.
The roots of the debt crisis run deep, but we can at least start by telling the CFPB not to finalize a rule that harms consumers. Let’s protect our neighbors, parents and grandparents from abusive and predatory collecting. Please submit your comment to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by September 18.
Read more in today’s op-ed by Linda and Mountain State Justice’s Jennifer Wagner in the Charleston Gazette-Mail.
Here’s what’s at stake:
Join us October 10 in Summersville, WV for the 2nd annual Food for All conference. This has been a landmark year addressing food insecurity in West Virginia and we are excited to reflect and plan for the year to come.
More information available here.
