Protect West Virginians With Pre-Existing Conditions

If the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a lower court’s decision, the entirety of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could be invalidated (though it would almost assuredly go before the Supreme Court for a final decision before action is taken). Twenty million Americans, including 162,000 West Virginians, stand to lose their health care coverage immediately, while millions more would face higher health coverage costs, many of whom would in turn become uninsured. A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that, if successful, the lawsuit would trigger a massive transfer of income from low- and middle-income households upwards to the richest Americans.

West Virginia lawmakers can prioritize the health of our residents, particularly the 382,000 non-elderly adults who have pre-existing conditions by enshrining these protections into state law in response to federal threats. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion have brought significant economic and health-access gains to West Virginia. Instead of rolling back health coverage, West Virginia lawmakers should protect and expand it.

Banning “Silver Loading” Affecting Health Care Coverage Rates

WVCBP Director of Policy Engagement Kelly Allen is quoted in this Washington Post article on how West Virginians have been losing coverage and enrollment in the Obamacare marketplace since 2017. One of the reasons may be because West Virginia is one of just three states banning “silver loading” which, if allowed, would give insurers subsidies to help them provide more affordable health care coverage to low-income families.

For more on “silver loading” and how banning it impacts West Virginia, read Kelly’s blog post from last week.

Higher Education Funding Cuts Have Hurt Students and the State’s Future

With faltering revenue collections, Governor Justice has ordered a $100 million budget cut for the current budget year, with more cuts likely for the FY 2021 budget. And as with past budget cuts, higher education appears to be a prime target. This is all happening on the heels of a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities detailing how state budget cuts have increased the costs of higher education and worsened inequality, particularly in West Virginia.

Call on Congress to Protect Public School Meals

Tell your members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation to publicly reject the proposed Categorical Eligibility revision rule proposed by the USDA. It is never OK to take food away from children and it is time for the rest of our members of Congress to go on the record as to where they stand on this issue today.

Please send a personal note to your member of Congress.

November 18: Release of the Criminal Justice Listening Project Report

Please join us for the release of the Criminal Justice Listening Project Report next month at the State Capitol! The West Virginia Criminal Justice Listening Project collected stories about the criminal justice system from over two hundred people around the state.

The majority of those interviewed have experienced incarceration or have had family members behind bars. The individuals surveyed shared their observations as pastors, volunteers, attorneys, correctional officers and staff of community re-entry programs.

The event will take place on Monday, November 18 at 11:00AM in Governor’s Press Conference Room.

RSVP on the Facebook event or by emailing Rhonda Marrone. The event will also be live streamed on Facebook.

Save the Date: 2020 Budget Breakfast

Mark your calendar for January 15, 2020 for our 7th annual Budget Breakfast as we kick off the 2020 Legislative Session.

Registration now open!